The Team

Blackburn Brew Fest is produced by NEXTGEN Cape Ann, the Young Professional Committee of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Including members from Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport, this group of leaders under 45 enjoy living, working, and playing on Cape Ann.

Caitlin Pszenny
Laneside Pub & Brewery

Charlie Powers
Burgin, Platner & Co.

Christopher Griffith
Gloucester Stage Co.

Sam Bevins
Chamber of Commerce

Michelle Pepin
Chamber of Commerce

with support from the entire NEXTGEN Committee

Captain Howard Blackburn      

Howard Blackburn was fishing out of Gloucester for halibut from the schooner Grace L. Fears in January 1883 when his life was forever changed—and his place in Cape Ann history sealed. While working on Burgeo Bank, a winter storm came up suddenly, stranding Blackburn and his crew mate, Thomas Welch, in their open dory. Blackburn lost his heavy fisherman's mittens overboard and knowing that his hands would freeze, held them in a curved position that would allow him to slip his frozen hands back over the oars. Five days later—days virtually without food, water or sleep—Blackburn had rowed to the shore of Newfoundland. Welch had died on route. Blackburn was taken in by a family who sheltered him for the winter and tended to his injuries as best they could. His frostbitten hands and feet were soaked in a brine solution, then treated with poultices of flour and cod liver oil. Despite their efforts, Blackburn lost all of his fingers, both thumbs to the first joint and a toe.

Come spring Howard Blackburn returned to Gloucester a hero, someone who had fought the sea for the highest stakes and won. As Blackburn was unable to continue fishing, sympathetic townspeople raised $500 to help him get back on his feet. With part of the money he opened a cigar store and soon after applied for a liquor license.

The Blackburn Tavern

Unable to continue fishing, Howard applied for a liquor license which was granted in 1888, but to be honest, Blackburn had eased into the saloon business in 1886. He continued to serve liquor during the years that followed, while the town periodically voted itself dry. Despite the problems that resulted from being a sometimes bootlegger, Blackburn and his business flourished. The story of Blackburn’s miraculous survival spread quickly, and the saloon was popular with townspeople and seafarers alike. Howard Blackburn was a bona fide hero.

(courtesy of the Cape Ann Museum www.capeannmuseum.org)

Contact us.

info@blackburnbrewfest.com
(978) 283-1601

Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Welcome Center 24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930

VENUE: Stage Fort Park
26 Hough Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930

More Specifics about the Event

  • Blackburn Brew Fest is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the door and no refunds will be given if valid ID is not present at time of entry. No one under the legal age will be admitted, including children, infants and babies.

  • We’re major dog fans, but no pets allowed, unless they are a registered service animal.

  • The Festival is Rain or Shine (there are two huge tents over the brewery booths).

  • In the event of extreme severe weather in the forecast, the festival may be cancelled or consultation by public safety officials. There are no refunds in the event of an extreme weather cancellation.

  • Tickets are non-refundable. In the event that you cannot attend after purchasing, you are welcome to give the tickets to another age appropriate adult or sell them. Blackburn Brew Fest is not responsible for private transactions or ticket resales

  • The Festival starts at 1pm and final call is 4:45pm. Entry will begin checking IDs at 12:30pm, but service does not start until 1pm.

  • You must print your tickets or bring them on your smartphone to be scanned. Each ticket has a unique barcode that can only be scanned once.

  • There will be food and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase, please be advised, not all vendors accept credit cards.

    If you have any questions, please email us info@blackburnbrewfest.com

All patrons are subject to search upon entry of the brew festival grounds.  Please note all items that are confiscated or voluntarily surrendered WILL NOT be held or returned.

List of prohibited items:

  • Drugs, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances of any kind

  • Cigarettes, Cigars, Lighters or Tobacco of any kind – Blackburn Brew Fest is a No Smoking Festival.

  • Outside food

  • Backpacks (bags can be no larger than 12” x 12”)

  • Weapons of any kind (or anything deemed a weapon by security)

  • Cans, canteens, flasks, glass bottles

  • Any container of liquid other than 1 factory sealed bottle of water (plastic only)

  • Pets (only approved service dogs)

  • Bicycles, scooters, personal motorized vehicles

  • Musical instruments

  • Walkie Talkies

  • Sleeping bags and tarps (no overnight camping)

  • Umbrellas

  • Totem poles or flag sticks

  • Fake IDs – they will be confiscated and your wristband will be cut without refund.