The El Paso Convention Center, nestled in the heart of downtown, was home to the annual Sun City Beer Fest, which saw crowds of people gather to try over 170 types of beers and ciders.

The convention center served as a melting pot for beer enthusiasts, drawing a diverse and lively crowd to the El Paso region. The festival transformed the expansive convention center into a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and aromas as attendees immersed themselves in a celebration of craft beer.

Patrons meandered through the cool air-conditioned interior of the convention center that was bustling with tapestries from over 20 breweries, each offering a carefully curated selection of their finest brews. From the floral notes of hoppy IPAs to the robust, roasted undertones of dark stouts, there was a spectrum of flavors to tantalize every beer-lover’s palate.

However, the festival wasn’t just about beer. Food trucks were present both inside and outside the convention center, selling everything from Juarez dogs and barbeque to charcuterie and shaved ice. Along with the food trucks, a cigar corner was stationed outside the convention center for those who enjoy a smooth cigar with their beer.

To go along with the food and smoking lounge were several interactive games and activities that drew dozens of people looking to compete and have fun while enjoying their brews. Human foosball was likely the fullest game during the afternoon, with scores of people lining up waiting to get on the makeshift foosball table. Joining the foosball table were games like mini golf, human sized operation, and cornhole, bringing a variety of options for people to blow off some steam and have fun.

Attendees also reveled in the harmonious melodies of live music. The music seemed dedicated to playing classic rock and even had some festivalgoers dancing like it was the summer of 1969, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the festivities.

As the day went on many attendees began preparing for the beer Olympics, a collection of competitions and games surrounding the premise of mixing beer drinking into the events themselves.

El Pasoan and self-described beer connoisseur Alejandro Cordova was pleased with what the beer fest had to offer.

“It’s really cool how many breweries from not only across the state but also across the country came out to participate. I’m a little surprised to be honest, all the beer has been great so far, a lot of IPAs which are my favorite, so I’ve had a blast,” Cordova said. “It’s also so much fun to see all the games that they have I didn’t expect that, they’re very creative.”

As the afternoon went on conversations sparkled like the effervescent brews being savored as attendees celebrated the spirit of community and shared appreciation for the craft beer culture in El Paso.

Festival goer Lupe Maldonado shared her appreciation of the variety of beer that the festival had to offer.

“I like all kinds of beer so it’s nice to get to try the gamut from light beers like lagers and pilsners to dark beers like stouts and porters,” Maldonado said.

The Sun City Beer Fest didn’t just mark a single event on the calendar for El Paso beer lovers. It embodied the shared passion and excitement of a growing craft beer community, leaving El Pasoans eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to unite in this celebration of beer culture.

Jorge Guajardo is the sports editor and may be reached at [email protected].