When I think about the reasons why I love living here in Santa Fe, its vibrant seafood scene is not exactly first on my list. But, when June rolls around, seafood, more to the point, crab, makes me feel a bit less salty about the Cerrillos traffic, and a little bit sweeter about the weird little high desert town I call home. That’s because I know my favorite beer event, Crab and Pilsner, a festival of buttery crustaceans and crispy libations returns to Second Street Brewery for Father’s Day weekend, and it’s one event you need to add to your summer to-do list.

Now in its fourth year running, the event has only gained in popularity since the Dark Ages of the ‘20s, with more breweries joining in the fun, and crab legs running out faster than, well, if they could actually run.

This family-friendly event has much to enjoy, with lively bands to keep your toes tappin’ while the claws are crackin,’ plenty else to eat for those not feelin’ crabby, and plenty else to imbibe, if you’re not looking for some of the loveliest lagers New Mexico has to offer under one roof. And, if you bring dad, it’s a built-in Father’s Day Gift. There you go. You’re welcome. Don’t forget to sign the card.

Food

While supplies last, Second Street will serve one or two pounds of flown-in Newfoundland crab with all the fixin’s. The ‘catches of the day‘ include Crab-cake Po-Boys and a shrimp and Andouille gumbo.

Live Music

There will be live music on both days featuring the Stanlie Kee & Step In trio on Saturday, and the Shiner’s Club Jazz Band with Daddy Scott on Sunday.

Beer

Of course, it would not be a Crab and Pilsner festival without the beer. President and CEO Rod Tweet said he believes the event has been a big success over the years largely due to its focus more on its celebration, rather than the competition aspect.

“I think having 14 different pilsners from our local market all on tap at once is pretty special all on its own, but also, we have intentionally focused the event on being a celebration of the pilsner style, without adding all the additional layers of making it a competition of some sort, or even a people’s choice event. Personally, I think more than enough of that already exists in this industry, and I want this to be ‘the other.’ And  brewers love pilsners! They are technically challenging (to make) and a lot can be done with the use of hops in the style.”

Breweries and their Pilsners

Beer Creek – Tenderheart Czech Pilsner

Bierstadt – Slow Pour, (fast moving). You will have to be there early on the first day to get a sample of this popular pour. IYKYK. But really. You know.

Canteen – High Plains Pils, 5.5% ABV, 35 IBU.

Ex Novo – TBD

La Cumbre – TBD

Marble – TBD

Palmer – Skaterade Pilsner – German Pilsner

Quarter Celtic – Coin-Op New Zealand Pilsner – brewed in collaboration with Boss Fight brewery for Ex Novo’s United in Beer event.

Second Street – Tropical Pilsner – a 5.3% ABV pilsner brewed with an intentional combination of hops from three continents. The hops Motueka, Nectaron, Styrian Wolf, and Citra make for a tropical fruit forward profile with a little flaked maize for crispness.

Sidetrack – Tropischen Pilsner 5.3% ABV

Sierra Blanca – Desert Pilsner – an excellent German Pils that is a great accompaniment for seafood and a wonderful palate cleanser. 5.2% ABV, 37 IBU

Steel Bender – Compa Blue Corn Lager – brewed with blue corn grown and milled in New Mexico. With Pilsner and Vienna malths, and a few Crstal hops thrown in for balance, this beer is both malty and easy drinking.

Turtle Mountain – Deutsches Pils – German Pilsner 5.5% ABV, 36 IBU

* * * * *

Who: Second Street Brewery and 12 of their local brewery friends

What: A two-day festival of Crab and Pilsner featuring live music, and the excellent pilsners from local breweries and Bierstadt (for the first hour or so until it runs out)

Where: 2920 Rufina Street, Santa Fe, NM 87507

When: This weekend! June 15 and 16, noon to close

Why you should go: If not for the love of crab, or for the love of pilsners alone, but because you believe that goodness still exists in our universe through good beer, good food, and grand social gatherings. And you know those really cool T-shirts, the ones designed like retro comics? Yeah! Well, a new one will rise from the sea foam, once again designed by former SSB creative director, and continual absolute powerhouse of an artist, Mariah Cameron Scee. So you should absolutely go, even if it’s just to get your hands on one of those cool shirts.

No tickets needed!

To the good folks at Second Street, the great breweries on the roster, to Crab and Pilsner 2024, and to Dad!

Cheers,

~Luke

Luke has been writing for the Dark Side Brew Crew since 2014, covering the Santa Fe beer scene and beyond.