The Sam Adams Beer Garden pop-up, nestled on the lush green lawns of Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield, Mass., is an idyllic setting for your summer evenings. This laid-back hangout is the go-to spot to unwind and enjoy the season. The pop-up is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-9pm with cold beers, great food and live music.
"The best part of the year is when we open the Summer Beer Garden at Eastern States,” said Rachel Pokorny, general manager at the beer garden. “We get to share a space we love with the local community, and we are proud to be able to source from many local vendors and farms in the Pioneer Valley. Patrons get to sit outside under the shade of the trees on the beautiful lawn while listening to local bands and enjoying great food and drinks."
Menu items include shareable, picnic-perfect plates; artisan pizzas; fresh salads; trendy chicken sandwiches; a homemade, sweet-potato-based veggie burger; artisan pizzas; and much more. The best part? Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available!
This year, the beer garden introduces two new share plates: Fried Avocado slices served with a zesty lime ranch dressing and a Whipped Feta Dip topped with balsamic glaze, ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs, served with toasted sourdough slices.
The fan-favorite Summertime Burger is topped with applewood bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, arugula, peaches and peach jam, which means it is sure to hit your sweet and salty taste buds all at once. The fresh produce doesn’t start and end between this bun, however; dig into a peach sundae topped with juicy pieces, vanilla ice cream and a swirl of caramel sauce after your meal.
Last summer, the Sam Adams Beer Garden partnered with Autumn Mist Farm of Feeding Hills, Mass., for the first time to bring you a delicious Smash Burger, served with classic cheeseburger toppings. Their other partnerships include E. Cecchi Farms, Hastings Farm, Bernadino’s Bakery and Arnold’s Meats.
If you’ve already missed kick-off, don’t fret! The rest of the lineup promises many more memorable nights. View the full entertainment lineup and other details at EddieShoreCatering.com!
Summer Session Dates
- Fri., May 29: JaR Acoustic
- Sat., May 30: Kevin Crane
- Fri., June 5: JaR Acoustic
- Sat., June 6: Kevin Crane
- Fri., June 12: Jacob Kordas
- Sat., June 13: Gary & Natalie Jones
- Fri., June 26: Steve Piper & Friends
- Sat., June 27: Steve Piper & Friends
- Fri., July 10: BJ Korona
- Sat., July 11: Gary & Natalie Jones
- Fri., July 17: Brian & Kirk
- Sat., July 18: Shawn Santillo Duo
- Fri., July 24: Jacob Kordas
- Sat., July 25: Frank Serafino
- Fri., July 31: Baird Souls
- Sat., Aug 1: Steve Piper & Friends
- Bands will take the stage at 5pm and play until 8pm, weather permitting.
- Summer Sessions are great for the whole family, so they are kid-friendly!
- Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Have questions for the team? Contact them on Facebook or Instagram. @BeerGardenbySamAdams.
Know Before You Go
Can’t get enough of the Sam Adams Beer Tent? Be sure to visit again at the start of fall, when foliage and fair season are at their peak; The Big E returns to West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Get your advance tickets now at TheBigE.com.