The Newport Craft Beer Festival, held at the Great Friends Meeting House in downtown Newport, featured more than 30 craft breweries and food vendors. The festival began with an intimate “VIB: Very Important Beer” tasting on April 28. The grand tasting was held on April 29 and gave attendees the opportunity to taste through dozens of local and national craft beer brands, as well as the chance to speak directly with brand managers and brewers about the products. Newport Craft Beer Festival is organized through Newport Storm Brewery, Pour Judgement Bar and Grill in Newport and the City of Newport. Proceeds from the event benefit the Rhode Island Brewers Guild and the Newport Historical Society. Crooked Current Brewery received the Fan Favorite Award during the 2017 festival.