The News
Crooked Hammock Brewery announced its first-ever Backyard Block Party on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at all of its locations in Delaware, including Lewes and Middletown. It features live music, backyard games, and community partnerships, with a focus on bringing people together in a relaxed outdoor environment.
Crooked Hammock Brewery’s inaugural Backyard Block Party on April 25 showcased how craft brands can blend experiential marketing, product innovation and purpose‑driven partnerships to sharpen their competitive stance in a crowded Delaware market.
The event’s economic impact centers on two fronts: debuting flavored, low‑intervention hard‑seltzers that tap the hard‑seltzer trend and introducing a “$1 per hot‑dog” donation model that appeals to purpose‑driven consumers. In Delaware, craft breweries grew 18 % since 2020, and 62 % of drinkers say atmosphere drives their purchase decisions—this dual approach can accelerate brand equity beyond what taproom traffic alone delivers.
The launch of the “Bursts” line—Raspberry Sherbet Hard Seltzer—and Blue‑Citrus Berry Hard Refreshers coincides with hard‑seltzers accounting for 4.5 % of U.S. beer volume in 2025, a segment that still draws curiosity amid broader market cooling.
For distributors, the announcement signals a new category that could fill an existing gap in their lineup. Since the release does not tie the hard‑refreshers to a specific wholesaler, any distributor can add them to its portfolio. The fruit‑like, low‑intervention flavor profile aligns with trends proven resilient across on‑premise and off‑premise channels. Retail buyers can gauge potential reach based on average attendances of similar events, which range from 500 to 1,200, suggesting the community‑engagement model may translate into store foot traffic and ancillary sales.
For bar managers and on‑premise operators, the family‑friendly, atmosphere‑rich setting suggests adding a curated selection of the new hard refreshers can broaden menu variety without disrupting current draft or core beer offerings. The hot‑dog donation model also provides an easy way to create event‑specific promotions—such as “Hot Dog for Charity” nights—that reinforce brand storytelling while staying within regulatory limits.
The $1 per hot dog donation model taps into consumer demand for purpose‑driven spending, a tactic that has been shown to increase engagement by up to 40 % in similar community events.
Original Press Release
A kickoff event transforming Delaware’s favorite brewery into a backyard oasis and vibrant hub for delicious cookout-inspired dishes and easy-drinking craft beverages
Crooked Hammock Brewery is officially opening up their vibeworthy outdoor patio for the spring and summer season at its highly anticipated Backyard Block Party on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Hosted across all Crooked Hammock locations, including Lewes and Middletown, this community-driven event connects fun seekers and weekend warriors at Delaware’s favorite family-friendly hangout, transforming their “little slice of heaven” into a lively party.
Rooted in the nostalgia of classic backyard cookouts and neighborhood block parties, the Backyard Block Party is designed to bring people together in a relaxed, welcoming outdoor environment. With a festively fun focus on community partnerships, charitable giving, and hands-on activities, the event reflects Crooked Hammock’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful experiences beyond great food and craft beverages.
“Our Backyard Block Party is about more than just opening our backyard—it’s about opening our doors to the community in a meaningful way,” said owner Rich Garrahan. “We’re creating a space where families, friends, and even pets can come together, support local causes, and celebrate the simple joys of being outside.”
Community Spotlight: Vendor Village
Guests can expect an energetic atmosphere featuring live music, backyard games, interactive craft stations, and a curated Delaware-only Vendor Village spotlighting local organizations and small businesses. From DIY bracelet-making to planting seed pots, attendees of all ages will find hands-on activities that celebrate creativity.
Confirmed vendors and community partners include: Historic Lewes Farmers Market, YMCA of Delaware, Read Aloud Delaware, Delaware Center for Inland Bays, and Kid Strong Middletown.
Animal lovers will feel right at home, as the event also highlights a proud partnership with Grass Roots Rescue—a dog rescue non-profit headquartered on the Eastern Shore—to help overlooked canines find their happily ever after. Look for on-site adoption opportunities, allowing guests to meet adoptable dogs and support animal welfare initiatives.
On the Menu: Grillin’ and Chillin’
At the heart of the Backyard Block Party is a menu inspired by the tong-wielding, grizzled grillmasters of your youth. Guests can enjoy the “Walk in the Park” Hot Dog, a double-smoked brisket hot dog topped with chili, diced onions, pretzel mustard, and chives, along with the OG Gleezy, a double-smoked brisket hot dog on a split-top Fire-King bun.
In the spirit of giving back, $1 from every hot dog sold will be donated to local animal rescue partners, including organizations like Grass Roots Rescue.
In addition to delicious eats, Crooked Hammock Brewery will feature:
$5 core beers (24oz) available all day
A complimentary pink lemonade stand for kids
New Drinks: Introducing ‘Hard Yarders’ & ‘Bursts’
Crooked Hammock is known for crafting delicious, approachable, easy-drinking beers since opening in 2015. Now, their innovative brewery team is ready to debut the latest extension of the Hard Yarders line with “Bursts” … Raspberry Sherbet Hard Seltzer, a lightly sweet, super-refreshing alt beverage with notes of orange, lime, and raspberry.
Additionally, Crooked Hammock will offer samplings of popular offerings like Blueberry Citrus Hard Chiller and Hard Pink Lemonade, along with the return of Staycation—a strawberry kiwi sour beer, brewed with strawberries, kiwi, and lactose; tart, smooth, and refreshingly sweet.
Beyond beer and seltzers, look for the debut of Hard Refreshers in the coming weeks. This new alcoholic sports drink (non-carbonated) mimics the taste of Gatorade, or those “Little Hug Fruit Barrels” from the playground, only fermented and spiked. Crooked Hammock will introduce Blue Citrus Berry to start, followed by Orange and White Cherry flavors.
Building Community, One Backyard at a Time
More than just a seasonal celebration, the Backyard Block Party represents Crooked Hammock Brewery’s ongoing mission to foster community connection and create spaces where people can gather, unwind, and give back. By partnering with meaningful local organizations, supporting small businesses, and incorporating charitable elements into the event, the brewery continues to strengthen its role as a neighborhood cornerstone.
Backyard Block Party: The Details
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Location: All Crooked Hammock Brewery locations (backyard patio areas)
Rain Plan: Event activities will be adjusted and moved indoors/tented areas as needed.
Crooked Hammock is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Their lineup of craft beers and hard seltzers rotates seasonally, with brewers constantly experimenting on new and inventive flavors.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Crooked Hammock Brewery Announces Firstever Backyard Block Party
- Crooked Hammock Brewery
- Crooked Hammock Brewery
- Crooked Hammock Opening
Source: BevNET