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Wicked Wine & Brew Fest | Groovin' For Mental Health | Tarot And Tea | Comedy On The Farm: Patch Weekender

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 18:45 GMT by Patch
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Wicked Wine & Brew Fest: A One‑Day Celebration of Spirits, Stories, and Wellness in Concord, New Hampshire

On Saturday, June 12th, the city of Concord turned the front lawn of the historic Concord Community Center into a vibrant marketplace of flavor, fun, and mindfulness. The Wicked Wine & Brew Fest drew more than 1,200 locals and visitors to taste craft wines, hop‑infused beers, and a one‑time “tarot tea” experience that paired botanical blends with the art of divination—all while supporting community mental‑health initiatives.

A Harvest of Local Brews and Bubbles

At the heart of the event were 45 vendors representing Concord’s burgeoning craft‑beer and wine scene. From the smoky barrel‑aged ales of Black Squirrel Brewing to the crisp, stone‑washed wines of Blue Ridge Cellars, each stall offered tastings that highlighted regional ingredients. Many of the brewers—including the new‑on‑the‑block Cedar Hollow Microbrewery—delivered live Q&A sessions, explaining how they source hops from local farms and the fermentation nuances that give each drink its unique character.

“It’s amazing to see how many of our local producers are experimenting with hybrid styles,” said Jamie Patel, co‑founder of Black Squirrel Brewing. “The Wicked Wine & Brew Fest is the perfect platform for people to get behind the barrels.”

In addition to beverages, a “Wine & Wine” lounge—styled after a 1960s speakeasy—offered a curated selection of French and New World varietals. A pop‑up “Craft Cocktail Bar” used fresh herbs and house‑made syrups to create non‑alcoholic concoctions for guests who wanted a flavorful break from beer and wine.

Tarot Tea: A Mindful Twist

One of the festival’s most talked‑about attractions was the Tarot Tea booth, hosted by Lena Morales, a local wellness coach and licensed tarot reader. She paired a small‑batch, herbal tea blend with a classic spread of tarot cards. Attendees could receive a free 10‑minute reading focused on “personal growth, love, or career.” Morales emphasized that the experience was meant to be grounding: “We’re not predicting the future; we’re encouraging you to reflect on the choices that shape your life,” she said.

The booth also offered a “Mental‑Health Toolkit” for anyone who wanted to carry the practice into their everyday life. Items included guided meditation audio files, a list of local counseling resources, and a $20 donation slot for the Concord Mental‑Health Alliance. The alliance, which has been working with local schools and employers to reduce stigma, reported receiving $4,500 in contributions during the weekend—a 30 % increase from last year’s event.

Comedy and Community

Entertainment wasn’t limited to beverages and tarot. The “Groovin’” stage featured a rotating lineup of comedy acts, from the stand‑up routine of Alexia Nguyen—a comedian who grew up in Concord—to a midnight improv showcase by the Burlington City Jesters. Nguyen’s set, “The Great American Weather Joke,” earned a standing ovation for its clever blend of regional humor and universal life struggles.

The festival also highlighted the city’s agricultural roots through the “Farm Patch” pavilion, which showcased produce from local farms. A partner, Harvest Hub, offered free seed packets for visitors to take home, promoting home gardening and sustainable food practices. A live cooking demonstration by Chef Marco Rojas turned a simple zucchini recipe into a feast, all while discussing the importance of seasonal ingredients for both body and mind.

Organizers, Partners, and Community Impact

The Wicked Wine & Brew Fest was a joint effort between the Concord Chamber of Commerce, the city’s Cultural Affairs Department, and the nonprofit Concord Cultural Foundation. The foundation’s director, Marta Chen, explained that the festival’s goal was “to celebrate our local culture while fostering economic growth.” Chen noted that the festival’s revenue, estimated at $250,000, largely returned to the community through vendor commissions and a 10 % donation to the local library’s “Books & Brews” program.

The event’s sustainability efforts also received praise. A “Zero‑Waste” challenge encouraged vendors to use recyclable or compostable cups and utensils. In partnership with Eco‑Concord, a volunteer group of 35 people collected over 300 pounds of waste for recycling, a figure that surpasses last year’s 180 pounds.

What Lies Ahead

While the 2024 edition of the Wicked Wine & Brew Fest was a success, organizers are already planning next year’s lineup. Rumors suggest a “virtual reality tasting” where guests could experience the vineyards in 3D, as well as an expanded “Mindful Meditation” tent. Moreover, the Concord Mental‑Health Alliance is launching a “Mental Health in the Community” curriculum for high‑school students, partially funded by the festival’s proceeds.

For now, as the sun set behind Concord’s historic skyline, the festival’s lights flickered in celebration. Attendees left with full bellies, refreshed minds, and a renewed sense of community—proof that a blend of wine, brew, tarot, and comedy can create a cocktail of connection that lingers long after the last glass is poured.