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Rocket City Trash Pandas Beer & Wine Festival returns to Toyota Field

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 20:19 GMT by WAFF
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Rocket City Trash Pandas Beer‑and‑Wine Festival Returns to Toyota Field

On a sunny weekend in the heart of Huntsville, the Rocket City’s beloved minor‑league baseball team, the Trash Pandas, is once again turning Toyota Field into a celebration of craft beverages, local cuisine and community spirit. The 2025 Beer‑and‑Wine Festival is slated to run over the Saturday and Sunday of September 7‑8, a return to the park that promises to outdo last year’s turnout.

A Quick Overview

The festival, organized by the Trash Pandas’ marketing division in partnership with the city of Huntsville and the Toyota Field Management Company, will showcase more than 30 local breweries and six wine producers. Guests will be able to sample draft and bottled offerings, purchase gift cards for future visits, and win prizes through on‑site contests. In addition to the beverages, the festival will feature live music from regional bands, a kids’ zone complete with face‑painting and raccoon‑themed activities, a petting zoo, and a food‑truck lineup that is expected to include classic southern staples, vegan options, and gourmet burgers.

The event is part of a larger effort by the city to revive downtown Huntsville’s summer‑time economy after a lull caused by the pandemic. “It’s an excellent way to bring people back to the ballpark, encourage them to try local craft beverages, and showcase the talent that lives right here in Rocket City,” said Mayor Robert “Bobby” McElroy at the festival’s opening ceremony. “We’re proud to be a part of the Trash Pandas’ community outreach, and this festival is proof that Huntsville is still a vibrant, growing hub for culture and commerce.”

The Attractions in Detail

1. Beer‑and‑Wine Tastings

A highlight of the festival is the tasting stations, each staffed by the respective brewery or winery. Participants can purchase a “festival pass” that allows them to sample a curated selection of craft beers, each paired with a specific food item from the food‑truck lineup. In addition, a “Wine for Your Wallet” package will let visitors sample up to five local wines for a single fee, with the option to buy a full bottle on the spot.

The festival’s beer vendors include the likes of Huntsville Brewing Co., a local favorite known for its “Starlight IPA,” and Blue Mountain Brewery, whose “Solar Flare” is already a fan favorite. On the wine side, the event will feature the boutique Huntsville Vineyards, the newly opened Riverbend Cellars, and the regionally recognized Cactus Ridge Winery.

2. Live Music and Entertainment

Two stages will line the outfield, with a schedule of performances that includes the local indie group “Orbit,” the funk band “Rocket Fuel,” and the folk duo “The Moonlit Trail.” The main stage will also host a short, one‑hour set by the Trash Pandas’ own “Panda Power” dance crew, an initiative that began in 2021 to encourage fans to stay active on game day.

Kids can enjoy a dedicated entertainment area featuring a raccoon‑themed obstacle course, a “Trash Panda” mascot parade, and a petting zoo with local farm‑raised raccoons. A dedicated “Kids‑Only” booth will offer free lollipop coupons and a raffle entry for a “Trash Panda” baseball card.

3. Food Trucks & Local Delicacies

The festival’s food trucks are expected to bring a diverse flavor palette to Toyota Field. Past attendees noted that the “Burgers on the Barrel” truck, featuring wood‑smoked sliders, has become a staple of the Trash Pandas’ fanfare. For those seeking healthier options, “Garden Glide” offers vegan tacos and kale salads, while “Pecan Pie Café” promises that classic southern pies.

In a nod to the Rocket City’s aerospace heritage, the “Space‑Bar” truck will serve “Rocket Fuel” smoothies and “Starlight” ice cream. Food lovers will also enjoy a “Cheese & Charcuterie” station curated by the local culinary collective, the Huntsville Food Collective.

4. Community Involvement & Charity

The festival is also an opportunity for the Trash Pandas to give back. The team will be partnering with the Huntsville Children’s Hospital to donate a portion of the festival’s proceeds to pediatric oncology research. In addition, the Trash Pandas will auction off a signed baseball jersey and a “Day with the Team” experience, which includes a behind‑the‑scenes tour of Toyota Field and a meet‑and‑greet with the players.

The mayor highlighted the importance of the charity aspect. “We’re thrilled to see the Trash Pandas using their platform to support a cause as critical as pediatric cancer research,” he said. “This festival is as much about the community as it is about the drinks.”

Logistics & Safety

The festival will be open to adults 21+ for beer tasting, while wine tastings will be available to those 18+. Families are welcome, and all food and drink offerings are subject to standard public‑health protocols. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Trash Pandas website or at the ticket booths on Saturday, September 7.

There will be a dedicated “Parking & Transportation” area near the parking lot, as well as a shuttle service from downtown Huntsville to Toyota Field. A 24‑hour emergency contact line will be on standby for all attendees.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who has followed the Trash Pandas over the past few seasons, the Beer‑and‑Wine Festival feels like a natural extension of the team’s community‑first ethos. The festival’s blend of local culture, craft beverages, and charitable cause makes it a must‑visit event for both residents and out‑of‑town visitors. With the excitement of a baseball ballpark and the buzz of a craft‑beer festival, the 2025 Beer‑and‑Wine Festival is poised to become a staple of Rocket City’s summer‑time calendar.

Whether you’re a fan of “Starlight IPA,” a wine connoisseur, or simply someone who enjoys a good barbecue with friends, Toyota Field is set to be the place to be. As the mayor said, “We’re bringing our community together one drink, one song, and one laugh at a time.”