LEWISTON — The Great Falls Brewfest in June will have more than just beer in mind.

For the second straight year, breweries from around the country will set up bar at Simard-Payne Memorial Park on June 20. While some of the details are still being hammered out, owner and founder Luke Livingston said the festival will have more of everything: beer, food and fun.

“After the success of the inaugural festival, we knew we had to do things even bigger and better this year,” he said.

Launched by Baxter Brewing Co. last summer, the inaugural event attracted an estimated 1,000 beer connoisseurs to a full day of craft beer, live music and food. 

Building on that success, Marketing Director Adrienne Nichols said they’ve redesigned the layout and centralized tents, dispersed food vendors among the brewers and — by popular demand — will have a tent for designated drivers with energy drinks from Black Bear Energy, ciders from the likes of Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner and artisanal sodas. 

This year is more tweak than overhaul, adjusting what worked well — in-demand craft brewers from across Maine and New England, with a smattering of the biggest names in the industry — to deliver a day of responsible fun, Nichols said. 

“We expect more than 35 breweries to be represented, including some that are completely new to the area,” Livingston said. “The granddaddy of craft beer in a can, and one of the inspirations for Baxter Brewing, Oskar Blues of Colorado, will be here.”

A $40 ticket will buy a 4-ounce glass and unlimited pours from more than 100 unique beers. A $60 VIP ticket grants early admission and exclusive access to a special list of brews. Tickets will cost $5 more at the door. 

Thus far, Maine breweries attending include Allagash, Foundation, Bissell Brothers, Liquid Riot Bottling, Banded Horn, Barreled Souls, Bear Bones, Gritty McDuff’s and Rising Tide. New England craft-beer pioneers Smuttynose from New Hampshire will be pouring, as will California breweries such as Lagunitas and Stone. 

Molly Krueger of Atlantic Brewing Co. in Bar Harbor said it’s a no-brainer to attend a festival like Baxter’s.

“People always like to know who the brewers are and get an idea of what they’re drinking,” Krueger said. 

Lewiston police Sgt. David Chick said he had no concerns. 

“I’ve been impressed with their organizational skills. They’ve been a pleasure to work with,” Chick said. 

In keeping with the brewery’s sustainability mission, the event will be “zero-waste.” Environmental group Reverb will oversee recycling, food composting and generally ensure the event stays green.

Livingston said Reverb typically deploys its sustainability help for the likes of singer-songwriters Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews.

“We take environmental stewardship and sustainability very seriously at Baxter; I’m personally very proud that we’re now able to extend the same ethos to the brewfest,” Livingston said.

On the entertainment side, American rock band Alternate Routes will headline. Baxter Outdoors will be on hand promoting healthy outdoor lifestyles, there will will be a cornhole tournament and a professional graffiti artist with make a live installation. 

“For us, it’s about the community. We want to bring a fun festival beyond just great beer,” Nichols said. 

Bear Bones Beer won’t even be open to the public when it serves beer at the festival, co-founder Eben Dingman said. 

He said the Lisbon Street brewery is expected to open later this summer. The festival will be the first time the brewery will serve its brews to the public.

“It’s the hometown event put on by our friends,” he said. “I’m happy to be on the other side of the table.” 

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Ticket information:  

General Admission: $40; admission to all activities beginning at 1:00 p.m.; unlimited pours.

VIP: $60; full admission to all activities beginning at noon; unlimited pours, special limited-edition beers.

Designated Driver: $20; admission to food, music, games and non-alcoholic beverage tent. 

Tickets, directions and more information are available at the Baxter Brewing tap room, 130 Mill St., Lewiston, Maine, or online at www.greatfallsbrewfest.com.