BURLINGTON WEATHER

A year ago this month, Grandview Farm filled with Burlington residents and visitors united around a single purpose: to have a good time while raising money for one of the best local causes around.

Summerfest Pours for a Purpose, hosted by People Helping People, is returning on Thursday, July 16, to build on the success of last year's event and carry on the mission of fundraising for Burlington community members in need of a helping hand.

People Helping People is the Burlington-based non-profit that administers the town's food pantry, Covenant for Basic Needs, and other social programs for residents who are in need of additional support. A large portion of the organization's operating funding comes from individual donations and community fundraising.

Former Pantry Manager Julie Lewis said the Summerfest Pours for a Purpose event came about as a way to deliver a different take on another popular fundraiser. "The success of People Helping People's annual Wine Tasting at Café Escadrille proved, year after year, that our community would show up to support PHP's vital programs for residents in need," said Lewis in a statement to Burlington Buzz. "As demand for those programs continued to grow, it became clear that we needed to expand and strengthen our fundraising efforts. Pours for a Purpose offered a fresh, summer‑focused way for Burlington to continue that support and help meet the rising need."

Julianne Kelleher, who took over as Pantry Manager a year ago, said Summerfest was one of her first official events. "It was very successful last year, so we said, 'Let's bring it back again,'" she said, adding that the event offers a greater variety and attracts a different crowd from the wine tasting event, held during the winter months each year. "The idea really is just bring your friends, hang out, and taste beer, wine, and spirits," she said.

Mike Espejo, who attended the event last year, said he'll definitely be in attendance again. "It was a really great event," said Espejo. "There was an opportunity to sample many different things while seeing friends and helping out a great cause all at the same time. It was time well spent for such an important town organization that does so much for people in need."

Guests can enjoy small bites provided by Wegmans as they roam around enjoying samples and giveaways spread out around the Grandview venue. Beer brands Sam Adams (also offering a non-alcoholic option), True North Ale, Night Shift, and Jack's Abby will be offered alongside tequila options that were especially popular last year, including Azteca Azul and Maracame. This year, wine from Currently Wine Co. has been added to the lineup. They can even pose for a fun photo at the photo booth, donated by Modern Events, and enjoy the outdoor space with yard games if weather permits.

Guests at the True North Ale table at the 2025 Summerfest Pours for a Purpose event. Photo courtesy Julianne Kelleher.

In fact, everything at the event is donated, from the food to the samples to the venue. All proceeds from the event go back to People Helping People, supporting the programs that hundreds of families in the Burlington community rely on each month.

Raffles offer an opportunity for increased impact. Raffle tickets will be sold the night of the event including for a board full of scratch tickets and a set of tickets to the Boston College Senior Day football game on November 21 (which include tailgating access), as well as a number of other raffle baskets.

Summerfest Pours for a Purpose will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Grandview Farm. Tickets can be purchased ahead for $45, and they'll be available at the door for $50 – provided the event doesn't sell out ahead of Thursday. Get yours here.

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