First-ever NYC SeltzerFest draws sold-out crowd of fizzy fans, celebrating Big Apple’s quirky century-old tradition

Brooklyn SeltzerFest: A Fizzy Celebration of History and Culture

The first-ever Brooklyn SeltzerFest took place in Industry City, Brooklyn, drawing over 600 attendees who gathered to celebrate the beloved carbonated drink. This sold-out event was a vibrant tribute to seltzer’s rich history in New York City, offering tastings, antique syphons, and a national egg cream competition. Organized by the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, the festival aimed to highlight seltzer’s significant yet often underappreciated role in shaping the city’s cultural identity. Barry Joseph, the museum’s director and co-founder of SeltzerFest, emphasized that seltzer is more than just a drink—it’s woven into the fabric of New York City’s life.

Honoring Seltzer’s Legacy and the People Behind It

The festival paid tribute to individuals who have contributed to the seltzer tradition. Walter Backerman, a third-generation seltzer deliveryman, was awarded the Spirit of Eli award, named after the late "Sultan of Seltzer," Eli Miller. Backerman, who has been delivering seltzer for over 60 years, shared that his work is about more than just delivering a product—it’s about being part of people’s lives. His route includes neighborhoods his grandfather served as far back as 1919. The event also featured artist Ken Rush, whose work celebrates vintage seltzer syphons, and Moishe Manies, a collector of Judaic seltzer bottles, showcasing the drink’s enduring cultural significance.

The Brooklyn Seltzer Museum: Preserving History and Sparking Joy

The Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, located in one of the nation’s last remaining seltzer factories, was established to preserve the history of seltzer and its impact on New York City. Since opening its doors in 2023, the museum has attracted a diverse audience, reflecting the drink’s universal appeal. The museum’s co-curator, Alex Gomberg, noted that the museum’s popularity has exceeded expectations, with visitors drawn to its unique blend of manufacturing history, science, and cultural exhibits. The museum’s success led to the creation of SeltzerFest, which has become a platform to celebrate seltzer’s legacy and bring people together.

Seltzer as a Symbol of Nostalgia and Hope

For many attendees, seltzer evokes memories of childhood and a connection to their heritage. Artist Ken Rush, author of "The Seltzer Man," a children’s book about Eli Miller’s delivery days, shared that seltzer is more than just a flavor—it’s a living tradition. Similarly, collector Moishe Manies highlighted how seltzer provided an accessible business opportunity for Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century. Attendees like Alex Dabertin and Elizabeth Kipp-Giusti expressed their love for seltzer, with Kipp-Giusti describing it as a "metaphor for hope," symbolizing resilience and the enduring spirit of New Yorkers.

Egg Cream Competitions and Fizzy Fun

One of the festival’s highlights was the national egg cream competition, which drew contestants from across the country. The competition, judged by experts including Benny Safdie and Kelly Fox of Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup, evaluated entries based on performance, presentation, and taste. The winners included Lofty Pursuits for the best-tasting classic egg cream and Hank Schwartz for the best-tasting artisanal egg cream. The event also featured egg cream workshops, seltzer-themed trivia, and a Yiddish musical performance, making it a lively and engaging celebration.

Seltzer’s Enduring Appeal and the Future of SeltzerFest

Barry Joseph reflected on the festival’s success, noting that seltzer’s effervescence and nostalgia continue to captivate people, whether they have a long-standing connection to the drink or are discovering it for the first time. In challenging times, events like SeltzerFest offer a sense of joy and connection to something wholesome. With its rich history, cultural significance, and the dedication of people like Joseph and Gomberg, seltzer—and events celebrating it—are sure to remain a beloved part of New York City’s identity for years to come.