MARS — Next weekend's Mars Brew Fest will be twice the size of last year's event, bringing to a close the borough's celebration of the planet Mars' new year.

The event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. June 22, will not only take up more physical space in downtown Mars, but will also offer twice the amount of breweries and wineries as the 2018 event. According to Mars Mayor Gregg Hartung, the event will also feature distilleries for the first time.

Hartung said last year's event attracted 800 people, and he hopes the additions bring even more thirsty attendees this year.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate and include a tasting glass and unlimited samples from the various vendors. Live music is planned, as are food trucks. Hartung said businesses in downtown Mars will also serve food to hungry attendees.

Scheduled to have offerings at the event are Recon Brewing, Butler Brew Works, Cellar Brew Works, Shubrew, North Country Brewing, Stick City Brewing, Missing Links, Erie Brewing, CR Brewing, Barnstone, Straub, Koehler, Croakers, Kegs & Corks, Leaning Cask, Dented Keg, Union Bros, Aurochs, DR Distillery, Chicken Hill Distillery, Libations & Bear Creek Wines, and Arsenal Cider House.

There also will be many homebrewers from the Butler Area Society of Homebrewers.

Hartung said the event wraps up Mars New Year celebrations, with the Mars Blast-Off Dinner taking place on the planet's new year in March and the Mars Exploration Celebration educational event being held at the end of May.

Additionally, it raises money toward the next Mars New Year celebration in 2021. Hartung said about $10,000 will be set aside for that event, with remaining funds being used for downtown revitalization efforts.

He said this year's events — the third such celebration of the planet's new year — seemed to be a hit with attendees and NASA representatives, who traveled for the Exploration Celebration.

“The response has been phenomenal,” he said.

To purchase tickets, visit http://marsnewyear.com/mars-brew-fest/.