A Buzz for Beer: Four ways to celebrate with a pint (or two)
A Buzz for Beer: Four ways to celebrate with a pint (or two): Some of our favorite beer festivals
Tryon Beer Festival
Tryon Beer Festival
November 1 » Tryon
Celebrating its 14th year, this event attracts a diverse lineup of craft beer artisans, breweries, and thirsty guests from across the Carolinas. This year’s theme honors the ’80s, so expect face painting and photo booths to help lend authenticity, along with electrifying music from Suburban Angst and Laszr Luvr. In addition to lots of tasty libations, and food vendors, there will be beer games aplenty. » Downtown Tryon, Saturday, noon-6 p.m. $59-$65, $116 VIP, $14 non-drinkers; (828) 817-5523; tryonbeerfest.com
Burnpile Beer & Music Festival
Burnpile guests receive souvenier glasses
October 4 » Asheville
Hurricane Helene canceled this event last year, so organizers say this is going to be a big blowout. Celebrating its 12th year, Burnpile guests “will enjoy a full-day concert alongside a tasting experience from a diverse lineup of 60+ of the best breweries in the country (our largest lineup to-date),” according to Phil Cassella, director of brand for Burial Beer Co. The musical lineup features headliner The Allah-Las, along with Rattlesnake Milk, and more. Also, a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Manifest Eternity program. » Forestry Camp,10 Shady Oak Dr.; $50+; burialbeer.com
Tour de Fat
Tour de Fat
October 4 » Asheville
A unique celebration of bicycles and beer from New Belgium Brewing, Tour de Fat is full of fun, with costumed riders participating in a bike parade (350 participants in 2023), lots of free-flowing New Belgium beer, music, and more. “Our brewery campus evolves into a free festival full of beer, bikes, tents, games, a bike pit, merchandise booths, stage props, performers and artists,” says John Yeast, coordinator, Event & Experiential Marketing, Tour De Fat. Proceeds benefit the work of Asheville on Bikes. » New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.; free; newbelgium.com
Hickory’s Oktoberfest
October 10-12 » Hickory
This town was founded by a German, Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford, and many here share his lineage. It’s only natural, then, for Hickory’s Oktoberfest (in its 38th year) to be among the best in the region, and to have beer gardens. Enjoy live music from Ashes & Arrows, Florencia & The Feeling, Abby Bryant Music, Unspoken Tradition, and more. Expect lots of food, juried arts and crafts show, a “Kidsfest” stage with DJ, the Hickory Ballet Performing Arts, a petting zoo, and of course, inflatables. » Downtown Hickory; Friday 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.; free; (828) 322-1121; downtownhickory.com