From Labor Day to Halloween, look for fall drink festivals with beer, wine and cocktails all around metro Atlanta. Here's a glimpse of some of the parties to plan for in the coming weeks.
The Speakeasy Cocktail Festival — Sept. 1-2
This inaugural gala at the Georgia World Congress Center is part trade show, part drink fest, with a Liquid Lounge featuring beer, wine and cocktail tasting pavilions, a Makers & Shakers Mixology Championship, and a Culinary Corner featuring local restaurants. Get the speakeasy feeling with Roaring '20s-inspired burlesque shows, a Casino Lounge and a Cigar Lounge. $25-$225. noon-6 p.m. Sept. 1; 2-6 p.m. Sept. 2. Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. N.W., Atlanta. 404-223-4000, www.speakeasycocktailfestival.com.
Great Atlanta Beer Fest — Sept. 8
Turner Field is the sporty backdrop for what's billed as the biggest beer fest in Atlanta. Sample 150 beers, plus wine and cider. Most of the tasting action will take place in the Grand Entry Plaza and Monument Grove. Scout's Alley games will be free, college football will be on TV in the Chop House, and there will be live music with Ocean Street on the plaza stage. $40 advance/$48 day of the event. 3-8 p.m. Sept. 8. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.E., Atlanta. 404-522-7630, http://greatatlantabeerfest.com. Tickets: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/great_atlanta_beer_festival.jsp.
LivingSocial Craft Beer & Food Truck Fest — Sept. 8
LivingSocial brings its Craft Beer & Food Truck Fest to Buckhead, with breweries, including Monday Night, Magic Hat, Bells, New Belgium and Duck Rabbit; Atlanta food trucks such as Yumbii, Tastee and Nana G's Chicken & Waffles; plus several wineries. Local musicians and artists, games and dancing will kick up the daytime party vibe. $49. 1-6 p.m. Sept. 8. Frankie Allen Park, 435 Pharr Road N.E., Atlanta. www.livingsocial.com/beerfest.
Sweetwater Lowryeder Car Show — Sept. 8
Hoppin' cars and the launch of Sweetwater's new Lowryeder IPA highlight this loco brewery party featuring live mariachi music, lucha libre wrestling, food trucks, brewery tours and tastings, special cask samples, and a lowrider car show. A hop-off exhibition will be presented by Obsession CC, with a cash prize for best of show contestants. $10 admission charge (same as general tours) includes souvenir Lowryeder pint glass and sample pours. 1-4:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Sweetwater Brewing Co., 195 Ottley Drive N.E., Atlanta. 404-691-2537, www. sweetwaterbrew.com.
Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest — Oct. 6
Celebrate all evening with beer, wine and food from some the area's best restaurants at the big street party sponsored by the Alpharetta Business Association in historic downtown Alpharetta. Live music and a street dance are part of the fun that goes until 11 p.m. 6:30-11 p.m. Oct. 6. Free. Food and drink for purchase. Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com/Pages/ContentPage.aspx?ContentName=Alpharetta_Brew_Moon.
Hotoberfest 2012 — Oct. 6
Celebrating five years, this beer geek favorite moves from the Glenwood Park community to a new location in Historic Fourth Ward Park on North Avenue. As usual, there will be a consumer-judged craft beer competition, a VIP tent with reserve and cask tastings, plus food trucks and music. Families can have fun in the park without purchasing tasting tickets. $75 advance VIP; $30 advance/$40 gate general admission. Gate opens noon; VIP tasting 2 p.m.; general admission tasting 3-7 p.m. Oct. 6. Historic Fourth Ward Park, 665 North Ave., Atlanta. 404-590-7275, www.hotoberfest.net/2012/php.
Decatur Craft Beer Festival — Oct. 20
This laid-back afternoon tasting event on Decatur Square is limited to 4,000 tickets sold online and always sells out early. The draw is more than 100 curated American craft beers, showcased along with live music from the likes of Kingsized and food for sale from local vendors. Enjoy Decatur's lively bar and restaurant scene before or after the festival. $40 includes a commemorative tasting glass. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 20. Decatur Square, Decatur. http://decaturbeerfestival.org/index.php.
Boos and Brews — Oct. 26
Crazy Halloween party meets beer bash is the theme of this annual Atlanta Beer Festivals takeover of the Sweetwater Brewing Co. tasting room and outdoor areas. Admission includes a souvenir pint glass, Sweetwater beer samples, live music and a wild costume contest with prizes. $38. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Oct. 26. Sweetwater Brewing Co., 195 Ottley Drive N.E., Atlanta. 404-691-2537, http://atlantabeerfestivals.com/halloween.
About the Author
