Starting with Sweetwater Brewing’s 17th anniversary party Sunday and ending with the appropriately named Beer Carnival on April 5, the next six weeks are going to be a busy time for beer lovers. Here’s a guide to nine festivals and events to cheer about and ease your way to spring:
Sweetwater’s 17 Years of Heady Beer, Sunday
Sweetwater is opening its doors, and its cellar, to mark another record year of business. Two years ago the brewery completed a $19 million expansion, and it now ranks among the top 25 craft beer producers in the U.S. The celebration will include live music, plenty of special beer samples and a souvenir anniversary pint glass, plus food trucks and fun and games. $12 advance; $17 door. 2-6 p.m. 195 Ottley Drive N.E., Atlanta, 404-691-2537, sweetwaterbrew.com.
Secret Stash Bash, March 1
In its second year, this one-of-a-kind festival at the Five Seasons and Taco Mac Prado locations has grown to include two connoisseur tasting sessions. Look for more than 40 rare, cellared, barrel-aged and sour beers, curated from far and wide by Five Seasons brew master Kevin McNerney. Other brewers and brewery representatives will be on hand to discuss their beers, too. $45 per session. 12:30-3 p.m.; 4-6:30 p.m. 5600 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-255-5911. www.secretstashbash.com.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, March 1
Call it the three B's for big appetites. This touring festival is back under the big tents at Atlantic Station after stops in New York City and Tampa, Fla., with unlimited tastings of 60 beers and 40 bourbons and a bunch of barbecue for purchase. Participating restaurants include Grand Champion, Jim 'n Nick's, Bone Lick and the Smoke Ring. VIP tickets include bacon and whole hog sessions. $35 general, 2-6 p.m.; $85 VIP, noon-6 p.m. beerandbourbon.com/georgia/show-info.
Taste & Brews Fest, March 8
The second annual food truck and beer tasting event at the Atlanta Food Truck Park taps into two hot food and drink trends. Participating food trucks include Genki, Mighty Meatball, Sweet Auburn Barbecue and Yum Yum. Look for local beer from Burnt Hickory, Red Brick, Red Hare, Sweetwater, Terrapin, Three Taverns and Wild Heaven. $49 general 2-6 p.m.; $75 VIP 1-6 p.m. 1850 Howell Mill Road N.W., Atlanta, 404-456-4655, www.tasteandbrews.com.
Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest, March 15
The fourth annual edition of this tasting festival takes place at Town Center Park, with a focus on American craft brewing. Sample beer from more than 100 breweries, while enjoying live music from local artists and food from local restaurants. There's also a home brew contest organized by Bob Carlton of Brew Depot. $35 general 1-5 p.m.; $85 VIP noon-5 p.m. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee, 678-482-2270, suwaneebeerfest.com.
Roswell Beer Festival, March 15
The second annual Roswell Beer Festival returns to historic Town Square with more than 150 beers, live music, a 64-team cornhole tournament, and food from local vendors, including Vin 25, The Mill Kitchen and Bar and Shane's Rib Shack. The charity event benefits the Star House Foundation for at-risk children. $40 advance; $50 door. 2-6 p.m. 404-545-0691. roswellbeerfest.com.
Georgia Craft Beer Fest, March 22
Craft brewers from across Georgia will gather at Atlanta's Red Brick Brewing to benefit the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. The tasting event will feature more than 25 breweries, including Coastal Empire, Moon River and Southbound from Savannah; the Macon Beer Co.; and Jailhouse from Hampton. $40 general, 1-6 p.m.; $75 VIP noon-6 p.m. 2323 Defoor Hills Road N.W., Atlanta, 404-355-5558, georgiacraftbrewersguild.org/gcbf.
The Science of Beer, March 26
Part of the Atlanta Science Festival, the Science of Beer at Monday Night Brewing will connect science and brewing with a lecture series focusing on the physics and chemistry of beer. Participants can take tours, participate in demonstrations and enjoy special tastings. $12. 670 Trabert Ave. N.W., Atlanta, 404-352-7703, scienceofbeeratl.weebly.com.
Beer Carnival at Atlantic Station, April 5
Formerly the Winter Beer Carnival, the fifth incarnation of this event is being thawed out and moving to an early spring date and will offer more than 100 beers, carnival games, activities, DJs and food. Admission includes a commemorative sample glass and unlimited beer tastings and carnival games. VIP tickets get you early entry at noon and access to the VIP area featuring premium beers and food. 1 p.m. $40 in advance, $50 day of event for general admission. Noon entry with VIP tickets, $60 in advance, $75 day of event. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive N.W., Atlanta. http://www.thebeercarnival.com/.
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