Beer lovers, it’s time to raise a glass! The 4th annual Athens Beer Fest returns to Athens on Saturday, August 22, 2026, bringing together regional breweries, live music, cornhole and plenty of summer fun. Held at Akins Ford Arena, the afternoon celebration benefits The Classic Center Cultural Foundation and is the perfect way to close out the summer.
From sampling new brews to showing off your lawn game skills, here are five tips to help you make the most of Athens Beer Fest 2026.
1. Get Your Tickets Early
Athens Beer Fest tickets are on sale now, with tickets starting at $50. The event begins at 1 p.m., with doors opening at noon, so plan to arrive early and get settled before the afternoon's festivities get underway.
Looking to make your experience extra special? VIP ticket holders receive priority entry, exclusive Athens Beer Fest merchandise, food vouchers and access to exclusive seating areas.
2. Come Ready to Sample Regional Brews
One of the best parts of Athens Beer Fest is the chance to sip and sample beers from breweries near and far. This year's lineup includes favorites like:
- Normaltown Brewing
- Fall Line Brewing
- Snafu Brewing
- Holy City Brewing
With plenty of beers to try, take your time exploring the selection and discovering a new favorite. Whether you already have a go-to brewery or want to branch out, Athens Beer Fest is a great place to taste your way through the region's craft beer scene.
3. Bring Your Cornhole Skills
Beer and lawn games are a perfect pairing, and Athens Beer Fest is bringing the fun with a CornholeATL tournament. If you're ready to compete, grab a partner and sign up for the tournament—cornhole tickets must be purchased in pairs.
Your cornhole ticket includes entry to Athens Beer Fest along with your team entry to the CornholeATL Tournament, giving you the chance to sample some great beers and show off your skills on the boards.
Not feeling competitive? No worries! Grab a seat, relax and enjoy watching the action while soaking up the festival atmosphere.
4. Enjoy an Afternoon of Live Music
What's better than spending a summer afternoon with a cold beer in hand? Adding live music to the mix. Athens Beer Fest brings together an afternoon of beer samples and live entertainment, creating the perfect soundtrack for catching up with friends and enjoying the festival.
Grab your favorite people, settle in with a beer and enjoy the sounds of the afternoon.
5. Keep the Beer Adventure Going
One afternoon at Athens Beer Fest isn't enough to experience everything Athens has to offer beer lovers. Keep exploring the city's craft beer scene with Athens' local breweries and distilleries.
Visit participating local breweries, scan the QR codes at each stop and collect points through the digital Athens Beer Trail pass. As you make your way around Athens, you'll have the opportunity to discover even more locally brewed beers—and earn rewards along the way.
Bonus Tip: Plan a Safe Way Home
With plenty of beer to sample, make a plan for getting home safely before you arrive. Choose a designated driver, arrange a rideshare or take advantage of Athens' free public transportation. That way, you can relax, enjoy the festival and make the most of your afternoon.
Ready to raise a glass? Make plans to join Athens Beer Fest on August 22, 2026, at Akins Ford Arena for an afternoon of regional beers, live music, cornhole and summer fun—all while supporting The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.
