Callaway Gardens to host craft beer festival with music, football

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Contributed report

PINE MOUNTAIN — Callaway Gardens will host the second annual Craft Beer Festival 2–5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Robin Lake Beach.

Organizers describe the festival as an “all-you-can-taste extravaganza” with more than 50 craft beers from 25 different vendors.

“Last year was such a hit with guests. We are excited to offer even more craft beers to sample this year,” said Andy Brown, director of recreation for Callaway Gardens. “We are ramping it up this year. We’ve added a craft beer dinner on Friday night. We hope craft beer lovers will bring their friends to enjoy the weekend.”

Beginning at 2 p.m., guests can stroll tent to tent sampling a variety of craft beers. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.

Some of the featured breweries include Cannon Brew Pub, Goose Island, SweetWater Brewing Company, Jailhouse Brewing Co., Red Hare, Monday Night Brewing, Red Hook, Kona Brewing Co., Blue Point, Jekyll Brewing, Harpoon Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Anchor Brewing, Yuengling, New Belgium and more.

The bands Secret Sauce and The Barstool Prophets will entertain with live music, and big screens will show college football. Both a food court and full bar will be available.

Those who reserve the Craft Beer Festival package to stay at the Gardens for the weekend will get included admission to the beer festival, a shuttle to and from accommodations, admission to the Gardens for each day of stay and day of departure and a breakfast buffet in The Plant Room.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $30 or at the gate for $40. In an effort to promote safe driving, Callaway Gardens encourages each guest participating to bring a designated driver.

Designated drivers and festival guests not participating in the craft beer tasting will receive discounted admission of $15 per person. For tickets, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-463-6990.

New this year is a craft beer dinner at The Gardens Restaurant overlooking Mountain Creek Lake. Callaway Gardens Executive Chef Michael Gonzalez has created a meal to go with a selection of craft beers paired by experts at Columbus’ Cannon Brew Pub, who will be in attendance to answer questions.

Guests will learn how to pair select craft beers with the dishes giving special attention the right style of beer for a given food, beer serving temperatures and glassware recommendations. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. with dinner served at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 60 guests on the craft beer dinner overnight package; officials suggest early reservations.

From a press release submitted by Callaway Gardens.