Craft Beer Adventures Beyond Atlanta: Exploring Fall Beer Festivals in Georgia
Oct. 8, 2024
If you’re looking to get out of Atlanta to try some new beers and wines, we’ve got you covered. Get ready for a day trip or two to check out some of these lesser-known fall beer festivals – then stop by the Tap on Ponce when you’re back to pick up your new favorites.
Oktoberfest
Of course, the premiere Oktoberfest event in Georgia (maybe the country?) is in Helen, Georgia, from now until October 27th.
The town was built to mimic a Bavarian village, so they go all in on Oktoberfest. Events are held nightly and the entire town gets into it so there’s still stuff to do even if you don’t want to participate in the official Oktoberfest festivities. It’s a great chance to try out both German and local fall beers.
If you’ve already done THE Georgia Oktoberfest and want a change of pace, check out the Fort Moore Oktoberfest in Columbus, Georgia.
The Fort Moore Oktoberfest kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18th with the ceremonial tapping of the keg. It features games and events for adults, kids, and even the dogs. Beer at this Oktoberfest is provided by Hofbrauhaus Freising, a real Bavarian brewery with beers made in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot — a Bavarian law that limits beer to German purity standards.
Rhythm & Brews Festival
October 25th is the Rhythm & Brews Festival in Greensboro, Georgia.
In addition to featuring a musical guest each year (this year is 38 Special), you get a complimentary wine and craft beer tasting, allowing you to try something new and maybe find a new style, brewery, or varietal to add to your list to buy when you’re back in Midtown Atlanta.
It may seem a little ironic to leave Atlanta to try beers from Atlanta breweries, but it’s one of the best ways to try a whole bunch of the best craft beer without having to get in the car to go from place to place. Past Rhythm & Brews Festivals have featured some of the best craft beers from Atlanta and Georgia as a whole, like Scofflaw, Oconee Brewing Co and Orpheus Brewing. They also regularly feature craft beers from further afield as well as some nationally known breweries.
Georgia Wine Highway
Not feeling beer right now? Check out the Georgia Wine Highway. While the 2024 passport finished in March, many of the vineyards and wineries on the Georgia Wine Highway are still offering deals through the end of 2024. Some are offering discounts on tasting, with others offering discounts on bottles and cases. Even those that aren’t offering deals are offering some of the best wine in Georgia, and they’re all well worth the drive from Atlanta.
Your First Stop in Atlanta
No matter where you go to try craft beers from Atlanta breweries (or local wines from Georgia vineyards!), you can always find new local beers to try and some old school favorites at the Tap on Ponce City Market. Even if we don’t have exactly what you want, our experts can help you find something that scratches that itch. Check out what's on tap right now and come in for a drink.