More than 140 craft beers will be available for sampling at the first annual Oxford Beer Festival this Saturday and Sunday. The festival will allow attendees to part with Oxford normalcy and drink on Sunday.
The first annual Oxford Beer Festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the Colonel’s Quarters at Castle Hill Resort.
The beers to be sampled hail from all over the world, including Japan, Germany, Ireland and throughout the United States.
General admission includes a sampling mug, 140-plus craft beers to sample during the five-hour event, live entertainment, games and access to the Brew University area.
Those who purchase VIP tickets will be admitted to the festival one-hour early, have access to a VIP lounge, and be given even more beer sampling options and complimentary food.
The designated driver tickets grant access to all aspects of their respective categories, except for beer sampling.
In the Brew University area, experts will be teaching on topics such as how to cook with beer, brewing 101 and pairing beer with food.
Brewmasters from places ranging from Maine and Louisiana to Mississippi will be speaking.
“It’s going to be a good learning experience,” event organizer Darryl Parker said.
“There will be some home-brewers here too, talking about what is happening in the state of Mississippi with the home-brewing laws.”
He also said that among the vendors there will be a woman selling soap with a beer aroma. “She usually sells out so it is definitely worth stopping by.”
Regardless of the ticket category, everyone who attends must be 21 and IDs will be checked at the entrance.
Local chefs contributing to the VIP beer and food pairings will be Sean Adams from Honey Bee Bakery, Erika Lipe from Lenora’s, Sam Thamutok from Rice & Spice and Rob Ray from McEwen’s on Saturday.
On Sunday, Lipe will again join the festival, along with John Myrick from Proud Larry’s and Tim Woodard from Little Easy Express Lunches and Catering.
Two bands from Oxford will be providing live entertainment: SwampFoot, a three-piece soulful-rock jam band, and Silas Reed N’ Da Books, whose music mixes rock, synth and soul.
Parking will be available near the event site.
Close parking will be available to 120 vehicles with top priority going to VIP and designated driver ticket holders.
There will also be a shuttle service provided by Austin’s Taxi service. The shuttle will cost $10, and event organizers ask that tickets be purchased in advance online.
The pick-up/drop-off location for the shuttle is the JC Penney/Old Walmart parking lot.
Some of the proceeds from the event will go toward the Exchange Club Family Center and the Oxford food pantry.
“This event is special because people will be able to drink on Sunday. If you like beer, music, games, arts and crafts, it’s going to be great!” Parker said.
General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets cost $75. For more information visit www.oxfordbeerfest.com.
