HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Just in time for Father's Day, the Downtown Hattiesburg Association announces the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival set for Saturday, June 16th, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Town Square Park. Presented in partnership with Corner Market, the 6th annual festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.
A part of the FestivalSouth celebration in June, the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival focuses on brewers and artisans of the industry, highlighting the uniqueness and creativity of craft beers. Tastings of more than 100 beers will be available from more than 30 breweries throughout Mississippi and surrounding states.
"Hattiesburg is a champion for the expanding craft beer movement. Our beer festival has grown and enhanced alongside the industry. Last year, we expanded it outdoors at Town Square Park, and it was our biggest and most successful fest yet. We are expecting a great crowd as this event continues to grow in popularity," Andrea Saffle, executive director for Downtown Hattiesburg, said.
Six years ago, the way Mississippians enjoyed craft beer shifted through the passing of new legislation. This small change in beer laws brought about a huge economic and cultural impact that is still being felt today in Hattiesburg. Home to Southern Prohibition Brewing, a number of bars and stores that focus on craft beer, and a craft beer club, Hattiesburg encourages "crafting your own adventure" to visitors and locals alike.
"VisitHBURG is looking forward to another great event, partnering with Downtown Hattiesburg Association, Corner Market, and the craft beer industry," said Marlo Dorsey, executive director of Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. "This lively festival welcomes craft beer enthusiasts to Hattiesburg during FestivalSouth, which is filled with a variety of things to do. This year, we are expecting continued visitor growth from surrounding states as the fest catches the attention of those outside of Hattiesburg."
Additionally, local and regional homebrewers are expected, offering brews that are not available in mass market to festival goers. Attendees will also be entertained with live music, vendors, and field games. All are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the open, green space.
Food and other local vendors will be onsite during the festival as well. Event shirts will be available for purchase online prior to festival days, as well as the day of.
Lastly, the event promotes safety via designated driver ticket options and a partnership with Grove Transit. Festival attendees can schedule rises to and from the event through Grove Transit. The Hattiesburg Trolley will also serve as a complimentary shuttle service to select Hattiesburg restaurants and bars after the event.
General admission tickets are $35 each and include a sampling mug, unlimited sampling, and complimentary soft drinks and water while supplies last. Designated driver general admission tickets are $5 each and include non-alcoholic beverages.
The festival will also offer a VIP experience, complete with general admission amenities, exclusive brews, food offerings, private restrooms, and a t-shirt. VIP ticket holders will receive early access to the festival starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $70 for VIP admission and $25 for designated drivers. Designated driver VIP tickets holders will have access to all features, with the exception of beer. Available VIP tickets are limited and will not be sold the day of the festival, so attendees are encouraged to purchase in advance.
Advance online ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Remaining tickets will go on sale at 6:30 p.m. the day of the event after all advance purchase general admission ticket holders have been admitted.
To purchase tickets, shirts, or for more information, visit hattiesburgcraftbeerfest.com, or visit the festival on Facebook.