IF YOU GO What: Chattanooga Craft Beer Festival. When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd. Admission: $15-$50. Website: rhizomeproductions.com/craft-events/chattanoogacraftbeerfest. Other events: Pre-party at 6:30 p.m. today and after-party at 5 p.m. Saturday at Terminal Brewhouse, 6 E. 14th St.
Chattanooga Craft Beer Festival logoTerminal Brewhouse can't hold the 1,500 guests expected for the Chattanooga Craft Beer Festival, but as the sponsor of the event, it will be party central before and after.
The microbrewery at 6 E. 14th St. will welcome guests to a pre-party at 6:30 p.m. today and an after-party at 5 p.m. Saturday.
The festival, set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at First Tennessee Pavilion, will feature more than 100 brews from 38 regional breweries. Terminal Brewhouse and other vendors will provide foods.
New this year is a $75 admission ticket that includes beer and food pairings. According to the event website, the pairing area will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, offering a maximum of 100 guests unlimited small plates of food especially curated for the brews being served. The choices include Chattanooga Brewing Co.'s Two Taverns Pale Ale paired with beer-marinated brats served on Bluff View Bakery pretzel rolls and topped with kraut and stone-ground mustard.
All of the breweries on-site will be represented by an employee who can answer questions about craft beer.
Dance band Soul Mechanic will entertain during the festival.
The $50 festival tickets include a 5-ounce Belgian tasting glass, unlimited samples, free drinking water and free parking. A $15 ticket is available to nondrinking designated drivers.
General-admission tickets are available online at rhizomeproductions.com/craft-events/chattanooga craftbeerfest. They also may be purchased locally at Terminal Brewhouse, as well as Heaven & Ale, 304 Cherokee Blvd., and Flying Squirrel, 55 Johnson St.
Proceeds benefit the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition and Chattanooga Market.