Jacktoberfest has seen huge growth as the beer culture in Jackson has gotten more sophisticated the past few years. Photo by Courtesy Roy Adkins
Jacktoberfest brings beer, bratwurst and bands to the Jackson area.
"It was almost a dare between a group of friends that served on the arts and music board years ago that we need an Oktoberfest in Jackson," says Stephen Barnette, who co-founded the first festival in 2006. "It was really about doing a free street music festival in the tradition of Oktoberfest and (putting) a Jackson take on it."
Bryan and Annie Keller, PJ Lee and the Raise Your Pint crew are the other founders. Jacktoberfest showcases an array of Oktoberfest-inspired events like the craft-beer competition, live music and plenty of food—beer culture and good food in downtown Jackson," Barnett says. The craft-beer competition is one of the highlights of the event. It gives local breweries a chance for local brewers to compete for the title of 2013's best craft beer. Check jacktoberfest.com for a detailed tap lineup the week of the festival.
This year's festival includes music from Superband Wasteband, the Dime Bros, and T-Bird and the Breaks. PJ Lee of Hal & Mal's and Ryan Bell of Sophia's Restaurant created a pop-up eatery.
"The creators of the event wanted to add (another) element and kick up the food a bit. We thought, 'Why not do a pop-up restaurant serving German-type street food?'" Lee says. The authentic German food will have a southern twist.
The craft-beer garden will give people a chance from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to sample and vote on their favorite brew to win the Jacktoberfest 2013 People's Choice Beer Award. The event is both family- and pet-friendly, and admission is free. The craft-beer garden is $15, however. The event starts at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 on N. Congress Street between E. Amite and E. Capitol streets in downtown Jackson, and runs to 11 p.m., so plan on a whole day of eats and drinks.
For more information, visit jacktoberfest.com.
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