Oktoberfest in Lilburn has always trumped this festival for me in the past(both are annually held the first Sat in October), but this year I managed to do BOTH. I think I may have started a new family tradition, we had so much fun. In 2013, the prices were $ 30 for general admission, $ 45 for VIP tickets. As a newbie, usually I would go economy class until I had a chance to «see how things go», but I knew I would want the shirt either way so it was a bargain price for me. Lots of VIP tables near the food and the bandstand, and event volunteers bringing your beer. Yep, the VIP tix are worth it… Admission allows for unlimited* tastings, and that’s really what brings everyone out. I was expecting a lot more draft selections; most of the 120 beers available were in bottles. Also mostly absent were the owners/bottlers/distributors. The few that I did meet were very excited to talk about their line, and I love meeting people who enjoy what they do. The other tables were manned by volunteers, many of whom studied up on the beers they were pouring. I may have imagined it, but I think at *least* half of the attendees were volunteers. Which is an even more economical way to attend. A lot of them had either just ended their shift and were off to tasting, or had been tasting and were about to begin a shift. Food from local restaurants was good, too. Weather was perfect. Next year, the first Saturday in October is the 4th. Don’t ask me to come to your your aunt’s birthday party. No, I can’t drive you home from getting your wisdom teeth out. So sorry, your wedding will just have to go on without me — I’m busy that day. (*Unlimited = drink as many as you want, there are rideshares available; but if you start to make an ass of yourself you will a) appear in your friend’s youtube video and/or 2) be asked to leave — possibly while wearing some shiny new bracelets courtesy Gwinnett Co Police.)
