Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival Moves to Spring, Set for March 4

Now kicking off the spring festival season, the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival is set for Saturday, March 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Town Square Park.

Presented by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association in partnership with Corner Market, the festival promises craft beer enthusiasts cooler weather, tastings, and fun.

A FestivalSouth FestivalFringe event, the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival focuses on the brewers and artisans of the industry, highlighting the creativity of craft beers. More than 100 beers from nearly three dozen breweries will be represented during this 9th annual downtown fundraiser.

“Each year, visitors and locals flock to downtown to experience its shops, restaurants, and, of course, events. The Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival has become one of the signature events for the city and downtown,” Andrea Saffle, executive director for Hattiesburg Downtown Association, said. “We are looking forward to enjoying cooler weather with our longtime friends and newcomers.”

From the 2012 state legislation that raised allowable alcohol content levels to the 2020 law allowing the retail sale of product at breweries, Hattiesburg has been a leader in Mississippi’s craft beer industry. For more than a decade, these changes have positively impacted the Hub City both economically and culturally.

“Downtown is a vital part of our appeal as an entertainment destination, and the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival is one of our signature events that people truly enjoy,” Marlo Dorsey, executive director of VisitHATTIESBURG, said. “As the weather gets warmer and the grass gets greener, this event will kick off a very successful and fun-filled festival season in the Hub City.”

The event will also include a VIP section, yard games, live music, homebrewers, and more.

Local and regional brew masters are invited to share their homebrew creations during the event. All homebrewers will compete for the 2023 People’s Choice Award, which includes a one-of-a- kind trophy designed by Erik Eaves of Mumbling Brothers.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the open green space and live music by local talent Holley Rumbarger and The New Relics. Additionally, Colludium

HATTIESBURG CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MOVES TO SPRING, SET FOR MARCH 4

Brewing Co. will host yard games and mini-challenges throughout the event. Local food trucks, such as The 5000, Southern Wangz, Nellie’s Chicken, Taymas Taqueria, Underdogs, and Kassy Kones, will be on-site as well.

General admission tickets are $35 each and include a sampling mug, unlimited sampling and complimentary soft drinks and water while supplies last. To encourage safety, designated driver general admission tickets are available for $5 each and include non-alcoholic beverages and access to entertainment.

The festival also offers a VIP experience, complete with general admission amenities, exclusive brews, food offerings, private air-conditioned restrooms, and a festival t-shirt. VIP ticket holders will receive early access to the festival starting at 5PM. Tickets are $70 for VIP admission or $25 for VIP designated driver admission. Designated driver VIP ticket holders will have access to all features, except for beer. Available VIP tickets are limited and sell out each year, so attendees are encouraged to purchase them in advance. VIP tickets will not be sold the day of the event.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit hattiesburgcraftbeerfest.com or the festival’s Facebook. General admission tickets will be sold at the gate; however, purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.