What is it?
Knoxville Brewfest is the premier collection of all things beer, annually! 2021 was the 10th annual brewfest. It featured over 3 dozen vendors, including breweries near and far, distilleries, and a food truck (for good measure).
Where is it?
This brewfest was held at the Southern Railway Station. It provides ample room for the many, many vendors, with space for games like cornhole and a stage for some awesome performers. There are parking lots in the area and street parking. I would recommend the Jackson Avenue Lot or The old city lots by the overpass for your best shot at free parking, both are about a 5 minute walk to the railway station.
When is it?
The 2021 Brewfest was held on August 21st. In the past, it has been held in June. Suffice it to say this is a summer event – keep your eyes peeled on Instagram @knxbrewfest or on knoxvillebrewfest.com.
Your ticket gets you in for 1 of 2 sessions (you choose when buying the ticket). Session 1 was 1-4 pm, session 2 was 6-9 pm. You can line up to get in an hour before the opening of your session. My group arrived right around 1 and still only took about 20 minutes to get in, even with a line halfway around the block. You’re going to need to show that ID – this is a 21 and over event (even for DD’s). You will be kicked out punctually at the close of your session.
What you need to know about visiting:
First, tickets are $50 for those drinking, $20 for designated drivers. There are alcohol-free beverages for drivers. For those that imbibe, your ticket basically gets you all the beer you can drink (I think it came with an allotment of tickets, but I can tell you that you don’t really need them). Tickets do sell out, so grab yours early!
Basically, you go up to any tent with your provided taster cup (probably about 4 oz.) and tell them what you want, and that’s it! It’s worth noting that most tents/stands have a rinse bucket so you don’t mix beers or so that you have a place to empty a beer you don’t like.
In addition to all the beer on Earth, there are tons of freebies floating around: stickers, sunglasses, beer cozies, etc. Smash Burger’s food truck was on site for your munchy needs during the session I attended.
Of course there are restrooms! I see this event going very badly otherwise. There were both porta-potties and restrooms inside the building.
My Experience
My friends and I attended the 1 – 4 pm slot. It was HOT out, all the more reason to drink some refreshing beer! There’s plenty of time to pace yourself, so make sure you get some water in between some tastings. Some may not think 3 hours is a long time but trust me, you will not be left wanting.
I should probably state that you absolutely want to slather that sunscreen on. Most of the standing room of this event is not shaded. It did rain briefly during our time, but we sought shelter under the train station platform’s roof (that most vendors are set up beneath).
We had a fantastic set from the guys of Mutual Groove on stage, who were playing some soul/funk and looked like they were having a blast. This being the first Brewfest I have been to in Knoxville, I will absolutely be back! Make sure you take any pictures for memories early – the time flies by, and things get pretty. . . hazy by the end of the session.
Other Brews and To-Dos
For a cup of coffee beforehand, Awaken is very nearby.
You seem like someone who likes to enjoy their beer outside. Have you checked out the Yee-Haw Brewing stand at Ijams Nature Center?
Want to keep the fun rolling (pun very much intended)? Head on over to Maple Hall for some bowling.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com