If you’ve lived in Athens long enough, you’ve probably seen your fair share of beer.
For much of the year, Bobcats and Athens residents can be seen carrying cases of the fermented beverage near and far. Its most common form uptown is cheap and plentiful: Budweiser, Miller, and Coors, to name a few.
But for one week a year, something magical happens. Craft beers take over.
For most, especially students and young people, craft beers aren’t very practical. They’re pricey, heavy and don’t do well in the hot sun of a fest or the sweaty indoors of a bar. But in the dog days of summer, Athens takes a week – Brew Week – to celebrate breweries all over Ohio.
Here’s what you should know about this epic Athens event:
A Summertime Favorite
Bobcats tend to only consider events going on during the year, but if you happen to find yourself in your apartment or house during the summer, there are still plenty of things to do, just maybe a little harder to find.
Brew Week is one of the most well-known Athens summer happenings. Usually occurring sometime in July, the event marks the halfway point in the summer break for Bobcats.
But why the summer? The answer is simple. No students in town = little business uptown. Brew Week serves as a way for uptown businesses to help improve their bottom line in the slowest time of the season. Plus, it serves as a great way to bring the entire community together around a fun event.
Almost Twenty Years of History
Brew Week got its start back in 2005. Since then, the event has been held every summer.
This year, the 18th Brew Week will be underway in July. It’s all thanks to one man: the late Jon Sparhawk.
Sparkhawk started Brew Week nearly two decades ago, making his friend Dan Gates director of the event. According to the events website, Sparhawk told Gates back in April 2005: “Craft beer is the way to go. Take this idea and run with it.”
And run with it Gates did. According to the event’s website, the first year Brew Week happening saw over 70 craft beers offered at over 36 different venues in Athens. Over the years, numerous notable people in the craft beer community came to join the festivities, and tons of people from out of town come in to join the action.
Sparkhawk died shortly before the second Brew Week. Today, Jackie O’s brews the “Sparbok” beer in his honor every Brew Week.
Don’t Have to Drink to Enjoy
If you don’t drink, there are still events to enjoy as well! Though the week is centered around beer and beer culture, many musicians, entertainers, artists and cooks alike come down to share their art.
Some of the events from last year that would appeal the non-drinker include:
- Live music at the Eclipse Company Store in The Plains
- Plays and shows at The Union
- A Sunday Caribbean-style brunch at the West End Cider House
- A presentation on Bigfoot and other cryptids
So, if you find yourself bored in the dog days of summer, head onto Court Street during Brew Week in July to beat the heat with an ice-cold craft brew.