Athens has a totally different vibe in the summer than it does the rest of the year when school is in session. It’s kind of like a ghost town without the majority of the student population. Which, depending on how you like to spend your time, could be kind of cool. If you’re staying in town for summer break in your scenic student rental near campus, get ready for heat, humidity, and tons of outdoor festivals and events.
One of the biggest annual festivals held in Athens is Ohio Brew Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer and good times. And the best part is, it all takes place basically around the corner from your Ohio University housing. What started as a way to get people to patron businesses in Uptown during the dog days of summer quickly turned into a crowd-favorite event. When you find yourself feeling shackled to your university rental in the dead of summer, make a point to get out and explore Ohio Brew Week this year from July 11th-19th—you’ll be glad you did.
How Can You Take Part in Brew Week?
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Ohio Brew Week. If you happen to live in a student rental close to Uptown and Court Street, it’s basically taking place in your backyard. The easiest way to engage with the festivities is by visiting your favorite local bar or brewery. Athens favorites like Jackie O’s, West End Cider House, Little Fish, and tons more offer an assortment of specials and events themed around Ohio Brew Week.
During 2024’s Brew Week, some establishments featured drink specials, and some bars and breweries even gave away free pint glasses—and yes, Brew Week has its own pint glass that is updated annually. Don’t miss out. Fancy yourself a craft beer savant? Beer-themed trivia nights are a common feature during OBW. Or get a chance to meet representatives from that Ohio brewery you haven’t tried yet. If you’re the active type, groups of bicyclists go on brewery tours nearly every year for OBW.
Beyond the specials and events, Ohio Brew Week features plenty of live music playing across town. From string trios to jazz and everything in between, there’s a live performance happening that pairs perfectly with the pint of beer in your hand.
Ohio Brew Week is as much a celebration of craft beer as it is a celebration of community in Athens. And with the Uptown DORA laws, you’ll be able to take that pint glass outside within the limits and soak up the summer sun. When it’s all happening around your student rental apartment near the university, there’s no excuse to not check it out.