1 of 21

John Passmore from Asheville and James Rarick from Clyde get a sample from volunteers Andrea and Justin L. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Staci Noreadith from Asheville, Jesse Juenger from Columbus, and John Socko from New York. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Linda and Jack Radgowski from Lynchburg; Jason and Bethany Radgowski from Charlotte, and Barbara Wilder from Landrum and Ann Massullo from Columbus. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Jamie Carpenter, with the Asheville Ale Trail program (Photo by Mark Levin)

Local favorite, Iron Key Brewing, was represented by Andrea Erb, Autumn Dawn, and Dave Erb. Iron Key Brewing will be featured in March on the PBS NC program, North Carolina Weekend. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Tim Daniels, a Town of Tryon employee, was manning the photo booth station complete with a green screen. Eric Tye and Kathryn Smith stop for a quick photo. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Brett and Lauren Bulley and Nick Comley made the trip up from Greer. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Dozens of beers and ciders were represented at the event.

Tryon-based Rich Nelson Band performed for the crowd.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the 12th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday.

Matthew and Cody said they attend the festival every year.

Bullhded Peanut Co. was offering up fresh boiled peanuts at the event.

Volunteers at the Dry Falls Brewing tent stop and pose for a quick photo.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the 12th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday.

Tryon-based Rich Nelson Band performed for the crowd.

Atlanta-based alternative rock band Suburban Angst kept the good times rolling.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the 12th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday.

Dozens of beers and ciders were represented at the event.

Atlanta-based alternative rock band Suburban Angst kept the good times rolling.

Attendees try their hand at the ‘Hammer Nailing’ game.

Atlanta-based alternative rock band Suburban Angst kept the good times rolling.

Dozens of local, regional beers represented at event on Saturday

TRYON—Warmer weather returned for the weekend to welcome the 12th annual Tryon Beer Fest back to downtown, held at the Depot Plaza above N. Trade St. 

One of the event’s founders, Kim Nelson of Tryon, spoke about how the Beer Fest has grown each year and how the community comes together to enjoy a local tradition. 

“I think we’ve done the best pre-sale tickets ever; this event has really grown in popularity. We wanted to create an adult-friendly event in Tryon, that’s how the event was born,” she says. “I’m just proud to be a part of something that brings so much to downtown Tryon. We appreciate all the volunteers and sponsors that make this event possible.” 

Some volunteers have participated every year since the event began in 2012. One such volunteer, Amy Waldner from Atlanta, said this is a fun event not to be missed. 

“It’s a blast,” Amy says. “We’re always excited to volunteer each year!” 

Craft beer has been on the rise over the last decade. With dozens of breweries from the Carolinas represented, beer lovers from across the area enjoyed the live music, the atmosphere and, of course, the libations. 

“This is one of our favorite events in Tryon,” said Jennifer Zaragoza from Hendersonville. “We love how it’s set up, the people, the beers, it’s fantastic!”

Attendees enjoyed games, such as Giant Jenga and the ‘Hammer Nailing’ game, where participants try to drive a nail one-handed into a log with the small end of a hammer before their opponent, as well as a photo booth with props and accessories in line with this year’s Wild West-inspired theme, “High Noon.” 

Live music from Tryon’s Rich Nelson Band and Atlanta-based alternative rock band Suburban Angst kept the good times rolling, and a VIP section featured exclusive beers, complimentary appetizers and an indoor lounge area. Rhema Soul Food, Blunt Pretzels and Bullhded Peanut Co. were onsite, offering comfort food for guests. 

Locals said the setup and variety of beers and ciders available for unlimited tastings couldn’t be beat. Many folks traveled from across the region, and from across the country, to enjoy the fall colors and mountain views along with the beer tastings. 

“It’s an incredible event,” said Lucas Kowalski, traveling from New York. “Great beers, great weather, great times!”

“We just absolutely love the Tryon Beer Fest,” said Cody from Greenville, S.C. “We attend every year!”

Familiar Asheville-based brewing companies such as Wicked Weed, New Belgium and Hi-Wire were offering up some of their flagship beers, along with regional favorites like Birdsong Brewing from Charlotte, Dry Falls Brewing from Hendersonville, and Innovation from Sylva. 

Columbus’ own Iron Key Brewing Company was on site as well, offering up beer brewed right here in Polk County. 

“Being part of the Tryon Beer Fest was always a dream,” said Chris Balliew, co-owner of Iron Key. “We’ve been here for 3 years now, we look forward to it every year.”

Tryon Beer Fest was presented by the Tryon Downtown Development Association and New View Realty was the title sponsor of the event. 

More Community

ELECTION 2024: Unofficial results for Polk County races are in

Meals on Wheels sees increased demand after Helene

UNSUNG HEROES: Organizations rally to support farms, equine community 

TRIFF24 to kick off with Swedish film ‘Just Like Me