Bottom Line Up Front: The 4th Annual Rivers & Brews Festival returns to Nantahala Outdoor Center on Saturday, August 23rd, offering one of the region’s only riverside craft beverage experiences with 30+ beverages from 10 local breweries, live music, artisan vendors, and stunning Smoky Mountain scenery.
Nestled in the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge of Western North Carolina, the Rivers & Brews Festival has quickly become a must-attend event for craft beverage enthusiasts and outdoor adventure lovers alike. This unique festival combines the best of two worlds: the pristine natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the innovative craft brewing scene that has made Western North Carolina a nationally recognized destination for beer tourism.
Event Details & Ticket Information
When: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Where: Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
The festival offers three pre-sale ticket options designed to suit every type of craft beverage enthusiast:
Pre-Sale Ticket Options
Try ’em All VIP ($50) – Perfect for the serious craft beverage connoisseur, this premium package includes a VIP wristband allowing you to sample up to 30 different beverages, plus a souvenir tasting cup and pretzel necklace.
Prost! ($30) – The most popular option among festival-goers, featuring 15 drink tickets, wristband, souvenir tasting cup, and pretzel necklace. This package offers excellent value for those wanting to explore a variety of beverages without overindulging.
Sampler ($20) – Ideal for casual tasters or designated drivers who still want to participate in the experience. Includes 5 drink tickets, wristband, souvenir tasting cup, and pretzel necklace.
For those who prefer spontaneity, day-of pricing is available at $10 for a wristband and souvenir cup, plus $2 per individual drink ticket. This flexible option allows guests to purchase as many tickets as they’d like and enjoy the festival at their own pace.
The Western North Carolina Craft Beverage Renaissance
The Rivers & Brews Festival showcases why Western North Carolina has become synonymous with exceptional craft brewing. The region features breweries run by expert brewers who create innovative beers like Grandma’s Pickled Peaches Sour, Cherry Cordial Stout, and Mango Habanero Salt Rock Wit, demonstrating the creativity and skill that defines the local brewing community.
Local Brewery Spotlight
The festival features 10 of the region’s finest craft breweries and cideries, representing the diverse and innovative spirit of Smoky Mountain brewing. Some notable establishments in the area include:
Nantahala Brewing Company – A microbrewery based in Bryson City serving award-winning craft beer made with fresh hops and Smoky Mountain water, embodying the local terroir in every sip.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company – Founded in 2017 and family owned and operated, this 7-barrel award winning craft microbrewery produces a wide variety of beer styles with seasonal rotating beers and small batch favorites.
Bryson City Brewing – Located a stone’s throw from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad tracks, this brewery has become a bastion of culinary treats, libations and live music, representing the community spirit that defines the region.
More Than Just Beer: The Complete Festival Experience
While craft beverages are certainly the star attraction, the Rivers & Brews Festival offers a comprehensive entertainment experience that celebrates the culture and community of Western North Carolina.
Live Music & Entertainment
The festival features live music from 2-5pm with Nick & Brew, and guests can stay after the festival to listen to the Dirty French Broads on the main stage at 6pm. This musical lineup perfectly complements the festival atmosphere, creating an authentic Appalachian experience that celebrates local talent.
Artisan Vendors & Local Crafts
Guests can explore handcrafted artisan goods from local vendors, showcasing the rich tradition of craftsmanship that defines the Smoky Mountain region. From pottery to woodworking to textile arts, these vendors represent the authentic mountain heritage that makes this area so special.
Culinary Delights
The festival features multiple food venues offering everything from traditional mountain fare to innovative culinary creations. This diverse food scene ensures that every palate is satisfied, whether you’re craving classic barbecue or seeking more adventurous dining options.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center Advantage
Choosing the Nantahala Outdoor Center as the venue for this festival is no accident. Located in the Nantahala Gorge, this venue offers one of the only riverside beer festivals in the region, providing an unparalleled natural setting that enhances the entire experience.
Adventure Add-Ons
For those seeking the ultimate weekend experience, the festival offers exciting adventure packages. Guests can enjoy a guided Class I-III river trip and paddle right back to campus in time for some cold drinks. The NOC also offers special discount codes for combining lodging and adventure activities with festival attendance.
Lodging Options
Guests can stay onsite in cabins, Dogwood Lodge or the NEW Hemlocks Bungalows and stay steps from the event, restaurants and more, making it easy to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience without worrying about transportation.
A Festival with Purpose: Community and Conservation
The Rivers & Brews Festival represents more than just entertainment—it’s a celebration of community resilience and environmental stewardship. Following Hurricane Helene in 2024, the region has shown incredible resilience, with restoration teams clearing debris from riverbanks, repairing washed-out access points, and reestablishing roads to return favorite adventure spots.
By attending this festival, guests directly support the local economy and the ongoing recovery efforts that have helped this mountain community bounce back stronger than ever. Every trip booked directly aids the families, businesses, and small towns that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Planning Your Visit
Important Information
This event is designed for guests 21 and over, with valid photo ID required for entry. The festival organizers emphasize responsible drinking, encouraging all attendees to know their limits, hydrate often, and never drink and drive.
Getting There
Bryson City is conveniently located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, making it easily accessible from major cities throughout the Southeast. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is located directly on US-19, providing easy access for both local and visiting festival-goers.
What to Expect
The festival offers the ultimate craft beverage experience in the Smoky Mountains, featuring a curated lineup of 10 of the region’s best craft breweries and cideries offering up to 30 different beverages. The riverside setting provides a unique backdrop that sets this festival apart from typical urban beer festivals.
The Bigger Picture: Western North Carolina’s Craft Beer Legacy
The Rivers & Brews Festival is part of a larger movement that has established Western North Carolina as a premier craft beer destination. While Asheville is known as a regional powerhouse for craft beer, traveling just a little further into the mountains reveals an exciting assortment of innovative craft breweries.
This festival celebrates not just the beverages themselves, but the artisans, entrepreneurs, and communities that have made this region a beacon for craft beverage excellence. From innovative sour beers to traditional lagers, from small-batch meads to artisanal ciders, the festival showcases the full spectrum of what makes Western North Carolina brewing so special.
Conclusion: A Can’t-Miss Experience
The 4th Annual Rivers & Brews Festival offers something truly unique in the craft beverage festival landscape. By combining exceptional local brewing with stunning natural beauty, live entertainment, and authentic mountain culture, this event creates memories that last long after the final sip.
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur seeking your next favorite brewery, an outdoor enthusiast looking to combine adventure with relaxation, or simply someone who appreciates good food, great music, and beautiful scenery, the Rivers & Brews Festival delivers an experience that epitomizes the best of what Western North Carolina has to offer.
Mark your calendar for August 23rd, secure your tickets in advance to ensure the best value, and prepare for a day where the river truly meets revelry in one of America’s most beautiful mountain settings. As the festival organizers remind us, “Whether you’re a craft beverage connoisseur or just here for a great time, this is an event you won’t want to miss!”
For tickets and more information, visit the official Nantahala Outdoor Center website or call for current availability and pricing.