By Will Fairless
Associate Editor
Opelika Main Street On Tap is returning on Aug. 1. The craft beer festival will be held for the second year in a row, and it will be run from 12:30 to 6 p.m. in North Railroad Ave.
The festival will be expanded from one block to two, to accommodate both social distancing practices and more tents and breweries than last year. “We see it as being a really good event for the community,” said Ken Ward, executive director of Opelika Main Street, “Weʼre revamping it to make it better than ever.”
There will be some guidelines in place related to the coronavirus, such as spaced out tents, available hand sanitizer and a ticket cap at around 750. “Weʼre asking anybody whoʼs experienced symptoms of COVID-19 to avoid attending the event,” Ward said.
Although the festival is bound by some restrictions, Ward said it is meant to be a part of the re-opening of downtown Opelika. “We know people are ready to get back outside and enjoy the events in the area,” he said. “We hope this is a good kick start to that.” On Tap fills the space left by other major events being cancelled or postponed, that space containing the opportunity to enjoy Opelikaʼs beautiful downtown, shop and eat at the local businesses downtown, listen to live music and of course, drink some beer.
The event is pet-friendly as long as pets are kept on leashes, and there is a new VIP section that will be air-conditioned and feature some drinks not available outside of it. Tickets are $35 ($50 for VIP) and include 50 2oz beer tastings and a commemorative glass. Ward urges people to buy their tickets in advance at opelikamainstreet.com, as no tickets will be available on the day if the cap is reached online.