Happy fifth anniversary to Tryon Beer Fest, presented by New View Realty! Beer lovers are already buzzing about the diverse local and regional craft beer lineup and the outstanding food selection, including the ever-popular oyster roast, but the festival will also host a variety of exciting games to test your Oktoberfest skills during the Nov. 5 event.

What goes better with beer than hammers and nails! Returning this year is Hammerschlagen, the traditional German game of skill that puts contestants head to head as they drive single nails into a log with the fewest strikes.

After you have nailed Hammerschlagen, keep in the German theme as you compete to see how long you can hold your full cup raised above your head in our Stein Hoist competition.

Giant Jenga will be making its first appearance at the Tryon Beer Fest this year, as players take turns to remove a wooden block from a tower and balance it on top, creating a taller and increasingly unstable structure as the game progresses. A test of both mental and physical skill, this version has blocks that are over eight times the size of the popular tabletop game.

Cornhole, a Southern favorite, will also be making its debut at Tryon Beer Fest in November. Rack up points by landing a woody (this is an actual Cornhole term) on the board, or sink one in the hole for ultimate bragging rights (by the way, this is referred to as “nothing but hole” — can’t make this up!). This game allows you to leave one hand free for a beer … or maybe your new main squeeze? However you play, one thing’s for certain in this league: Fun is in the bag.

Another game making its debut this year is Ladderball. The concept challenges players to land bolas — foot-long ropes with balls attached at both ends — on a series of crossbars from 15 feet away.

The free photo booth will also be available, so we encourage you to dress the part to immortalize your Oktoberfest celebration in Tryon with friends.  

Tryon Beer Fest tickets can be purchased online at tryonbeerfest.com. If you prefer to purchase in person, you can find tickets at La Bouteille, and at the Tryon Coffee House Co-op, which are all in downtown Tryon. Tickets can also be purchased at the Greer, S.C. La Bouteille location in the historic train depot. Go online to learn more about sponsorship for this event.

Past Tryon Beer Fests have brought in as many as 1,200 festivalgoers and there is a cap on ticket sales, so don’t miss out this year! This event is produced by the Tryon Downtown Development Association with a partnership benefiting Polk County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This is a rain or shine event for those 21 and older (ID required at the gate). Sorry, no kids, no pets, no firearms on festival grounds. Follow us at Facebook.com/tryonbeerfestival. Cheers!

~ Dirk Lovelace