Raise a glass and celebrate craft beer in the heart of Cookeville’s historic westside! 🍻 

WCTE Blues & Brews, a craft beer and music festival is back and better than ever, happening Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Trackside, the perfect venue near the Depot for an afternoon of great brews, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Get ready to groove at Blues & Brews with the Mark Anthony Ensemble—bringing a soulful blend of Americana, country, and rock to the stage!

Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Anthony, this Nashville-based band delivers original music packed with heart and energy. With roots in acoustic, country, and rock, Mark's musical journey spans from New England to the U.S. Virgin Islands and now across the Southeast. A signed artist with Iron Gate Records, he’s released 11 singles to date and continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling and sound.

Don’t miss this dynamic performance that’ll have you dancing and raising your glass! 🍻🎸

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun way to unwind after the Haunted Half Marathon & 5K, this festival is your chance to explore a wide selection of beers from local and regional breweries. 

From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, there’s something for every taste. Plus, enjoy mouthwatering eats from a variety of food vendors and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cookeville’s westside.

This event isn’t just about great beer—it’s also a chance to support WCTE PBS, ensuring continued access to engaging, educational, and inspiring programming in our community. So, grab your friends, mark your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Cheers! 🍻

More details coming soon! Stay tuned for ticket information and brewery announcements.

TICKETS

• General Admission Tickets $50 (DAY-OF TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR $55)
• VIP tickets $70 (day-of VIP tickets $75)
• THIS EVENT WILL BE SOLD OUT AT 600 TICKETS, so please don't delay in purchasing yours today.

FOOD

• Food may be purchased from Food Truck Vendors with cash or card, for those that accept card payments.

VIP TICKETS & STEIN SOCIAL

• The VIP Stein Social will be held from 11am-noon for VIP ticket holders.
• This will be a chance for beer lovers to mingle with the brewers and distributors before general admission.
• Your VIP ticket also includes all day hospitality tent with several beer and food options changing throughout the day and exclusive tented seating for VIP's only.
• VIP reserved table of 10 available. Please call 931-528-2222 to reserve.

HOME BREWING SELECTION

• WCTE Craft Beer Fest offers a unique glimpse into home-brewing with an entire section of the festival dedicated to the craft of home brewing. The Tennessee Home Brewers Association will have samples and brewing demonstrations.

By attending this event, ticket holders expressly grant the promoter and its licensee permission to use holders' image or likeness in connection with any live or recorded transmission or reproduction of such event, or in any future promotion and/or advertising materials, in any medium, including the internet.

If you need more information about the event, please email Amber Carl at acarl@wcte.org or call 931-528-2222.

🍻 Craft Beer Fun Facts  🍻

1️⃣ The Oldest Recipe in the World is for Beer! 📜🍺Archaeologists discovered a 4,000-year-old Sumerian poem that includes a recipe for brewing beer. That means beer has been enjoyed for millennia—cheers to ancient brewers!

2️⃣ Hops Are Like the Spice Rack of Beer 🌿🍺 Hops aren’t just for bitterness—they add unique aromas and flavors, from citrusy and floral to piney and earthy. Different hop varieties create distinct craft beer styles!

3️⃣ Craft Beer Can Have More Flavors Than Wine! 🍇🍻While wine has about 400 identifiable flavor compounds, craft beer can have over 1,000! That’s thanks to the variety of grains, hops, yeasts, and brewing techniques used.

4️⃣ The Strongest Beer Ever Brewed Was 67.5% ABV! 🍾🔥Brewed by a Scottish brewery, “Snake Venom” holds the record for the highest alcohol content in a beer. But don’t worry, the craft beers at our festival are much more drinkable!

5️⃣ There’s a Beer Style for Every Season! 🌞🍂❄️🌸Light and crisp lagers are perfect for summer, while dark stouts and porters warm you up in winter. Fall calls for pumpkin ales and Märzens, and spring is great for wheat beers. What’s your favorite?

WHO/WHAT IS ALLOWED?

• THIS EVENT IS 21+. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ID WITH YOU TO BE ADMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED?

• Drone activity is prohibited on event grounds under Federal Issue 14CFR91.13

WEATHER FORECAST

• Event to be held rain or shine, all sales final. Beer & VIP areas are tented.

To become a sponsor for this year's beer festival please contact Tiffany McDonald at tmcdonald@wcte.org or call at 615-557-7573.