The Great Decatur Beer Festival was once a most excellent event. However, things have changed for the worse. First, and most annoyingly, the greedy organizers have developed a nasty habit of increasing the price by five dollars every year. This year, the cost of admission was a whopping thirty dollars. That would make it 17 percent more expensive than the Dunwoody Beer Festival and 33 percent more expensive than the East Atlanta Beer Festival.

Unfortunately, TGDBF is not 33 percent, or even 17 percent, more fun than the other two festivals. In contrast to the DBF and EABF, which have minimal lines, the lines at TGDBF are ridiculously long. Just to get in, people were sitting next to the gates at 10:30am. TGDBF does not open until 1:00pm. After waiting patiently for hours just to gain entry reasonably quickly when TGDBF finally opens, and in contrast to prior years, patrons are insulted with a four ounce commemorative tasting glass. Bloody fucking wankers. Both the DBF and EABF provided beer enthusiasts with a full sized pint glass.

I have been attending TGDBF every year since 2001 and had excellent times with some of my best friends. However, the ludicrously high price and weak glass leave me no choice. I do not recommend this event.

notes:

PHOTO: Random revelers attending the Great Decatur Beer Festival in Decatur, GA. October 16, 2004. Courtesy of d.2263 Photographics. View more Great Decatur Beer Festival photos.