Sample more than 100 different beers at this year’s Winter Beer Carnival! Featuring traditional favorites and premium craft beers, there will also be an assortment of the best winter brews.

For the true beer geek, we invite you to HOPtimize to a VIP ticket  and receive admission into the event one hour early where you will have  exclusive access to sample a premium selection of top rated and hard to find beers. Make sure and buy your tickets early, as this event is SURE TO SELL OUT!

Check out the epic list of beers so far:

Abita Amber
Abita Mardi Gras Bock
Abita strawberry
Abita Turbo Dog
Allagash White
Anchor Steam Brekle’s Brown
Anchor Steam Liberty
Bass Ale
Belhaven Wee Heavy (VIP)
Bell’s Best Brown Ale
Bell’s Hop Slam
Bell’s Porter
Bell’s Two Hearted
Blue Moon Belgian White
Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale
Boddington’s Pub Ale
Bridgeport Hop Czar
Bridgeport IPA
Brooklyn Brown Ale
Brooklyn Lager
Brooklyn Local 1 (VIP)
Chimay Grande Reserve (VIP)
Chimay Premier (VIP)
Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale
Dales Pale Ale
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head Namaste (VIP)
Dundees Variety Pack (Honey Brown)
Duvel (VIP)
Estrella Damm Daura Gluten Free
Founders Centennial IPA
Founders Red’s Rye PA
Full Sail Pale Ale
Full Sail Sessions Black
Fuller’s ESB
Fuller’s London Pride
Gordon Biersch Variety (Marzen, Blonde, Festbier)
Gordon Biersch Winterbock
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti (VIP)
Great Divide Hibernation Ale
Great Divide Scotch Ale
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (VIP)
Hacker-Pschorr Dunkle Weisse
Hoegaarden
Holy Mackerel Golden Ale
Holy Mackerel Panic Attack
Innis & Gunn (VIP)
Innis & Gunn Rum Cask (VIP)
Jailhouse Breakout Stout
Jailhouse Mugshot IPA
Jailhouse Slammer Wheat
Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black
Kopparberg Pear Cider
Kopparberg Strawberry-Lime Cider
La Trappe Quadrupel (VIP)
Lagunitas Farmhouse Hop Stoopid
Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale
Lagunitas Maximus
Leffe
Leffe Brune
Legbiter Ale
Liefman’s Goudenband (VIP)
Longhammer IPA
Magic Hat #9
Magic Hat Circus Boy
Magic Hat Howl
Moreland Brewery Ruddles County
Napa Smith Bonfire
Napa Smith Crush
Napa Smith Organic IPA
New Belgium 1554
New Belgium Fat Tire
New Belgium La Folie (VIP)
New Belgium Mothership Wit
New Belgium Ranger IPA
New Belgium Snow Day
New Planet 3R Raspberry Ale
New Planet Off Grid Pale Ale
New Planet Tread Lightly Ale
Ommegang Abbey Ale (VIP)
Ommegang Rare VOS (VIP)
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Peak Organic IPA
Peak Organic Winter Session Ale
Penn Dark Lager (VIP)
Penn Pilsner (VIP)
Penn St. Nickolaus Bock Bier (VIP)
Red Brick Hoplanta
Red Brick Laughing Skull
Red Brick Porter
Red Brick Vanilla Gorrilla
Red Brick Wee Heavy- Brick Mason Series
Red Hook Mudslinger
Redbridge
Rogue American Amber
Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Rogue Mocha Porter
Samual Smith Winter Welcome
Shiner 102
Shiner Frost
Shock Top Belgian Wheat
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (VIP)
Southampton Double White
Southampton Imperial Porter
Southampton IPA
Southampton Saison (VIP)
Spaten Optimator
Spaten Premium Lager
St. Patrick’s Ale
Stella Artois
Stiegl (VIP)
Stone Brewing Arrogant Bastard Ale (VIP)
Stone Russian Imperial Stout (VIP)
Stone Smoked Porter (VIP)
Stoudts Double IPA
Sweetwater 420
Sweetwater Dank Tank (VIP)
Sweetwater Exodus Porter
Sweetwater IPA
Terrapin Easy Rider IPA
Terrapin Hop Karma IBA
Terrapin Hopsecutioner
Terrapin Rye Pale Ale
Unibroue La Fin Du Mounde (VIP)
Unibroue Maudite (VIP)
Unibroue Trois Pistoles (VIP)
Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier
Weihenstephan Korbinian
Weihenstephan Vitus
Well’s Banana Bread (VIP)
Well’s Bombadier Ale (VIP)
Widmer Drifter Pale Ale
Widmer Pitch Black IPA
Wild Heaven Invocation Golden Ale (VIP)
Wild Heaven Ode to Mercy Brown
Woodchuck 802 Dark and Dry
Woodchuck Amber
Woodchuck Pear Cider
Woodchuck Winter Seasonal Cider
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout (VIP)

Through the doom and gloom of post-holiday horribleness lies a frothy shining light. The 3rd Annual Winter Beer Carnival will be upon us on February 11 – and it’s move to Atlantic Station to accommodate the  huge increase in yummy beer and kick ass carnival games, not to mention more music and food. Patrons will get the chance to sample over 100 beers, including some special winter brews, and VIP tickets get you exclusive access to fancy-pants craft beers, private bathrooms, early entry and more!

This event has always sold out, so you’d better buy those tickets now. We smell a good Christmas present brewing…

By Ken Lackner

Full gallery with Ballhog!, High Strung String Band, Spanky and the Love Handles and Steve Tombstone after the jump. Find your picture in our PhotoReflect gallery too!

Ballhog!:

High Strung String Band:

Spanky and the Love Handles:

Steve Tombstone:

This weekend is going to be sunny, gorgeous and packed with amazing food, drink and rock ‘n’ roll. We have so many awesome choices for you that you’ll be falling into your bed on Sunday night giving good ol’ ATL a huge mental hug.

Thursday, November 3 – Jessica Lea Mayfield at The EARL

With songs beyond her young age and an album produced and engineered by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, singer-songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield is light years ahead of her contemporaries. Catch her on the fast-track up at The EARL tonight.

Thursday, November 3 – Fitz & the Tantrums at 40 Watt Club

If you missed the glittery goodness of Fitz & the Tantrums at Center Stage last week, then you have another chance to catch them in Georgia tonight in Athens.

Friday, November 4 – The Kicks at Smith’s Olde Bar

Nashville rockers The Kicks are a favorite of Smith’s, so join them in giving the lads a warm welcome.

Friday, November 4 – Miyavi at The Loft

Japanese pop star Miyavi brings the “What’s My Name?” tour to Atlanta for a seriously packed show on Friday.

Friday, November 4 – Unknown Hinson at The EARL

The hillbilly caricature that is Unknown Hinson (AKA Early Cuyler from Adult Swim’s “Squidbillies”) will be bringing the country to The EARL on Friday.

Saturday, November 5 – Decatur Wine Festival at The Old Courthouse Square

On a cool, breezy, sunny Saturday afternoon there’s hardly any better place to be than in Decatur swilling as much vino as possible. That is unless you…

Saturday, November 5 – Chomp and Stomp in Cabbagetown

… are stuffing your face with copious amounts of incredible chili in Cabbagetown. We’ll be making stops at both to get our fill of eating and drinking in on such a gorgeous fall day.

More information at http://www.chompandstomp.com/

Sunday, November 6 – Inman Park Beer Chase at Inman Park

Continue that eating and drinking streak with a quick 5K and over 80 craft beers to choose from in the lovely Inman Park on Sunday. Don’t worry – the 5K isn’t mandatory, you can just buy the beer ticket.

Sunday, November 6 – Feist at The Tabernacle

Sweet ‘n’ stylish Feist will be wrapping up your weekend with an Apple-approved gig at the majestic Tabernacle on Sunday night.

On Sales:

Norma Jean at Masquerade, December 16 – on sale Friday, November 4

Corey Smith at Wild Bill’s, December 23 – on sale Saturday, November 5

The Kills at Masquerade, February 1 – on sale Friday, November 4

Emilie Autumn at The Loft, February 15 – on sale Friday, November 4

By Amanda Miles

The inaugural Southern Ground Music and Food Festival was held over the weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. Zac Brown’s vision of combining world class fare with live music became a stunning reality over three days in the balmy coastal town. 31 acts from various genres of music including country, folk, rock, reggae and funk scorched the stages at Blackbaud Stadium on scenic Daniel Island. Festival attendees enjoyed jambalaya, fried banana pudding, hand pulled pork and Jack Daniels’ cocktails while relishing music from two distinct vantage points, the Main Stage and the smaller Honest Tea Stage. Zac unveiled a true VIP experience called “front porch boxes,” where first class food and music collide. The seating is eye level with the main stage, complete with platforms for artists to perform on as the ticket holder revels in a delicious four course meal prepared by James Beard award-winning chefs.

Full gallery after the jump.

If you missed the fun and shenanigans, here are stand out moments from the festival:

• On Friday night, Zac Brown Band played a full cover set including songs from Pink Floyd, Widespread Panic, The Band and Tom Petty. During the set, Southern Ground artist Levi Lowrey joined the band for a rousing version of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues.’ Clay Cook’s incredible vocals were center stage on a stirring cover of ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.’
• Southern Ground artists Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey, the Wood Brothers and Blackberry Smoke each rocked the main stage over the course of three days.
• Guitar god Warren Haynes playing alongside ZBB on ‘Comfortably Numb.’
• ZBB member Clay Cook performed a looping solo show on Saturday morning, quickly alternating between playing the drums, keyboard and guitar.
• During Train’s set, lead vocalist Patrick Monahan invited some ladies on stage for a sing along. Madness ensued as woman after woman began jumping on stage until security had to step in and remove females from the catwalk and side stage. Patrick took it in stride and had the remaining throng of adoring female fans on stage join him for a hilarious version of ‘Hey, Soul Sister.”
• My Morning Jacket’s transcendent rock screams filled the stadium Friday night.
• Country music super star Eric Church played to a packed house on Sunday afternoon.
• The Honest Tea Stage showcased lesser known bands with enormous talent. Artists who took the small stage by storm included Athens, GA’s The Whigs, funky Vintage Trouble and the hard driving Dirty Guv’nahs.

The festival was the first of its kind and concert-goers enjoyed every moment of the 72 music filled hours in Charleston, SC. Let’s hope the Southern Ground Music & Food Festival returns in 2012!

Brett Dennen

Clay Cook

Dirty Guv’nahs

Fitz and The Tantrums

Ponderosa

The Wood Brothers

Train

Zac Brown Band

Happy Almost-Weekend People! This one is going to rock. From yummy treats at Taste of Atlanta to the marvels and wonders at the Little Five Points Halloween Parade, we’ve got you covered. And if you do pop along to the parade, be sure to find our tent (in front of Criminal Records) with Ticket Alternative. You can enter to win our raffle, raising money for Criminal Records – more info HERE. We’re also giving prizes away for most awesome costumes! Thursday, October 20 – Young Orchids at Star Bar

Atlanta’s Young Orchids continue to pummel the scene with hi-octane garage rock licks. And this show is extra-special, with Indianapolis Jones (featuring Nick Niespondziani of Y-O-U/Yacht Rock fame) and Thomas Hardy Morris (Dead Confederate) also on the bill.

FREE

Friday, October 21 – Taste of Atlanta Friday Night Kick-Off Party at Tech Square

Food Network’s Aarón Sanchez and famed local chef Kevin Rathbun will be headlining this incredible foodie event the “Big Grill.” Yacht Rock Schooner will be rocking the stage too, and the drinks are included in your ticket, so this is a ticket you’ll be buying.

Friday, October 21 – Deer Tick at The Buckhead Theatre John McCauley brings his indie folk troupe to Atlanta on Friday night.

Friday, October 21 – Little Dragon at Masquerade

Sweden’s Little Dragon continue to get music nerds excited with their seamless blend of indie pop and cool electro.

Saturday, October 22 – Old School Saturday at International Convention Center

Dig out your fanciest threads and doll yourself up for the monthly Old School Saturday, where hundreds will be dancing to the beats of ’80s and ’90s hip-hop and R&B.

Saturday, October 22 – Shannon Wright at The EARL

Atlanta favorite Shannon Wright brings her distinct ever-changing sound to The EARL on Saturday night.

Saturday, October 22 – Sugarland at Philips Arena

Local kids-done-good Sugarland headline a homecoming gig at Philips Arena.

Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 – Taste of Atlanta at Tech Square

The epic Taste of Atlanta food festival celebrates 10 years of amazing food, wine, cocktails, celebrity chefs, cooking demos and all things lovely this week.

On Sales: Anthony Hamilton at Center Stage, December 1 – on sale Friday, October 21

Paul Simon: So Beautiful or So What 2011 Tour at The Arena At Gwinnett Center, December 2 – on sale Friday, October 21

Star 94′s Jingle Jam with Daughtry, Big Time Rush, Matt Nathanson, Parachute at The Arena at Gwinnett Center, December 13 – on sale Saturday, October 22

Futurebirds & Washed Out at Buckhead Theatre, December 30 – on sale Tuesday, October 25

MUTEMATH: The Odd Soul Tour at The Tabernacle, March 18 – on sale Friday, October 21

By Kelsi Velpel

The second weekend in October marked the seventh year of  the A3C Hip Hop Festival, held this year at Masquerade, in Atlanta.  Starting on Thursday, October 6, and ending the night of Saturday, October 8 the festival was consistently alive with musicians, DJs, producers, B-boys, music professionals, and hip-hop fans alike.  There is a unique atmosphere that the A3C Festival achieves that is much unlike any other event of this type.

Local recording artist Dreamer was quoted saying, “The thing that stands out to me is the low-key kinship created by the culture of hip-hop.”  The combination of kinship and unity within the hip-hop culture seemed to be a collective feeling from those at A3C.  After his performance on the iHiphop.com stage, New Orleans artist Dee-1 also commented on A3C, he said, “A3C is dope because to me it’s like SXSW all condensed into one venue. You don’t have to walk and have your feet hurt to try to catch all the good music and people.” There is no doubt that A3C has accomplished a very unique experience which is why the yearly festival draws thousands of attendees each year.

Some of the performance highlights included sets by Big K.R.I.T, Smoke Diza, Killa Kaleon, Dead Prez, Freddie Gibbs, Cory Gunz, Freeway, Big Daddy Kane, Ben G, Dee-1 and many more.  Big K.R.I.T who recently was featured on T.I.’s single “I’m Flexin’” is a prime example of the “come-up” many of the artists attending A3C hope to achieve.  This Mississippi artist has made some major waves within the last year after being featured on the Freshman list by XXL Magazine and completing his first tour, The Smokers Club.  Performer Ben G commented, “The festival was hip-hop in a rare, yet, pure form — it was an honor to be a part of such a respected event with incredible artists.”

Other memorable events included the DJ panel, the video panel, the producer showcase, the B-boy battle, and the Sennheiser panel for professional studio and audio techniques.  Attendees were given guidance from those with experience in the industry and advice on what to do and not to do.  After the professional studio and audio technique panel, panelist Bradley Horne, an engineer for Grand Hustle, stated, “The crowd was great.  They seemed very interested throughout the panel and they had great questions for us.  I really appreciated seeing young people that truly care about our craft and want to learn.”

Everyone seems to agree that A3C 2011 was a huge success.  The networking amongst those who work hard and are dedicated to their craft appears to be what most enjoy from this festival.  It undoubtedly gives those on the grind a chance to be seen, connect with others in the music industry, and learn how to improve upon their skills for the future.

Full gallery of performers, panels and more below:

Sike! Okay, so maybe Kevin Rathbun won’t be singing karaoke, but he will be there with the Food Network’s Aarón Sanchez!! And just in case that is not cool enough for you, then you CAN sing along with the most awesome Yacht Rock Schooner, which if you are not familiar is the  ”fast, light, backwards version of the Yacht Rock Revue Mothership.”

Grill and Chill with Taste of Atlanta at the Friday Night Kick-Off Party on October 21.  Taste of Atlanta’s Big Grill -- A Foodie Exclusive Block Party will showcase ice-cold Amstel Light, Bacardi Oak and Coke, a variety of wines and some of the area’s most delicious dishes. With your VIP ticket, you’ll get easy, early access to this Tech Square party featuring live music, and lots of surprise guest appearances!

Buy Your Tickets Early!

And just to get your little tushes moving in your cubicles, here’s a little taste of some of the suave moves the Yacht Rock Schooner boys will be whipping up for  you!

The 11th Annual Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade is taking place on Saturday, October 22nd and Ticket Alternative  and Atlanta Music Guide is going to be there with lots of awesome treats.

TA and AMG will be doing a raffle for a huge prize pack that includes: $100 gift card from Criminal Records, Wrecking Bar gift certificate, Paste Magazine subscription, Wild Heaven Beer goodies, Team Clermont swag (CDs, t-shirts from their bands), Kingsized prize pack (including tickets and CDs), Alon’s gift certificate, Abbadabba’s gift certificate, Zombie ATL prize, four passes to Netherworld AND Ticket Alternative awesomeness. Raffle tickets are $1 each. $1!

Throughout the day TA and AMG will be giving away other cool swag to people with the coolest costumes.

So, this Saturday get an awesome costume together and come on down to the L5P Halloween Festival and Parade. It’s going to be loads of fun!

For more information about the L5P Halloween Festival and Parade, please visit http://www.l5phalloween.com

If you live on the north part of town, maybe just outside the perimeter, then you’ll be excited to hear that The Dunwoody Music Festival is happening in just over a week’s time. The festival is an all-day event, with a Break Dance Battle Royale, a Battle of the Bands, local merchants and more. The day wraps up with the Stars of 80s Rock – featuring members of 38 Special, Starship and more. Check out the trailer above for a little taste, find out more about the festival at The Dunwoody Music Festival website, and buy tickets for the Stars of 80s Rock concert HERE.