Ohio Brew Week

One of this era’s new traditions, Ohio Brew Week is an annual craft beer festival held in Athens, Ohio, celebrating Ohio breweries, craft beer, and the local community. The week-long event features activities like beer tastings, tap takeovers, live music, food pairings, and brewery showcases at various bars, restaurants, and venues throughout Athens. The event attracts beer enthusiasts from all over the state and beyond, offering a chance to try a wide variety of Ohio-made beers while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Athens. The week concludes with a street festival in Uptown Athens, featuring live music, food trucks, and, of course, plenty of craft beer. This year’s event will take place July 11-19.

The OHIO Giving Day Featured Fund: Chemistry and Biochemistry

Athens' Ohio Brew Week is the ORIGINAL Ohio brew week. The OU Alumni Association's Bobcat Brew Trail program will again be a ‘Platinum Barrel’ sponsor of the week — alongside Jackie O's.

In summer 2022, “Sun Tea”, an English IPA recipe designed in a chemistry class by Francesca Carney '22, was put into production by Jackie O's to help Ohio University kick off its Craft Brewing Certificate.

OHIO's Chemistry & Biochemistry Department continues to offer its course, CHEM4501: Principles of Brewing Science. "Through the practice of beer making, this course touches on fundamental concepts in biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and plant biology. In addition to the science, the course also explores historical perspectives, business aspects, and health impacts associated with beer making and consumption,” said Michael Held, Associate Professor & Graduate Chair of the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Current Ohio Brew Week director Brandon Thompson '03 took over the role in 2016, becoming the third director of Brew Week in its 20-year history. Brandon also helps put on the annual Halloween Block Party on Court Street.