Saturday, October 4, 2025
11am – 8pm
About the Event
The Elizabethan Gardens proudly presents the first annual “Autumn Ale Faire,” a fun, family-friendly event that captures the spirit of a fall harvest celebration. Join us on Saturday, October 4, 2025, coinciding with the final day of Oktoberfest in Germany, to celebrate regional breweries, delicious food, and live music within our breathtaking garden setting. Our dog friendly, 10-acre waterfront garden will be open for your enjoyment, with the Great Lawn (under the giant tent) serving as the main stage for beer, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic beverage presentations along with a variety of food offerings and rotating live musical performances. In the Kid’s Zone (11am-3:00pm) we will host crafts for kids, yard games, bounce house and dry slide. Games and contests will be held earlier in the day.
Honoring a Local Brewing Legend
This inaugural event raises a glass to Uli Bennewitz, founder of North Carolina’s very first microbrewery, The Weeping Radish (1986, Manteo, NC). A true trailblazer, Uli helped ignite the state’s booming craft beer scene — now a 13.4-billion-dollar industry — by championing key legislative changes that opened the doors for countless breweries to follow.
And what’s a tribute without a toast? Leah Wong Ashburn, CEO of Highland Brewing, will join the celebration with a heartfelt salute to Uli and the debut of a special beer brewed just for the occasion — capped off with a special keg tapping!
So come sip, savor, and celebrate: Uli, Autumn, and Ales — the start of a brand-new tradition at The Elizabethan Gardens!
Ticket Price Levels:
21 and up – $25 – Includes wristband and one beverage ticket which can be exchanged for a sponsored beverage under the big tent (ID Check Required)
Non-Drinking – $20
Kids 12 and under – Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Dog – Woof! – $6
Event Sponsors
Interested in being a Vendor for the Autumn Ale Faire?
Interested in being a Sponsor for the Autumn Ale Faire?
More Info Below
Schedule of Events
Live Music 11AM-8PM – Great Lawn under the giant tent
11:00-1:30 – Bill Rea & Adam Nixon
https://www.facebook.com/bill.rea
https://www.facebook.com/adam.deaconblues
2:00 – 4:30 – Funkamongus with Sam on Sax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aPMQVnapFs
5:00 – 8:00 – Trickfly
https://www.facebook.com/Trickflyobx
MUSIC 11:00-1:30–Bill Rea & Adam Nixon
11:00 – 3:00 – Kid’s Zone – Overlook Terrace
Craft Tables – Dare County Master Gardeners, Jennette’s Pier, N.E.S.T.
Lawn Games – Croquet, Giant Jinga, Tic-tac-toe, Cornhole
Spacewalk Inflatables
MUSIC 2:00 – 4:30 – Funkamongus with Sam on Sax
4:30 – Great Lawn
Living Tribute and a Toast to Uli Bennewitz – Leah Wong Ashburn, CEO Highland Brewing
Special Keg Tapping – “Friends with Bennewitz” – Highland Brewing
MUSIC 5:00 – 8:00 – Trickfly
8:00 – That’s a Wrap!
*Just like the OBX weather, listed items are subject to change without notice.
FAQs
What is the date and time of the festival?
Autumn Ale Faire is October 4th, 2025 and it runs from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Will I need to bring identification?
Yes, if you purchased a 21+ ticket, or plan to purchase alcoholic beverages, then we will have a strict policy on ID checks. Please bring your valid photo identification with you. Pictures or facsimiles of ID will not be accepted.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Yes, the Autumn Ale Faire is a dog-friendly event! All well behaved dogs at the event must be leashed and cleaned up after.
May I bring my own alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) to the event?
No, alcohol nor coolers may not be brought on-site. Various types of beer and wine are available for sale with a valid ID. Proper identification is required, and The Elizabethan Gardens reserves the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to any attendee.
Will non-beer options be available?
Yes, there will be a variety of non-alcoholic options as well as seltzers, ciders, wine, and mead.
What if it rains?
The event is held rain or shine. The great lawn will be under a 40’x100′ tent and the beer garden will be under a 40’x20′ tent. The Elizabethan Gardens reserves the right to postpone, cancel and/or evacuate events due to adverse weather conditions. All ticket purchases are final.
What credit cards will be accepted?
We will accept Visa, Master Charge, Amex, and Discover, as well as cash on the day of the festival.
Will smoking be allowed on the Gardens grounds?
Smoking/Vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking area.
Are there any restrictions on bringing weapons to this event?
Yes. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, multi-tools, replica/toy weapons or pepper spray, are NOT allowed.
May I bring my blanket, towel or lawn chair to this event?
Yes! Blankets, towels and chairs are encouraged for use in the viewing area of the music stage.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! Autumn Ale Faire has fun for the whole family. Kid focused activities will be held from 11am-3pm, on the Overlook Terrace, Including bounce house and slide, crafts, and more.
Bands
11:00AM-1:30PM Bill Rea & Adam Nixon
2:00PM-4:30PM Funkamongus with Sam on Sax
5:00PM-8:00PM TrickFly
