Festival of Art, Drinks and Family Fun Returns to Ella Sharp Museum

The summer buzz in Jackson starts on Saturday, June 6, when the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History opens its doors for the twelfth Art, Beer & Wine Festival. Visitors can arrive at 2 p. m. , with an early‑entry option from 1 p. m. for those who want to beat the crowd. This year’s gathering is the museum’s biggest fundraiser, supporting its programs and exhibitions. Around 30 beverage tents will offer beer, wine and other drinks from local favorites like Ogma Brewing, Founders Brewing, North River Vodka and Sandhill Crane Winery. The event also features about 70 arts vendors and 13 food trucks, including Tiki Sam’s Pizza, FFF Truck and the Junkyard Dog. A new addition is a kids zone, created in partnership with community groups such as Kids N’ Stuff, the Dahlem Center and the Jackson District Library. Parents can relax while their children play in a safe, family‑friendly space.Tickets are available for purchase online now. General admission is $45 and includes ten tasting tokens and a souvenir glass. VIP passes cost $90, offering extra samples, a T‑shirt, an appetizer and specialty drinks in the climate‑controlled Granary. Those who prefer to simply view art or are non‑drinkers can enter for $20, and anyone under 18 enters free. Prices will rise to $55, $110, and $25 on the day. Live music fills several stages across the museum grounds. The main stage on the community room patio hosts acts like 5‑Second Rule, Big L & Code Blu, Kevin Krieger and Banjo Mike Evans, among a dozen other performers. The museum welcomes volunteers for two‑hour shifts. Volunteers receive free entry, a $10 food truck voucher, a volunteer T‑shirt, a one‑year museum membership and an invitation to the after‑party at Ogma Brewing downtown, where they can enjoy a $1 discount on their first drink.