At Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, Tailgates & Trailheads brings together fans of the outdoors and college football to celebrate public lands, waters, and wild places with a true pre-game vibe for the University of Georgia versus Oklahoma State. The day spotlights Georgia and Athens traditions with live music, friendly community, and quality beer.
Athens band Grassland sets the tone with energetic Americana, followed by country artist Catt McCreary, a multi-instrumentalist and self-producing songwriter whose Georgia roots and Appalachian influences shape a modern country sound. She has an upcoming project in 2026.
Between sets, storytellers take the stage. Marc Thompson, a Georgia BHA chapter leader, shares a lifelong love of conservation sparked by time fishing with his grandfather and exploring local creeks and woods. Durrell Smith, a Georgia-based creative and co-founder with his wife Ashley of Minority Outdoor Alliance, speaks to his passions for dogs, upland pursuits, connecting people to the outdoors, visual art, and music. Baylee Taylor of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, who serves as sporting recruitment manager, brings stories from the field with a special enthusiasm for turkey hunting and adventures around the state. Alisha Beck, raised in Georgia and founder of Girls with Bows, tells how discovering archery in her mid 20s led to championing archery and the outdoors with women nationwide.
Look for more than $4,000 in prizes, Public Land Beer from Terrapin Beer Company, vendor booths, and Public Landowner merchandise. Georgia BHA chapter leaders, BHA staff members, and BHA North American Board President Chris Jenkins are part of the celebration. Vendor and sponsor inquiries may be directed to Hibbs@backcountryhunters.org.
Tickets are available at two levels. Basic Entrance is $10 per adult, and kids 15 and younger are free. The Conservation Ticket is $50 per adult and includes basic entrance, entry into special prize drawings, and recognition at the event as a Conservation Advocate. Supporting sponsors include Terrapin Beer Co., Stone Glacier, XOP, Outdoorsy, Benchmade, Turtle Box, Danner Boots, Simms, Sitka, Rocky Talkie, and Waltons.
