The fifth annual Rome Beer Festival takes place Sept. 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Park in Rome.

The largest annual fundraiser for the Rome Area Council for the Arts, this year’s festival will bring more than 75 beers for sampling.

“The wide selection from both large breweries and craft brewers is a chance for the people to try new things and learn about the art of beer,” said co-director Erica Simpson McGinnis. “Almost two-thirds of the beers will be brand new to the festival.”

Georgia’s own Terrapin Brewing Company, Sweetwater, Monday Night, and Red Hare will be prominent as well as breweries from across the southeast.

Rome Beer Fest raises money for RACA through ticket sales and community sponsorships. RACA uses the funds to support local art and artists as well as arts education and awareness. Last year’s proceeds allowed RACA to create an online arts portal at romearts.org where artists and organizations can create a free profile and submit their events to the community arts calendar.

Live music at the festival will be provided by Jerry On the Moon, My Ninja, Shameless Natives, and a collection of beer cover songs performed by the members of Muletide Perkins Trio.

In addition to live entertainment, there will be several arts-related activities including a photo booth from 3 Rivers Photography and a live art demonstration from Melissa Harris of Gallery 318. The resulting piece will be auctioned to the highest silent bidder and both its proceeds and the photo booth filmstrip purchases will go to RACA. Vendors include La Scala, Mellow Mushroom and Old Havana Cigar Co.

This year’s Designated Driver ticket holders will be treated to free beverages courtesy of River City Bank and other local sponsors.

Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the gate) and include a sampling glass and beer ratings card. This year marks the debut of the VIP ticket. 50 of these $45 tickets were pre-sold for early entry to the festival, a free t-shirt ($15 value), and a swag bag.

Designated Driver tickets are $10. No one under 21 will be admitted and everyone must have a picture ID to enter. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.romebeerfest.com, as well as at Old Havana Cigar Co., Mellow Mushroom, and La Scala.

Attendees are encouraged to use one of the downtown parking decks and to enter the festival via the walking bridge between Bridgepoint Plaza and Heritage Park. Become a fan of Rome Beer Festival on Facebook to keep up with the latest updates, including the release of the official beer list.