The Hotel at Auburn University is bringing AprilFest to Auburn. On Friday, April 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., craft brew enthusiasts will gather around to sample 24 craft beers expertly paired with small bites created by executive chef Andrew Litherland and catering and special event chef Leonardo Maurelli III. Live cooking demonstrations and music by Patrick Bruce, who specializes in Spanish and blues guitar will also be there to entertain the crowd.

“The inspiration for AprilFest came from the Oktoberfest celebrations that take place each September and October,” Maurelli said. “We thought, why wait, and decided to come up with an equally exciting event that could be celebrated with spring. AprilFest also provides another outlet for the team at The Hotel at Auburn University to showcase our creativity in pairing delicious dishes with regional and local beers.”

The home brewing community is very strong in Auburn and has an enormous hit with the public, said Hans van der Reijden, hotel managing director.

The following popular breweries from Alabama and Georgia will be providing samples of their craft beers: Straight To Ale, Blue Pants Brewery, Yellowhammer Brewery, Bells, Red Brick, SweetWater, Rogue, Great Divide, Terrapin, Back Forty, Fine Wine and Beer By Gus, and Birmingham Beverage.

“This is really, really good stuff,” Reijden said.

Each beer will be paired with a creative small plate. Some highlights from the menu include: North Georgia Quail, Spiced Duck Breast and Deer Prosciutto.

“We have never had a beer event like this in Auburn before,” Reijden said. “We want to make this a tradition.”

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and can be purchased at The Hotel at Auburn University Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the event based on availability. For additional information, call Hayley Grimes at (334) 321-3179.