ASHLAND  — Ashland’s only craft beer festival celebrates Father’s Day weekend and five years of serving the best craft beer this Saturday on the streets of downtown Ashland.

The fifth annual Firkin Fest will take place on Winchester Avenue downtown from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and features 147 craft beers, live music, local food and regional retailers.

“It’s an exciting event for downtown Ashland,” Whitney Lowe, of Ashland in Motion, who organizes the event, said. “It’s a way to showcase all the amenities downtown, like restaurants and retailers.”

Lowe said it is a “huge benefit” to the city.

“And besides the economic impact for the community, it’s a really exciting event,” she said. “We have 150 craft beers and the list grows every year.”

Lowe said the event is also good for those who aren’t beer drinkers, with food and retailers on hand.

“It’s a neat, eclectic mix of beer, food and other items,” she said. “And we stress for those who aren’t beer drinkers, it’s a free event.”

Tickets may be purchased online at BeerFests.com or at the following local retailers: 1st Stop Liquor; Ashland Beverage Centre; Carter Avenue Beverage; Good Spirits; and Shamrock Liquors.

Admission to Firkin Fest is free to designated drivers and guests who wish not to sample craft beer. Guests interested in craft beer tasting must be 21 or older and must purchase an event ticket.

The event will feature live music and local retailers and vendors.

Acts scheduled to perform include Creek Don’t Rise, Chocolate 4-Wheeler, The Handshake Deals, Driftwood Gypsy and Charlie Brown Superstar. Live music is hosted and emceed by iHeart Radio.

General admission presale tickets are $25, while the day of event cost is $30. VIP admission presale tickets are $50, with day of event cost is $55. Presale VIP tickets may be purchased online only.

General admission ticket includes ten (10) craft beer tasting tickets and official Firkin Fest mini mug.

Event proceeds will benefit non-profit organization Ashland in Motion and sponsor future events and community initiatives.

To purchase tickets for the fifth annual Firkin Fest, visit tickets.beerfests.com/event/firkin-fest And for more information, visit Ashland Firkin Fest on Facebook or www.ashlandinmotion.org.