The Dawsonville Music and Beer Festival is coming back to rock the city for its second year.

Were really excited to be back this year, Castleberry Ale House owner and festival organizer Donavon Hyder said. Its going to be even bigger and better. We have tons of food and craft vendors. There is something for all ages.

The festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 and 23, behind city hall.

Headlining the festival on Aug. 22 are Kurt Thomas, Across the Wide and Johnny Awesome. On Aug. 23, entertainers will be Southern Accent, Alex Hall, Radford Windham and Step Back Cadillac, Jacob Bryant and Twisted Whiskey.

Jody Abernathy of Across the Wide said he is excited about playing the festival again this year. Ive got the full four-piece band and special guest Clinton Gregory, Abernathy said. Hes a great stringer and a really great fiddle player.

Abernathy said the band will play the songs its known for, but also will feature a few new songs. We just finished recording a short CD of original music with Johnny Garcia in Nashville, he said. He just produced a three-song CD for us. Well be playing some songs off that CD and also have that for sale.

Abernathy believes this years festival will be better than last years. I was surprised by the turnout last year. I think it will be even better this year.

In addition to music, there will also be plenty of beers for tasting. Festival creator Donavon Hyder said several food trucks will be on hand, in addition to several jewelry and crafts vendors.

Radio station Rock 100.5 will broadcast live from the festival. They are going to be doing giveaways of tickets and t-shirts, Hyder said.

Advanced tickets for the festival are $10 per day. Tickets at the gate cost $15 each day. Two-day advanced passes are $20 or $25 at the gate. There is also a VIP ticket option that is $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. A VIP ticket-holder gets a t-shirt, special tent seating and two drink tickets. Tickets may be purchased at www.freshtix.com

Proceeds from the event will support the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Camp Southern Ground.

For more information, including band start times, you may visit the festivals Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dawsonvillebeerfestival.