ARToberfest Homebrew Competition

Event: ARToberfest, presented by the North Central Louisiana Arts Council (NCLAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Date & location: Saturday, October 10, 2026 — Downtown Ruston, Louisiana.
Questions: [email protected]

1. Eligibility

• Open to amateur homebrewers age 21 or older. Proof of age is required at check-in.
• Entries must be homemade beer produced in accordance with Louisiana law governing home brewing. Beer produced by or for a licensed commercial brewery is not eligible for the competition or the cash purse. Commercial breweries pouring at ARToberfest do so as featured guests of the biergarten, outside the competition.
• Employees of licensed breweries may enter only beer brewed at home, on their own equipment, independent of their employer.
• Each brewer (or brew team) may submit up to three (3) entries. Each entry must be a distinct beer.

2. Registration & Entries

• Register through the official online entry form linked at artoberfestruston.com. Registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation.
• Entry deadline: Saturday, September 26, 2026. Late entries are accepted at NCLAC's discretion.
• Quantity, packaging, and drop-off/serving instructions will be emailed to registered brewers ahead of the event.
• Entries may be grouped by style for the tasting lineup; the final lineup depends on the field of entries and will be communicated before the event.

3. People's Choice Voting & Awards

• Winners are decided by People's Choice: festival attendees age 21+ who sample in the biergarten each receive a ballot (or voting token) and vote for their favorite competition entries. Commercial pours are not on the ballot. The three entries with the most votes take 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
• One ballot per verified 21+ attendee. Ballot-stuffing, vote buying, or tampering disqualifies the entry involved. NCLAC tallies the votes; in the event of a tie, a coin flip or NCLAC tiebreaker vote decides placement, and NCLAC's count and resolution are final.
• Winners will be announced at ARToberfest on October 10, 2026. You do not need to be present to win, but we'd love to hand you the check in person.
• Prize recipients may be required to complete tax paperwork as required by law, and are solely responsible for any taxes on prize winnings.

4. Health, Safety & Serving Disclosures

• ARToberfest is an all-ages community event; alcohol service and sampling are restricted to attendees 21+ with valid ID and event wristband, in designated areas.
• Sample pours are limited in size. NCLAC and its volunteers may refuse service to anyone, at any time, for any reason.
• Homebrewed beer is produced in home facilities that are not subject to commercial inspection. Consumers sample at their own discretion. Brewers must disclose known common allergens (e.g., wheat, lactose, nuts, honey, fruit) on request.
• Please plan a safe ride home. Do not drink and drive.

5. Liability Waiver & Photo Release

By registering, each entrant agrees to the following: Entrant releases and holds harmless the North Central Louisiana Arts Council, the City of Ruston, event sponsors, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and volunteers from any and all claims, damages, or liability arising out of or related to participation in the competition or the event, including the preparation, transport, serving, and consumption of entrant's beer, except to the extent caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Entrant represents that their entries were lawfully produced and are safe for sampling. Entrant grants NCLAC permission to photograph and record the event and to use entrant's name, likeness, brew name, and images in event promotion without compensation.

6. General

• NCLAC may amend these rules, or cancel or modify the competition, at any time for any reason, including weather or permitting requirements; the current version will always be posted on this page.
• Violation of these rules, applicable law, or unsafe conduct may result in disqualification without refund of any kind.
• These rules are provided for a community arts event and are not legal advice.

Contact: Questions about rules, entries, or voting — email [email protected].