Festival Back With Beer, Tech

On Oct. 3, music lovers, beer enthusiasts and the tech savvy will be hanging out backstage at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers where world-class performers load-in their shows.

The fourth year of the music, beer and tech event called AMP Fest moves to a Thursday this year in response to patrons’ feedback that autumn weekends in Northwest Arkansas are just a teensy bit busy.

“They kind of liked the idea of kicking off their weekend on a Thursday night,” offers Amy Freeman, senior corporate relations manager for the AMP and Walton Arts Center.

Other changes this year include a more intimate setting in positioning the event only backstage — and on the AMP stage for VIPs; the new beer vendors, and a full cash bar for VIP ticket holders; and, of course, the newest tech innovations and activations from partners like Samsung. A new partnership with BITE NWA also brings small bites from local restaurants to the VIP lounge.

“One of the reasons for AMP Fest was to have an event where young professionals can come and still fundraise for Walton Art Center’s arts education component,” Freeman says of the event.

In its first three years, AMP Fest raised more $220,000 for that programming, which benefits and supports the regional community. The fourth annual event will take place 6-10 p.m. Oct. 3 at the AMP in Rogers and is open to guests 21 and older. Tickets are $40 and include a sampling glass and access to all activations; VIP tickets are $95 at 4435600 or waltonartscenter.org/AMP.