By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
After taking a break last year due to pandemic shutdowns and restrictions, the annual Otey’s Fest is returning to Crestline Village, taking over the parking lot in front of Otey’s Tavern on July 31.
Otey’s Tavern owner Will Haver founded the event shortly after he bought the Crestline Village bar in 2008. According to Haver, the event has continued to offer the community a time to come together and celebrate.
“2020 was a tough year for everyone, and it is good to get back to some sense of normalcy,” Haver said. “We have always had a unique vision for Otey’s Fest and have kept it as a fun shindig. The biggest change this year, because we are only selling limited tickets, is that we are doing an all-inclusive ticket.”
Each ticket includes admission to the event and food, as well as beer and cocktails for those over 21. The menu will include longtime Otey’s fixture Rodney Davis’ famous burgers.
What won’t be changing is the music and the drive to help a cause.
“Otey’s Fest always benefited a nonprofit, and this year we are benefiting our friends at the Phoenix Club of Birmingham,” Haver said.
The Phoenix Club is a social and philanthropic organization that supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, providing funds to support specific needs as well as scholarship programs.
All of the musical acts set to be at the event hail from Birmingham.
Kicking things off at 6 p.m. will be The ‘Hams, which includes Otey’s Tavern namesake John “Otey” Hutchinson.
Headlining at 8 p.m. will be Party of the Year, a musical act from the producers of Black Jacket Symphony that performs greatest hits from the ’60s all the way to present day.
The lineup will conclude with a performance by local duo Jackson Walls at 10 p.m. inside the restaurant.
Advanced tickets are available for $85, but kids ages 18 and under enter for free. If the show isn’t sold out, additional tickets will be available at the gate for $100.
For more information, visit oteysfest.com.