The only thing I like better than drinking beer is meeting the men and women who work tirelessly to grow and support the craft beer scene. Such is the case with Chad and Nellie Montgomery, who’ve made spreading the gospel of craft beer their second full-time job. When you love craft beer as much as this couple does, you can’t keep it to yourself. Chad and Nellie took this sentiment to the next level when they founded one of Texas’s best annual beer festivals – Big Texas Beer Fest – an event that’s securing Dallas’ status as a craft beer powerhouse.

“Our initial inspiration was going to GABF in Denver,” Chad recalled. “With the up and coming beer scene in North Texas, why didn’t we have one of these back at home? Some friends said ‘You should definitely throw Dallas’ first craft beer festival!’ and the rest is as they say, history.”

When I moved to Texas a year ago and inquired about the must-do craft beer events in Dallas, Big Texas Beer Fest was the first, and in many cases the only, event everyone unanimously agreed could not be missed. Sadly for me, I did in fact miss it last year, making this year’s fest on April 6 even more vitally important. Once again, the event takes place inside the Automobile Building at Fair Park (the same site as the State Fair of Texas – or, as I remember it, a gluttonous affair full of fried foods). Since the event promises about 100 breweries (and counting) and over 300 different beers, accessing the fest via the nearby DART station is recommended.

There are numerous perks for those who were lucky enough to snag one of the limited VIP tickets: first dibs to the rare beers available, early entry to avoid crowds, and access to a sweet after-party. Here’s a list of some specific beers you VIPs might want to head towards first, as many of it is stuff you haven’t seen in North Texas or can’t get on a regular basis.

Regular tickets (still on sale) will let guests in from 2 to 6:30 pm, where they’ll enjoy the perfect boot-stomping tunes for drinking courtesy of the (un)official band of Texas craft beer, Fish Fry Bingo, and an ever-enticing assortment of food trucks. As is the case with all beer festivals constrained by Texas state laws that don’t allow “unlimited tastings,” guests will get a sample card good for 12 two-ounce pours, with additional card purchases priced at only $2.

So take my advice, as well as the advice of all the craft beer nerds I’ve met and befriended since moving here – if you’re just starting your downward spiral into craft beer fanaticism or if you’ve only got the time, money, or gumption to do one craft beer event this year, make this the event to hit.

“The local craft brewers are all friends of ours, so we try to focus on those guys as much as possible,” Chad said. “They’re all still building their businesses, and it’s more fun knowing the people who make these awesome beers for us. Last year’s fest was sort of a tipping point when craft beer really started to take hold in North Texas. We’re just a platform for those guys, hoping to help them build their brand.”