- Festivus returns to Alliance Brewing Co. on Dec. 20 — the brewery’s ninth annual celebration.
- Highlights include the keg-hold Feats of Strength, an Airing of Grievances and two beer releases.
- Family-friendly activities run midday; the evening features the Elaine Dance-Off, silent disco and IOK’s inaugural online Airing of Grievances.
Festivus comes back to Alliance Brewing
Actual footage of Adam and Matt pulling the Festivus pole out of storage went viral around the taproom — and the brewery is ready. Festivus, the Seinfeld-sanctioned holiday “for the rest of us,” returns to Alliance Brewing Co. (1130 Sevier Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 20 for a full day of nonsense, catharsis and deeply unserious competition.
What is Festivus at Alliance?
Now in its ninth year at the 10-year-old Sevier Avenue brewery, Alliance’s Festivus has become one of the taproom’s most anticipated events. The brewery’s founders say it started when a friend dropped off an aluminum Festivus pole and they decided to lean into the holiday’s spirit — equal parts playful and theatrical.
Airing of Grievances
Alliance’s take on the classic Festivus tradition centers on a decorated grievance box. Patrons drop anonymous complaints into the box throughout December and on the day itself. Staff do a quick editorial pass to keep things public-appropriate, then read submissions aloud in the evening.
The tone is roasty but affectionate: regulars and staff often get the loudest laughs. Inside of Knoxville will also host an inaugural online Airing of Grievances in the comments of its event post, encouraging readers to vent — with one rule: no personal attacks.
Feats of Strength — the keg hold
Instead of actual wrestling, Alliance’s Feats of Strength feature the brutal keg hold. Competitors press heels to the wall, keep shoulder blades touching, and hold a keg at a strict 90-degree angle until they drop.
Most contestants last one or two minutes; three minutes is rare. The event has become competitive enough that some people train specifically for it.
Full Festivus lineup
Alliance’s schedule blends family activities with evening hijinks:
- Noon–2pm: Build-your-own Michelada bar
- Noon–4pm: Kids’ Kraft Korner
- 2pm & 4pm: Beer releases
- 5pm–close: Seltzer bar
- 6pm: Elaine Dance-Off
- 7pm: Feats of Strength (keg hold)
- 8pm: Airing of Grievances
- 8:30pm–close: Silent disco
How to take part
Come early for family activities and beer releases, drop a grievance in the box anytime, or sign up for Feats of Strength if you think you can hold the keg. The Airing of Grievances starts around 8pm; the mood is playful and cathartic — meant to clear the slate before the new year.
Whether you want to compete, complain, or just watch the pole go up, Alliance Brewing’s Festivus offers a local, festive break from holiday seriousness. See you at the brewery — and remember: communities that complain together, care together.
Image Referance: https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/alliance-brewings-9th-annual-festivus-ioks-inaugural-airing-of-grievances/