Corks will be popping and the beer will be flowing in North Georgia this weekend.

The Alpine Village of Helen welcomes lovers of craft beer and wine to the Second annual Cork & Keg Festival on Saturday at the Festhalle.

The festival boasts of local and national wines and more than 40 craft beers for a tasting to take place between 2:30 and 6 p.m., as well as food tastings from local restaurants.

Representatives from Georgia breweries like Sweetwater and Terrapin will be on hand to enlighten connoisseurs on each brew.

The festival is a fundraising effort to support the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, according to Tommy Deadwyler, SNCA arts program director.

"We actually got the idea from a theater company in Pennsylvania. It’s one of their biggest fundraising events. So a few years ago, we said ‘hey, let’s give it a shot,’ and it’s worked out great," Deadwyler said.

Following the tastings, there will be live music performed by Insonnia and Pharaoh Gummit.

"It’s for a good cause, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the SNCA to help build a community center," Deadwyler said.

"Designated drivers get in free, and we are encouraging people to be responsible and have fun."

Everyone with a ticket gets a free beer glass, courtesy of Sweetwater Brewing, plus one food ticket. Admission is limited to the first 400 ticket buyers for $40. Tickets to the concert to follow the tasting are available for $15.

For more information, call 706-878-3300 or visit the website.