The Jackson Convention Center in the state capitol is set to host its first-ever beer festival, Top of the Hops, on July 31 and is seeking volunteers to help with the event.

The event will feature over 150 breweries from around the country, as well as three international breweries.

Volunteers will be required to attend a Brew Crew information session the day of the event, and will help with setup and breakdown, distributing sample mugs and festival fliers, and pouring samples.

Those interested may apply online at topofthehopsbeerfest.com/jackson, and must have a valid 21+ photo ID.

For their work, volunteers will receive a Brew Crew T-shirt and an invitation to attend the volunteer appreciation party.

The Brew University Education Area will be at the festival and feature seminars on topics such as cooking with beer, food pairings, how to brew beer, and more.

Michelob Brewing Company will be sponsoring a stage with live music, although no performers have not been announced yet.

Some of the breweries represented at the event will include Abita Beer, Atlanta Brewing Company, Blue Moon, Diamond Bear, High Falls, Lazy Magnolia, Rolling Rock, and Samuel Adams. German breweries Paulaner and Spaten, British brewery Samuel Smith, and Japanese brewery Kirin.

Although no beer will be for sale at the event, upon entrance attendees will receive a mug to sample unlimited beers until 5:45 when the last beer will be poured,

Top of the Hops is coordinated by Raise Your Pints, a nonprofit grassroots organization based in Jackson which seeks to change the beer laws in Mississippi and help establish a world-class beer culture within the state, according to their website.

Raise Your Pints was established in 2007 and works by raising awareness and petitioning politicians to change Mississippi beer laws.

Also sponsoring the event is Mississippi brewery Lazy Magnolia, Louisiana brewery Abita Beer, Draft magazine, Mint restaurant, Downtown Jackson Partners, and the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For those who wish only to attend the event, tickets are available online at the event website and the day of the event only for those 21 and over; no children or pets are allowed. The General Admission ticket is $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and includes sampling, access to the Brew University Education Area and Michelob Stage. The Mint Restaurant VIP ticket is $60 in advance, $65 the day of the festival, which with the VIP ticket visitors will be allowed entry an hour prior for an exclusive tasting experience, complimentary food and access to the Mint Restaurant VIP area.

Tickets for Designated Drivers are $15 in advance and the day of, and do not allow sampling but are offered complimentary soda and water.

Tickets for the Top of the Hops festival will go on sale June 11.