The Fainting Goat Brewing Company

Where Community Gathers: Fainting Goat Brewing Company in Fuquay-Varina

Nestled in the heart of downtown Fuquay-Varina, NC, Fainting Goat Brewing Company isn't just a place to grab a handcrafted beer—it's a vibrant community hub built on good brews, local music, and personal interaction. This veteran and woman-owned brewery has cultivated a uniquely warm and welcoming atmosphere since its founding in 2014, making it a cornerstone of the local social scene.

The Vibe and Atmosphere: Unplug and Connect

Fainting Goat intentionally fosters a casual, neighborhood-friendly environment. The taproom's most distinctive feature is its deliberate lack of Wi-Fi and television. This choice is rooted in the owners' philosophy: they strongly believe in personal interaction. It’s a place to unplug, talk to a friend, meet someone new, or settle in for a board game—an approach that immediately sets it apart in the digital age.

The Fuquay-Varina location, which serves as the original taproom (all brewing operations moved to the Benson location after a 2019 expansion), is cozy and inviting. Guests can often be found enjoying their drinks on the dog-friendly patio with an outdoor fire pit, adding to the relaxed, communal feel.

A Stage for Local Talent: Open Mics and Jams

Fainting Goat is perhaps best known for its dedication to local performance and music, hosting a lively roster of recurring events that draw in artists and audiences alike.

Open Mic Nights: The brewery regularly hosts Open Mic Night, often on Wednesdays or Thursdays. This is a crucial event for local artists, welcoming all ages and skill levels to perform original or cover songs. The environment is supportive, with the brewery providing a sound system (PA and mics), and it actively encourages people to play solo or to collaborate with others. It's an excellent showcase for the area's musical talent.
Sunday Chill Open Mic: For a more laid-back session, the Sunday Chill Open Mic offers another opportunity for musicians and performers to take the stage in a relaxed afternoon setting.
Other Performance Events: Beyond open mics, the Fainting Goat calendar is consistently packed with other engaging events, including live music from local bands, Music Bingo, Trivia/Survey Slam nights, and even occasional Comedy Tours. This diverse schedule ensures there's always something fresh happening, solidifying its reputation as a true entertainment destination in Fuquay-Varina.

History and the Name

The Fainting Goat Brewing Company was born from a passion for homebrewing. Owners MaryAnn Durborrow and Tim Reichert, who became friends through their children's hockey league, took the hobby to the next level. The unique name, "Fainting Goat," is a nod to co-owner and brewer Tim Reichert, who has a condition called Laughter Induced Syncope (fainting). His friends nicknamed him the "fainting goat" because of this, and when it came time to brand their new venture, they were delighted to find no other brewery with the same name. They officially opened their doors in Fuquay-Varina in October 2015.

Menu: Handcrafted Brews and More

While the brewery focuses primarily on its handcrafted beverages, it does not typically offer a full food menu, opting instead to support local businesses by hosting rotating food trucks on-site for customers looking for a bite.

The Drinks

Fainting Goat specializes in high-quality, handcrafted beer brewed in small batches, offering a mix of core flagships, seasonal selections, and limited-release beers.

Signature Craft Beers often include:

Goatenanny American Pale Ale: A flagship brew.
Der Hoof Hefeweizen: A traditional German wheat beer with hints of banana and clove.
Brewquay Double IPA: A higher ABV option for hop lovers.
Stiff Leg Tripel: A signature Belgian Tripel known for its sweet malt complexity.
Pomegranate Witbier: A light, refreshing Belgian white brewed with honey and pomegranate.

In addition to their house-brewed beers, they also offer a selection of wine, hard cider, and soft drinks, ensuring options for all patrons.

Connecting Online: Social Media Presence

Fainting Goat leverages its online presence and social media (including Facebook and Instagram) as the primary way to communicate its events and on-tap selections. Their website features an active Events Calendar and an "On Tap" page, which are crucial resources for finding out which rotating brews are currently available and what food truck or live performance is scheduled for the week. This digital communication ensures that while they promote face-to-face interaction in the taproom, the community can easily stay informed about their engaging schedule of events.