On an early August evening, two men in crisp polo shirts accidentally encounter a performance by LandLoch’d, a Celtic, pirate, and sea shanty cover band, playing on the back patio of Monks Meadery in Poncey-Highland.
A member of the band cracks a joke about the gentlemen’s confusion, before inviting them to stay, order some mead (honey and water fermented with yeast), and partake in the merriment. They do, for hours.
That’s the vibe at a Monks Meadery event, where expert knowledge of niche subcultures, like Dungeons and Dragons, cosplay, pub singalongs, and Renaissance fairs, isn’t required. At most, enthusiasm, curiosity, and a five-dollar bill are all people need. Costumes, of course, are encouraged, and sometimes even result in a free shot.
“We try and do our best to find events [and] exciting moments and things that the community we’re pouring for are interested in. We’re just big nerds, so it’s a lot of big nerd things,” said Broadway, head of experience and events at Monks Meadery.
Affordable, inclusive events
Broadway joined the staff at Monks Meadery about four years ago. Before that, Monks only hosted trivia nights and a few special events here and there, including the ATL Valor, Georgia’s official armed combat team.
With Broadway on board, the calendar of events at Monks now features weekly D&D on Wednesdays and a Friday board game guild. Seasonal events range from pub sings to queer craft nights to the Side Quest Market during Dragon Con.
Most events at Monks are either free or cost around $5 per person. They seldom exceed $35. Broadway said they don’t want anyone to feel stressed about affording an event at the meadery, especially with many people feeling the financial pinch of the current economy.
“We definitely don’t take it lightly when we ask people to come out and take an extra step with their already expensive passions,” said Broadway. “[We’re not] charging you to reserve a table for Magic: The Gathering. If it’s D&D, it’s $5.”
Makers markets
Some events at Monks originate from customer requests. That includes a mini Renaissance fair. There’s live entertainment from groups like the ATL Valor or bands such as LandLoch’d, with art, costume, and gaming vendors hosted at the meadery’s larger events.
Makers markets held at Monks during the convention and cosplay off-season give vendors more opportunities to sell their wares. (Monks also doesn’t charge vendor fees to help offset costs). To get the word out, Monks collaborates with vendors, influencers, and artists to promote its markets on social media. Posts then hype up the performers and vendors participating.
“There are so many amazing small businesses that are doing great things. That’s really what it’s all about — people helping people and making sure that the artists we love have a space to sell at our markets,” Broadway said.
“We continue to stand for LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights. I want people to know that [Monks is] a safe space and we are excited to continue building our community,” they added.
Expansion plans
While Monks Meadery hosts events multiple nights a week, it’s gearing up for two big seasonal events this fall.
The popular Halloweentown market returns to Monks on Oct. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m. Just look for the big pumpkin in the parking lot. (Expect bloody pumpkin mead on tap.) Monks will also participate in the inaugural Poncey-Highland restaurant week, from Oct. 19 to 25, meant to promote locally owned restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.
But the biggest event on the horizon for the meadery is the opening of its second location next year.
Located across the street from Outrun Brewing Company in Stone Mountain, this location of Monks will serve coffee in the mornings, followed by mead, wine, and beer in the afternoon and evenings. And look for Monks to collaborate with Outrun on events in Stone Mountain.
“We’re all gambling. It’s honestly just been a big adventure,” Broadway said.
Monks Meadery, 579 N. Highland Ave., Poncey-Highland. Stone Mountain location opening in early 2027.
