Don’t be stuck inside all winter. It’s time to get out, grab some high-ABV brews and enjoy all that beer has to offer with hundreds of your best beer-loving friends. We’ve rounded up a handful of some of the best winter beer festivals from coast to coast to help make your year a little more cheerful.
December 2–6: Holiday Ale Festival
This beer fest in Portland, Oregon, has earned a reputation as the West Coast’s premier winter beer tasting destination. The event takes place at Courthouse Square in downtown Portland underneath a large tent and boasts more than 50 winter ales, all created specifically to bring cheer to the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for sours, stouts or barley wines, the Holiday Ale Festival has a little bit of everything. General admission tickets are $35, and VIP entry is $100.
January 22, 2016: Pour for a Cure
Now in its sixth year, Pour for a Cure takes place at the U.S. Steel Tower in downtown Pittsburgh. The annual event benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and offers guests both beer tasting and food pairings. Admission is limited, and only 350 tickets are available. Purchase tickets in advance for $50 or for $75 at the door.
January 22–23, 2016: Denver Winter Brew Fest
The Winter Brew Fest celebrates craft beer from Colorado and beyond. The event benefits Swallow Hill Music, a nonprofit community for musicians and music lovers who appreciate the ability of music to bring people together. Along with beer, attendees can also enjoy live music and various food options. Tickets are $45 advance and $55 the day of the event.
January 22–31, 2016: San Francisco Beer Week
San Francisco Beer Week doesn’t technically fall under the category of “beer festivals,” but it’s known as one of the best beer weeks in the United States and is definitely worth visiting if you have the opportunity. In 2015, there were 797 events at 288 locations, and you can expect it to be even bigger in 2016—San Francisco Beer Week leads into Super Bowl 50, which is being held at nearby Levi’s Stadium.
February 13, 2016: Arizona Strong Beer Festival
The Arizona Strong Beer Festival celebrates beers that are strong in flavor, as well as rare beer varieties and top-notch hops. This is a large event that sells out every year, so purchase your tickets early. The beer list has yet to be announced, but expect it to be a laudable lineup. General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $75.
February 26–27, 2016: 11th Annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival
The 2015 Winter Beer Festival featured more than 1,000 beers from 100 different breweries, and 2016 is going to be even bigger. Guests will enjoy the best beers Michigan has to offer along with live music from local bands and delicious food. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door, if available.
The weather might be frightful this winter, but grabbing a delicious beer is always delightful. Be sure to follow your local Saucer on social media for updates on upcoming events and festivals in your neck of the woods. Also, let us know what winter beer festivals are on your calendar.
