Craft beer festivals have become synonymous with golf tournaments. It seems almost every organization hosts one to the point of oversaturation. Many cities are flooded with near weekly festivals selling tickets anywhere from $30 to well over $200 for the privilege of sipping a variety of regional craft beers – most of which locals already know and love.
While the announcement of yet another festival may have lost its appeal to area residents, it’s a great way for tourists to learn more about a region’s craft beer scene without brewery hopping and the risk of drinking and driving. Plus, with so many craft beer events, almost every city boasts one! Pack your pretzel necklace and head out to one of these regional craft beer festivals.
Photo by Sean Clarke via Trover.com
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Tourists flock to Hot Springs Village for the hot water that flows from the Ouachita Mountains into the many area hotels and resorts. Every May, though, tourists travel to Hot Springs for more than just the therapeutic waters. They also come seeking beer at the Hot Springs Beer Festival. This event is held on May 21 and hosts a collection of breweries from throughout the state and beyond. One of the best parts about the festival is that the healing waters of Hot Springs Village are perfect for relieving hangovers.
Biloxi, Mississippi
What accompanies deep-sea fishing and gambling – both of which Biloxi is known for – better than a craft beer festival? Top of the Hops Beer Festival is hosted every January at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center (sorry folks, you just missed this year’s event). The festival is known for highlighting high-gravity beers from both Mississippi and around the world. It also hosts a Brew University Education Area with seminars on cooking with beer, beer and food pairings, and brewing lessons.
Dover, Delaware
The city of 200,000 is best known as a sporting town for its Dover Downs horse track and annual NASCAR race. Recently, though, Dover has become known for hosting the state’s “official” Beer and Wine Festival. The party takes place on October 17 in historic Loockerman Village – a living 19th century museum. In addition to more libations that you’ll be able to sample, there’s also plenty of regional seafood. Book a hotel room at nearby Hampton Inn Dover for a cheap place to stay.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
There’s a lot going on in Tulsa right now. Among the buzz (get it?) is the Wild Brew Festival on August 27. The festival boasts breweries in attendance from both across town and around the world AND over 45 food booths for a sampling of local cuisine. Oh, and they even have an app to help you navigate the festival and remember what you tried. Don’t use your phone’s navigation system to drive home, though. Instead, book a hotel at the Doubletree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City has been making headlines for its modern vibe blended with good old Midwestern hospitality. It is also host to the annual Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival. Last year’s event did sell out. Organizers have not yet announced a 2016 date and location, but the announcement is expected soon.
Which of these craft beer festivals do you want to attend?
This article is part of the Hipmunk Hotels series.