Seattle is one of the best towns for beer lovers. Aside from the many breweries that serve time-tested drinks as well as new creations, there are also festivals and events year-round that celebrate beer culture. Whether you're looking for a relaxed way to spend a summer's day or an exciting event that combines Seattle area breweries with live music, you can find it in our city.
Some of our favorites are Seattle Beer Week, the Winter Beer Festival, the Scotch and Beer Fest, the Fresh Hop Beer Festival, and the Belgian Fest. Another great event to attend is Oktoberfest, which features a long-standing German tradition that has spread across the globe. Read on to find out more about the amazing events you can take part in over the coming year.
7 Favorite Annual Events That Celebrate Seattle's Local Beer Scene and Seattle Area Breweries
1. Seattle Beer Week
Maybe one of the biggest and most widely celebrated annual events is Seattle Beer Week, which happens in May. It was launched in 2009 to highlight and celebrate local breweries and to give people an opportunity to discover new restaurants and bars in their local area. While it started out small, the event has gained in popularity over the past 13 years.
Before the pandemic, Beer Week featured over 200 events spread out over ten days, but unfortunately, it had to be canceled in 2020. Now that life is getting back to normal, many of the organizers and participants are returning. One of the highlights of the festival is the Pine Box Beer Can Derby, during which guests can race each other.
2. Winter Beer Festival
Although most beer events take part in spring or summer, Seattle beer lovers don't have to take a break during the cold and dark months. Every year, locals organize the Winter Beer Festival in December in the Sand Point neighborhood. The host is Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park, and there are usually 20-30 participating breweries that include Fremont Brewing, Reuben's Brews, Burke-Gilman Brewing, and Ravenna Brewing.
While admission costs $40 in advance or $45 at the door, you can also sign up and participate as a volunteer. In 2021, there were strict Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of all attendees, but these will be revised for the 2022 event. There are usually three sessions spread out over two days, with each one lasting for four hours.
3. Seattle Scotch and Beer Fest
If you're looking for a large event that includes various types of alcohol and allows you to taste many drinks, you can't go wrong with the Seattle Scotch and Beer Fest, which is held in April. There are several ticket options, each one giving you access to a different combination of cocktails and beer. With more than 50 beers and ciders to try, you won't run out of options.
What's more, there are also Top Shelf Seminars, which are led by experts and allow you to sample ten different kinds of scotch. When you attend this fest, you will not only enjoy a great weekend, but you'll also help out your local community. A part of the profits is donated to YETI, the Youth Experiential Training Institute, which helps students develop life skills through outdoor adventures.
4. West Seattle Beer and Music Festival
On a warm summer's day, there's nothing like sipping a great craft beer and listening to up-and-coming local and national bands. At the West Seattle Beer and Music Festival, which is held in August, you can spend two relaxed and fun-filled days enjoying creations by local breweries and listening to artists like DJ Indica Jones, Marmalade, and Fly Moon Royalty.
Held at Alki Masonic Lodge, the festival is designed for people 21 and over. However, dogs are allowed during some of the events, and registered service dogs can remain with their owners during the entire festival. Starting in May, you can purchase either a one-day ticket, which costs $25-30, or a two-day VIP pass that costs $65. If you'd like to attend, you should act fast since prices will increase once the pre-sale period is over.
5. Fresh Hop Beer Festival
In October, you can enjoy the Fresh Hop Beer Festival, a local event that celebrates some of the best Seattle area breweries. Held at Warren G. Magnuson Park, this event is special because it allows you to experience not only the highest quality fresh hop beer selection but also one of the most exciting parties of the year. There will be DJs, over-the-top entertainment options, prizes, and a delicious food selection.
Because the event is held both indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy it no matter the weather. Additionally, some of the proceeds will be donated to Chump Change Foundation, an organization that distributes money to many local charities helping people in need, the environment, and animals. Who knew that drinking beer could make the world a better place?
6. Belgian Fest
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, and it has a long history of brewing. In fact, producing and drinking beer is an essential part of Belgian culture and daily life, and the average citizen drinks around 240 glasses of beer every year. In February, Seattle locals celebrate Belgian Fest, which is an event held at Fisher Pavilion on Harrison Street.
Some of the Belgian-style beers that are featured include Saisons, Tripels, Dubbels, Abbeys, Lambics, Wits, and Kettle Sours. In 2022, 19 local breweries took part in this Fest, including Bickersons Brewhouse, Dirty Couch Brewing, Triplehorn Brewing, and Elysian Brewing from Georgetown. Tickets cost $40 in advance or $45 at the door, and they include ten tastes of four ounces each.
7. Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a long-held tradition that originated in the Bavarian part of Germany in 1810. The original version, which is still held in Munich every year, features both a beer festival and a traveling funfair, and it attracts more than six million people each year. Because of the Oktoberfest's extraordinary popularity, spin-off events have been created all over the world, including in Seattle.
There are several options for people looking to enjoy great beer and tradition. The largest and most sought-after one is Fremont Oktoberfest, which features events such as chainsaw pumpkin carving, stein hoisting, and ax-throwing. If you'd like something mellower, the three-day Kirkland Oktoberfest could be a good option. Unlike many of the other events on this list, you can bring your kids to this festival. They're sure to enjoy the Great Kirkland Weiner Dog Races.
For beer lovers, there is plenty to do in and around Seattle. Beer Week, the Winter Beer Festival, the Scotch and Beer Fest, the Fresh Hop Beer Festival, Belgian Fest, and the Oktoberfest are all great events for anyone who would like to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening with their friends, taste new beverages, and discover what Seattle area breweries have to offer.
If you're looking for a family-friendly way to enjoy your beer, why not visit the local taproom? Get in touch with us now at Lowercase Brewing to find out more about our menu and opening hours. We will be happy to welcome you, whether you're here to enjoy a beer on your own or with a large group of friends and family.
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