Untappd Beer Festival brings craft beer lovers together in cities and neighborhoods across the country. These events blend curated tastings, meet-the-brewer sessions, and lively community vibes into a single weekend experience.
Whether you are a seasoned cicerone or new to craft beer, the festival environment offers guided flights, educational seminars, and seasonal releases that highlight the latest trends in brewing.
| Festival Name | City | Dates | Ticket Tier | Max Tastings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hops Fest | Portland, OR | June 14–15 | Standard | 20 |
| Coastal Hops Fest | Portland, OR | June 14–15 | VIP Access | 35 |
| Mountain Ale Week | Denver, CO | July 12–14 | General Admission | 25 |
| Mountain Ale Week | Denver, CO | July 12–14 | Seated Tasting | 40 |
| River City Hops | Nashville, TN | August 3–4 | Early Bird | 30 |
| River City Hops | Nashville, TN | August 3–4 | VIP | 50 |
Planning Your Untappd Beer Festival Itinerary
To get the most out of the festival, build a loose schedule around headliner brews, educational sessions, and food pairings. Skim the program map early, flag the releases you truly want, and pace yourself so you stay engaged from first pour to last toast.
Session Highlights
- Meet-the-brewer panels in the main tent
- Guided tasting flights by style
- Limited collaboration bottles
- Cocktail and food vendor booths
What to Expect from Festival Releases
Many festivals center their identity around festival-exclusive beers you cannot find anywhere else. Breweries push boundaries with experimental hops, barrel-aging, and mixed-culture fermentations, so bring an open mind and a notebook to track your favorites.
Expect a mix of sour, pastry stouts, hoppy IPAs, and seasonal ales, often poured in smaller formats that let you sample more options responsibly.
Venue Atmosphere and Layout
The environment shapes much of the Untappd Beer Festival experience, from outdoor gardens with live music to indoor taprooms focused on quiet appreciation. Check the venue map for stage locations, refill stations, and shaded seating so you can plan breaks without missing key pours.
Efficient traffic flow, clear signage, and spaced-out tasting areas help reduce wait times and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Community and Networking Opportunities
Beyond the beer, festivals are a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, homebrew clubs, and industry professionals. Strike up conversations at tasting tables, join trivia nights, and swap recommendations that you can add to your Untappd profile later.
Many events feature local music, pop-up art, and charity collaborations that highlight the cultural footprint of craft brewing in the region.
Sustainability and Responsible Service
Organizers increasingly prioritize reusable cups, recycling stations, and water refill points to reduce festival waste. Look for badges that signal participation in local clean-up efforts or donations to environmental causes.
Responsible service practices, such as staff training and clear alcohol policies, help keep the atmosphere friendly and safe for attendees of all backgrounds.
Maximizing Your Festival Weekend
- Download the Untappd app and set your profile to make your tastings visible to friends.
- Study the program map and prioritize one or two must-try releases per hour.
- Stay hydrated between flights and alternate with water or soft drinks.
- Engage with brewers by asking about ingredients, process, and future projects.
- Share responsibly on Untappd, tagging beers and venues to build your ongoing collection.
Elevating Your Festival Experience Year After Year
Treat each Untappd Beer Festival as a milestone in your craft beer journey, using the event to refine your palate, discover new favorites, and deepen connections with the community.
By planning ahead, approaching releases with curiosity, and documenting your pours, you turn a single weekend into an ongoing tradition that keeps evolving with the beer scene.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need to download the Untappd app before attending the festival?
Yes, downloading the app in advance lets you check in, log your tastings, and participate in leaderboards during the event.
Can I bring a guest ticket purchased after the event sells out?
Festival tickets are typically non-transferable, so please use only the QR code assigned to your own purchase at the gate.
Are children allowed at any portion of the Untappd Beer Festival?
Most festivals are 21 and older, though some host daytime family-friendly segments with no alcohol permitted in those areas.
What should I do if my flight is delayed and I am running late for the festival?
Contact the box office upon arrival; many events will still honor your ticket on the same day if the festival window remains open.