5 Fresh Hop Festivals to Check Out in Washington This Fall

Fresh hop season has arrived in Washington, bringing several festivals and events to communities across the state this September and October.

Washington is the country’s leading hop-growing state, with much of the crop coming from the Yakima Valley.

During harvest season, breweries can use freshly picked hops to make fresh hop beers, which are typically brewed shortly after the hops leave the fields.

The seasonal beers are only available for a limited time, and several Washington events give beer drinkers a chance to try different varieties in one place.

Here are five fresh hop festivals and events happening around Washington this fall.

Where can you celebrate fresh hop season in Seattle?

Fresh Hop Freshtival

When: Underway throughout fresh hop season
Where: The Growler Guys, 8500 Lake City Way NE, Seattle

Fresh Hop Freshtival is already underway at The Growler Guys in Seattle and will continue as fresh hop beers become available throughout the season.

The Lake City location has 60 taps and plans to feature dozens of fresh hop beers over the coming weeks. The location will also host the Washington Fresh Hop Awards Ceremony, with additional details expected to be announced.

What is happening during Washington Harvest Fest?

Washington Harvest Fest

When: Sept. 26, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Stoup Brewing Capitol Hill, 1158 Broadway, Seattle
Cost: Ticket required; current ticket price is shown during the purchase process
Ages: 21+ for the festival area

The Washington Brewers Guild will host its first Washington Harvest Fest at Stoup Brewing’s Capitol Hill location.

The event celebrates Washington-grown ingredients with fresh hop beers, seasonal lagers, food and beer pairings, and opportunities to learn more about the ingredients used by local breweries.

Representatives from Washington’s hop, malt, and grain industries are also expected to participate.

Where can you find a fresh hop festival in Wenatchee?

Wenatchee Fresh Hop Fest

When: Sept. 26
Where: Pybus Public Market, 3 N. Worthen St., Wenatchee
Cost: General admission includes six tasting tokens; check the current ticket page for pricing

The third annual Wenatchee Fresh Hop Fest returns to Pybus Public Market on Sept. 26.

Visitors ages 21 and older can sample fresh hop beers, meads, and ciders, while the event also includes live music, food, and a family game area.

General admission includes six tasting tokens. Non-drinker tickets will also be available at the door for people who want to attend for the food, music, and other activities.

What fresh hop event is happening in White Salmon?

Lil Fresh Fest at Everybody’s Brewing

When: Oct. 2; fresh hop festival from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Everybody’s Brewing, 177 E. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon
Cost: $16 presale for nine tasting tickets

Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon will combine its 18th anniversary celebration with a fresh hop festival on Oct. 2.

Several breweries are expected to participate, pouring fresh hop beers festival-style. The anniversary celebration lasts throughout the day, while the beer festival is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m.

For travelers coming from Oregon, White Salmon is located along the Columbia River across from Hood River, making this one of the more accessible Washington fresh hop events from the Portland area.

When is the Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival?

Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival

When: Oct. 10, 5-10 p.m.
Where: State Fair Park, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima
Cost: $65 general admission; $125 individual VIP
Ages: 21+

One of Washington’s largest fresh hop celebrations returns to Yakima on Oct. 10.

The 23rd annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival takes place in the heart of the Yakima Valley during one of the busiest times of year for the region’s hop industry.

More than 60 breweries, wineries, and cideries are expected, along with live music and food. General admission begins at 5 p.m., and the festival continues until 10 p.m.

The location is particularly fitting. The Yakima Valley produces more than 70% of the hops grown in the United States, according to State Fair Park.

Is there another fresh hop festival in Seattle?

Freshie Fest

When: Oct. 15-17
Where: Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave. SW, Seattle
Cost: Pricing has not been announced
Ages: 21+

Fresh hop season continues into October with Freshie Fest at Beveridge Place Pub in West Seattle.

The three-day event begins Oct. 15, with around two dozen fresh hop beers expected on tap Thursday and Friday. Visitors can order full pours or create tasting trays.

The main festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, with around 40 fresh hop beers expected to be poured inside the pub and outside in the Beveridge Garden. Saturday’s event runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and is for ages 21 and older.

Fresh hop beers are closely tied to the Pacific Northwest’s annual hop harvest, making September and October a short window to try them at breweries and festivals across Washington.

Additional fresh hop events and beer releases are expected as the harvest continues.