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Yakima’s Fresh Hop Ale Festival: Craft Beer at the Source

The Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima takes place in the heart of U.S. hop country, making it a one-of-a-kind craft beer celebration for beer lovers. Brewers create each festival ale with a hop-forward character, bringing out the distinct aromas and flavors of individual hop varieties in a way unique to fresh hop ale. Join the celebration where hops are grown and your beer begins.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival - Yakima

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Yakima hosts the signature Fresh Hop Ale Festival in the U.S.

Why Yakima’s Festival Is Different

Yakima Valley grows your beer right where the hops are cultivated. The region produces 75% of the nation's hops and ranks among the most important hop-growing areas in the world. Each September, every hop cone in the Valley is harvested and processed during an intense 30-day period.

That season reaches its peak at Yakima's Fresh Hop Ale Festival, recognized as one of the "Top 10 Beer Festivals in The Nation!" The event brings together 65 brewers from around the U.S., each competing with a fresh hop ale made specifically for the festival from freshly harvested hops.

As the only fresh hop festival located in the heart of U.S. hop country, the event offers a one-of-a-kind craft beer experience made for beer lovers. Festival beers are brewed to emphasize the character of their hops, revealing aromas and flavors that can only occur in a fresh hop ale. Come to the source to celebrate hops and independent craft brewing in the place where your beer is grown.

Supporting the Community

Beyond its appeal to beer lovers, the festival supports community enrichment and positive social change. The non-profit organization distributes proceeds through grants for projects led by Yakima County arts and science organizations. In 2018 they donated $104,000 to 30 different groups.

At the Festival

Visitors can sample beers from participating brewers, enjoy Yakima Valley wines and ciders, and try local offerings from food trucks and vendors. Live music and activities add to the experience alongside fellow beer lovers.

Annual Beer/Hop Events

Yakima Valley Craft Beer Experiences

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