Fresh Hop Ale Festival — State Fair Park in Yakima

Date: 10/10/2026
Location: Yakima
Address: 1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901

Event categories: Wine Country · Food Focused · Live Music · Festivals · Beer and Hops

A Beer Festival Rooted in Yakima Valley Hops

Yakima's Fresh Hop Ale Festival stands apart because the beer's essential ingredient is grown in the Yakima Valley itself. The region produces 75% of the nation's hops and ranks among the most important hop-growing areas in the world. Every hop cone in the Valley is harvested and processed during 30 crazy days every September, leading into Yakima's Fresh Hop Ale Festival, one of the Top 10 Beer Festivals in The Nation! For the festival, 65 brewers from around the U.S. create fresh hop ales using only freshly harvested hops.

Located in the heart of U.S. hop country, this is the only fresh hop festival in the area and a one-of-a-kind craft beer celebration for beer lovers. Each festival brew has its own hop-forward character, revealing the aromas and flavors of its particular hop variety in a way unique to fresh hop ale. Visitors can come to the source to celebrate hops and independent craft brewing where the beer's hops are grown.

More Than a Beer Festival

The festival also supports community enrichment and positive social change. Organized as a non-profit organization, it distributes proceeds through grants supporting the work of Yakima County arts and science organizations. In 2018, the festival donated $104,000 to 30 different groups.

At the Festival

Guests can sample offerings from participating brewers, enjoy Yakima Valley wines and ciders, and try local food from trucks and vendors. Live music, activities, and the company of fellow beer lovers round out the festival experience.