Fall calls for a celebration of craft beer with a variety of festivals across the state. Whether you toast great beer at a classic Oktoberfest celebration with amazing German dishes, opt for a historic experience at a museum, or gear up for a day of taste-testing every single beer from dozens of breweries to find your next new favorite, Pennsylvania’s brew scene has the perfect pour for you this fall.
1. Loyalhanna OktoBREWfest
Featuring dozens of area craft breweries and distilleries, scrumptious food, live entertainment, and a surprise or two, Watershed Farm is once again the place to be for the Loyalhanna OktoBREWfest. Find your new favorite brew with unlimited tastings and a commemorative pilsner glass. All proceeds benefit the Loyalhanna Watershed Association's water and land conservation projects, now in its 51st year of caring for the region's land and water, so you know you’re doing good as you raise your glass in celebration.
When: Sept. 24
Where: Ligonier
Cost: $10 “Responsible Drivers”; $25 General Admission
2. Lititz Craft Beer Fest
With more than 150 amazing brews to sample from 70+ craft breweries and the “Homebrew Competition” finalists, the 8th annual Lititz Craft Beer Fest is a must for craft beer enthusiasts and anyone wanting to know what this “craft beer thing” is all about. Enjoy two stages of live music and a wide range of food options from some great local food trucks as you find your new favorite brew(s) with all proceeds going to the Lititz AMBUCS in support of its mission — Inspiring People to Conquer Challenges Related to Mobility and Independence.
When: Sept. 24-25
Where: Lititz
Cost: $10 Designated Driver; $45 General Admission; $75 Weekend Pass
3. Mifflinburg Oktoberfest
Honor Mifflinburg’s rich German heritage at their 17th Oktoberfest celebration. Attendees can watch exciting competitions — such as the keg toss and mug lift — as well as try out their new dance moves to some live entertainment. Pick up your commemorative Mifflinburg Oktoberfest beer stein for refills of the best beers around.
When: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1
Where: Mifflinburg
Cost: Price varies
4. Oktoberfest at SteelStacks
If you’re looking for a little German culture done Pennsylvania-style, why not experience Oktoberfest? Located on the SteelStacks™ campus in Bethlehem, the blast furnaces of the remainder of Bethlehem Steel set the backdrop to this unique event. This free event features authentic German food, beer, and live music.
When: Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 & Oct. 7-9
Where: Bethlehem
Cost: Free to attend
5. Pittsburgh All-Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival
Experience the ultimate sampling experience at the Pittsburgh All-Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival taking place on the field & concourse! of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. You’ll feel like a pro walking the bases as you enjoy unlimited samples of more than 125 fantastic libations from the Pittsburgh area and around the world or stroll along the riverwalk, concourse, and warning track. There will be plenty of opportunities for those all-important selfie photo opps, plus get a professional photo in the Pirates dugout! Live entertainment and loads of games including corn hole round out the fun with each attendee receiving a keepsake sampling glass and custom pretzel necklace.
When: Oct. 1
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
6. Kennett Brewfest
Kennett Square is famous for being the “Mushroom Capital of the World” with the majority of the nation’s mushrooms (60 percent!) being produced in this region. Beer, however, takes center stage in autumn at the annual Kennett Brewfest. This celebration of craft beer features 80+ regional craft breweries offering samples of all their best custom brews.
When: Oct. 1
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: $15 Designated Driver; $60 General Admission
7. KOP Beerfest Royale
King of Prussia’s Beerfest is back and bigger than ever! Craft and international brews from all corners of the world will be pouring Thursday night for King’s Plate Regal Pairing Event and for the Beerfest Main Event on Saturday.
When: Oct. 6 & 8
Where: King of Prussia
Cost: $15 Designated Drivers; Price varies for General Admission
8. OctoberFEAST
Raise your stein and celebrate Oktoberfest at the annual OctoberFeast at Peddler’s Village! The annual festival features seasonals brews to try, authentic German food, and live entertainment.
When: Oct. 15-16
Where: New Hope
Cost: Free Admission
9. Fall Washington Crossing Brewfest
It’s a craft beer extravaganza! Enjoy a variety of 100 or so sour and seasonal beers, as well as some tasty ciders, from local, regional and national breweries all while surrounded by the beautiful woods overlooking the Delaware River at the Fall Washington Crossing Brewfest.
When: Oct. 29
Where: Washington Crossing
Cost: $15 Designated Driver; $50 General Admission
10. Autos & Ales Craft Beer Festival
The annual Autos & Ales Craft Beer Festival is back and a brewfest folks won’t want to miss. The event kicks off with live music, food, and dozens of breweries, all within the galleries of the award-winning, AACA transportation museum.
When: Nov. 4
Where: Hershey
Cost: $20 Designated Driver; $55 General Admission; $65 VIP
11. Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival
Spanning two sessions with 150 beers and ciders for sampling, the annual Valley Forge Beer & Cider Festival is a brewfest folks won’t want to miss. This fun-filled ho-ho-holiday beer and cider festival is a must-visit to celebrate the holidays.
When: Dec. 3
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo
Cost: $50 General Admission; $65 VIP
To see a full list of the fall events and festivals happening in PA, check out visitPA.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state.
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