New England was at the forefront of the microbrew revolution, and with demand for specialty beers surging, there's no better place to enjoy independently crafted brews. The Brewers Association says America's craft beer makers sold 13% more beer by volume in 2011 than 2010: a growth of over 1.3 million barrels. Meanwhile, the overall US beer market was down 1%. Brewers Association director Paul Gatza has said: "Craft brewers' stories resonate with Americans who are choosing small, independent companies making delicious beers."
Find the right tasty brew for you at one of these 2012 beer festivals in the Northeast:
1. Brewefest at the Beach
May 11, 2012, The Pavilion, Ocean Beach Park, New London, CT, 860-912-0408. The Rotary Club of New London sponsors its 33rd annual Brewfest at the Beach featuring unlimited brew-friendly food, live music and more than 150 domestic and imported beers from around the world. Admission price includes 15 beer tasting tickets.
2. HarpoonFest 2012
May 18-19, 2012, Harpoon Brewery, Boston, MA, 888-HARPOON. Harpoon celebrates summer with two days of music by popular Boston bands and DJs, food and beer fresh from the brewery.
3. American Craft Beer Fest
June 1-2, 2012, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA. Sponsored by BeerAdvocate and Harpoon Brewery, this beer festival showcases a diverse line-up of craft breweries from not only New England but the entire nation. Attendance at the event's three sessions is limited, so be sure to buy your ticket in advance for your chance to taste more than 500 of America's finest craft beers from more than 120 participating brewers.
4. New England Brewfest
June 30, 2012, Lincoln Village Shops, Main Street, Lincoln, NH, 603-745-6621. The Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce sponsors this eighth annual gathering of New England craft brewers. In addition to sampling regional beers, visitors have the chance to learn about craft brewing and to shop, eat and enjoy live entertainment. New this year: A VIP session one hour before the Brewfest opens for general admission.
5. Empire Brewfest
July 20, 2012, Clinton Square, Syracuse, NY, 315-426-8741. This beer festival in neighboring New York State is handicap accessible. While 2012 details have not yet been announced, the event usually a features the chance to enjoy live music, learn about the art of beer making and taste hundreds of handcrafted brews.
6. Vermont Brewers Festival
July 20-21, 2012, Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT, 802-760-8535. Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state. Sample some of the finest craft brews from microbreweries and brewpubs in Vermont, New England, New York and beyond at this annual beer festival presented by the Vermont Brewers Association, held rain or shine on the shores of Lake Champlain.
7. Belgium Comes to Cooperstown
August 4-5, 2012, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY, 607-544-1800. Head to neighboring New York State for a taste of some of the best Belgian-style beers brewed in America, along with the finest brews imported from Belgium. "The End is Beer!" is the theme for the 2012 apocalypse-inspired festival, which also features brewery tours, food, live music, a bonfire and a late-night movie. A VIP event is scheduled for Friday night. Tickets for Friday and/or Saturday must be purchased online in advance and will not be sold at the gate. The picturesque grounds of the brewery are available for camping by reservation for an additional fee. No RVs or dogs permitted.
8. Belgian Beer Fest
September 7-8, 2012, The Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA Allagash Brewing Company and Beer Advocate team to present this two-day tribute to Belgian brews featuring opportunities to taste and to learn about some of the best beers on the planet.
9. Wicked Wine & Brew Fest
September 8, 2012, Mel's Funway Park, Litchfield, NH, 603-594-6471. The Nashua Telegraph presents this annual tasting event featuring more than 25 New Hampshire and New England wineries and breweries. The outdoor event is held under tents rain or shine. Save money by purchasing tickets in advance. Proceeds benefit the NH Food Bank.
10. Festival of Ale
September 22, 2012, Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester, MA, 508-853-6015. The Great Hall at the largest museum of arms and armor in the Western Hemisphere is an impressive space for a beer tasting, and this 12th annual event offers the chance to sample some of the finest brews made in the region. Plus, ticket sales support the preservation of the castle-like edifice and its remarkable collection. Tickets go on sale in August for this annual sellout, which features more than 70 microbrews to taste, educational seminars, music and food available for purchase.
11. Brattleboro Brewers Festival
September 22, 2012, Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, VT. Brewers from Vermont and beyond converge on the town of Brattleboro for this third annual festival featuring food, music and the chance to be the first in New England to sample the latest beers. The event has been moved from spring to fall this year. Need a place to crash? The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Brattleboro (Book Direct) is located right across the street.
12. Brewfest at Acadia's Oktoberfest
October 6, 2012, Smuggler's Den Campground, Southwest Harbor, ME, 207-244-9264 Find your favorite beer brewed in Maine among the dozens available to taste at this fall festival, which is part of the larger Columbus Day weekend Oktoberfest celebration in Downeast Maine. You'll also enjoy live music and the opportunity to shop for Maine-made gifts and crafts.
