Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest Canceled

Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest has been canceled just three weeks before the craft beverage expo featuring dozens of vendors was scheduled to celebrate its third year.

Organizers said in on Friday that “industry challenges and economic factors” have led to lower ticket sales than expected. That led to a choice between putting on a “lower caliber” event or canceling the festival, which was scheduled for May 24 at Penn State’s Panzer Stadium.

“This decision was not made lightly,” they wrote. “Each year, our goal is to deliver a first-class experience that celebrates craft beverages and brings our community together… Rather than scale back and compromise the quality of the festival, we believe it’s best to pause this year’s event and return when we can deliver the full Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest experience.”

Details about refunds will be sent directly to those who have already purchased tickets.

A spokesperson for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance, which along with Antifragile Brewing and the Central PA Tasting Trail are founding partners for the event, said no decision has been made about whether the festival will return in 2027.

“In bringing any new event to the market, the HVSEA and HVAB are committed to ensuring a premier, high quality event that can grow in a manner that provides maximum value to the community, attendees and participants,” HVAB public relations director Lesley Kistner wrote in an email.

Launched in 2024 at Beaver Stadium as a showcase for local and regional craft beers, Hoppy Valley Brewer’s Fest moved to the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park parking lot last year amid the stadium construction.

For its third year, the festival was slated to move to a new location at the home of Penn State’s lacrosse teams with an expanded variety of offerings. Plans included the addition of wines, ciders and spirits for the first time, though Antifragile Brewing Company John Schaffer said in a February release announcing this year’s festival that it would firmly remain beer-focused.

The festival was also expected to include live entertainment and food vendors.

“In the spirit of Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest, we encourage you to support the incredible local breweries that were planning to join us this year,” organizers wrote on Friday. “If you’re able, consider visiting a taproom, grabbing a growler, or enjoying a pint close to home because your support makes a meaningful impact.”