Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest Returning for 2nd Year With a New Location

Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest will move to the middle of summer and a new location as it returns for a second year.

The craft beer celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, a change from the May date of its inaugural edition in 2024. And with ongoing construction at Beaver Stadium, this year’s festival will be held nearby at the Porter North Lot next to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, according to a release from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

The location was chosen based on results of survey sent to past attendees who subscribed to the Hoppy Valley official newsletter, Eric Engelbarts, executive director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, said. The survey acknowledged Beaver Stadium would be unavailable due to construction and explored alternative locations.

“The overwhelming consensus was to keep the event on Penn State’s campus,” Engelbarts said. “The Porter North Lot was ultimately selected, offering more space for breweries, vendors and food selections.”

From 3 to 8 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 4 to 8 p.m. for general admission, attendees will be able to enjoy beers from dozens of regional breweries, local food and live entertainment.

More than 75 breweries are expected to be on hand, with an initial batch of 10 announced so far. They include State College’s Antifragile Brewing Co., a founding partner of Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest with the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance and The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau,

Entertainment and food vendors, which will include the popular local cheesesteak stand Uncle John’s Jawns, will be announced at a later date.

Tickets are on sale now at hoppyvalleybrewersfest.com. Not including taxes and fees, VIP tickets are $95, general admission is $65 and designated driver tickets are $20 with the purchase of a VIP or general admission ticket.

All ticketholders, including designated drivers, must be 21 or older and will be required to show ID to enter the event. No children or pets will be permitted.