Since 2019, Hops on the Hudson, an organization founded by the Scherer family of Cold Spring, has been producing festivals that promote local artisans and craftspeople, with a spirited splash of the family’s own passion for craft beer, cider, and fun.
On Saturday, October 15, they’re bringing together Hudson Valley beer lovers for the ultimate celebration of craft brewing with their Grand Slam Beer Festival. This year's highly anticipated festival will take over the Renegade's home base at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls to showcase over 50 different breweries and cideries from across the region in one massive event.
For those looking to take a step outside of their hoppy habits, over 100 varieties of craft beer and cider will be represented at the festival for sampling. Attendees can look forward to seeing heavy-hitting breweries and cideries like Brooklyn Brewery, Sloop, Angry Orchard, Captain Lawrence, Ommegang, Sixpoint, Evil Twin, and Industrial Arts, as well as up-and-coming indie darlings such as Arrowood Farms, Faith American Brewing, Grimm Ales, and Woodstock Brewing.
In addition to all those tasty craft beverage and food offerings, the festival will also feature games like speed pitch and cornhole, raffles, a mini Modern Makers Market, and live music to keep the party going all afternoon. Grab a brew or two and sit back, relax, and vibe out to two seven-piece bands: the jazzy, funky, ska-inflected What? from New Paltz will be opening the afternoon, with Gideon King & City Blog’s soulful blend of rock, jazz, R&B, and blues closing out the day.
General admission tickets ($82) will get you access to unlimited sampling throughout the event, a Hops on the Hudson branded sampling glass, and a raffle ticket, while VIP tickets ($107) include all that plus a full hour of early admission sampling with access to VIP-only beers and a VIP area, food vouchers, VIP parking, and two free tickets to a 2023 Hudson Valley Renegades game. And if you’re just along for the ride, the festival also offers designated driver passes for $25. To score a 20 percent discount on VIP and general admission ticket prices before October 10, use the promo code: Chrono20%off.
Hops on the Hudson’s Grand Slam Beer Festival will take place Saturday, October 15 from 2 to 6pm (or from 1pm for VIP ticket holders) at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls. Free all-day tour bus shuttles between the Beacon MetroNorth station and the stadium are offered for general admission ticket holders. Take a closer look at participating breweries, secure those tickets, and coordinate your visit online at Hopsonthehudson.com.
