CENTRE COUNTY — After a successful debut in 2024, the Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest will return in 2025 on Saturday, July 19, at a new location to bring beer enthusiasts together to fun, entertainment and brews from Pennsylvania and beyond.
This year’s event will move to the Porter North Lot with an entrance at Medlar Field, due to the ongoing construction at Beaver Stadium through 2027.
“While the construction prevents the use of our inaugural location, we are excited to maintain the vibrant atmosphere of Penn State’s campus that has made Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest a fan favorite,” Eric Engelbarts, executive director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA), said.
According to Engelbarts, a survey was sent to last year’s participants in the Hoppy Valley official newsletter to ensure the best experience for this year’s attendees. The survey explored alternative locations, acknowledging stadium construction leading to the fans choosing the Porter North Lot.
“The overwhelming consensus was to keep the event on Penn State’s campus,” he said. “Hoppy Valley was ultimately selected, offering more space for breweries, vendors and food selections.”
A collaborative effort of the local Antifragile Brewing, the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, the second annual event is more than just beer. Guests can enjoy live music, celebrate the love of craft beer and enjoy local food such as Uncle John’s Jawns Cheesesteaks and more.
Tickets are on sale now and can be found online at hoppyvalleybrewersfest.com. VIP tickets are $95 with admission to the event from 3 to 8 p.m. and general admission tickets are $65 for admission from 4 to 8 p.m. Designated driver tickets are also available for $20 with the purchase of a VIP or general admission ticket.
The event was held for the first time on May 11, 2024, with more than 70 breweries and more than 3,000 attendees.
“My motivation in starting a brewery and doing the beer fest was to bring people together around craft beer and to bring together brewers,” John Schaffer, co-owner of Antifragile Brewing Co. in State College, said to The Gazette in 2024.
“One of the unique aspects of the festival is that it was all brewers, it wasn’t distributor representatives. Distributors have a great role in Pennsylvania beer, but when you have distributor representatives pouring beer for you as opposed to actual brewery staff, it’s a little different atmosphere.”
