From WingFest to Arts Fest, these local events pair craft beverages with musice, food, and outdoor fun
As I write this, I am a little sad. And if you read last month’s column and keep up with the news, you might know why.
In May, I wrote about the Hoppy Valley Brewers Festival which was set to host craft beverage makers in Happy Valley for the third year this spring. However, according to organizers, the event was canceled because of a combination of industry challenges and economic factors that led to lower-thananticipated ticket sales, making it difficult to produce the festival at the level attendees had come to expect of the event.
It almost makes me shed a tear. Good thing, as I write this, I am doing exactly what those same organizers encouraged supporters to do instead: enjoying a pint at one of the local breweries that had planned to be at the festival this year. Gotta support your local breweries.
But, you know, I do that all the time. I was really looking forward to the festival atmosphere — being outside, trying brews with other like-minded folks (craft beverage lovers that is).
I am sure that many of you were, too! But I am not going to fall too deep into despair. Yes, I will persevere and take solace in the fact that there are other fun ways to enjoy craft beverages in an outdoor festival atmosphere this summer. Let’s take a look at a few:
Tussey Mountain WingFest
Every Thursday from June 11-Aug. 6
Tussey Mountain Amphitheater, Boalsburg
5:30-10 p.m.
tusseymountain.com/wingfest
If there is one thing that defines summer nights in Happy Valley, it might just be Tussey Mountain WingFest. Held every Thursday night on the slopes of the mountain, WingFest has grown from a wing competition into an all-out party. Of course, the weeks-long battle for the title of Wing King always takes center stage, but with a lineup of local and tribute bands and a multitude of food trucks (in case wings aren’t your thing), there is plenty of fun to be had Thursday nights at Tussey Mountain.
Of course, we all need a cold beverage to wash down those wings, and Tussey typically has a variety on draft. You will surely find a beverage to pair with your wings. What could be better than being out on the slopes with Happy Valley down below, a cold beer in one hand and a wing in the other, while music plays on stage? Not much, bring on the wings!
Outdoor Adventure On Tap
June 14
Tallyrand Park, Bellefonte
Noon-6 p.m.
outdooradventureontap.com
Okay, okay, okay — are the folks at the Central PA Tasting Trail and whoever else oversees this event trolling us with this one? I mean, come on, it is like everything I love about this area all rolled into one fun event that features the best of Bellefonte’s outdoor adventure scene and the region’s craft beverage and food culture. Sign me right up!
The free event will explore Bellefonte’s natural beauty and feature expert-led outdoor workshops on kayaking, fly fishing, trail running, hiking, and more. All with music, food vendors, a community vibe, and craft beverages from Tasting Trail members. I think their little tagline sums it up best: “Hike it. Bike it. Float it. Drink it. Join us at Outdoor Adventure On Tap!”
Sips and Sounds Downtown
June 26
Sidney Friedman Park, State College
4-9 p.m.
downtownstatecollege.com/special-event/ introducing-sips-sounds-downtown
Consider this a fun warmup to The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (read more on that below). What could be better than being outside in downtown State College in June, with a beverage from the Central PA Tasting Trail? Not many things. And don’t forget the live music — the “sounds” part of Sips and Sounds Downtown — along with local food vendors.
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Craft Beverage Expo presented by the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail
July 9-11
Sidney Friedman Park, State College
Noon-8 p.m.
arts-festival.com/central-pennsylvania-tasting-trail-craft-beverage-expo
Okay, so this is the big one in Happy Valley every summer. For years, I kept wondering, “Where is the beer tent?” But I could never find one. Then, a few years ago, the good folks at the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail teamed up with the Arts Fest organizers to create the Craft Beverage Expo area.
Located at Sidney Friedman Park, near the music stage, the expo is the perfect place to enjoy a local craft beverage while taking in the sights and sounds of Arts Fest weekend. Last year, I caught up with a few friends and made some new ones, all with a local beer in my hand. Can’t beat that!
So, if I’m at Arts Fest, you can be sure you’ll find me at the Craft Beverage Expo area having some fun.
In the meantime, I might check out some of these other festivals in the area, and I hope my dear readers do, too. Hopefully, the Hoppy Valley Brewers Festival returns, but there are many other ways to support your local craft beverage makers at festivals this summer. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
