Is a beer tour out of the question this summer? Here's an alternative: let the breweries bring the beer to you. Attend a festival, where you can try ales and lagers you've never had before, chat with the brewers, and meet people who share your love of beer.
In every region of North America, there are festivals where you can enjoy good food, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of craft-brewed beer. Here are some of the best:
- Mondial de la Bière, June 14-23. Has your French gotten rusty? You still have time to brush up before the festival. This 10-day tasting, held at Montreal's historic Old Port, will feature 80 brewers from around the world. But the biggest attraction is beer from Quebec's breweries, which are renowned for giving classic Belgian styles a New World interpretation. Don't forget to bring your appetite, too; Montreal is a top destination for gourmets.
- Vermont Brewers' Festival, July 20-21. The Green Mountain State might be small, but it ranks near the top in breweries per capita. Vermont's top brewpubs and breweries, along with a select few from elsewhere in the region, will be pouring at the East's longest-running outdoor festival. The location is Burlington's Waterfront Park, on the shore of Lake Champlain. There will be three tasting sessions, gourmet food, live music, and activities for the kids.
- Oregon Brewers' Festival, July 27-29. Portland is a year-round beer Mecca, but the best time to visit is when thousands descend on Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This three-day celebration, considered one of America's best, plays host to 72 invited brewers. Most are from outside the Northwest--an effort by organizers to familiarize Oregonians with beer from the rest of America. Hop growers, maltsters, and beer writers will also be on hand.
- Great Taste of the Midwest, August 11. In its fifteenth year, this is North America's second-oldest craft beer festival. It's also one of the largest, with more than 400 different beers--all from the nation's heartland. The site is Madison, Wisconsin's beautiful Olin-Turnville Park, which offers plenty of room to enjoy the festivities. Organizers keep things mellow by limiting attendance, so you have to order tickets early. They go on sale May 1.
- Great American Beer Festival, September 27-29. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this is the nation's oldest and largest beer tasting and competition. Hundreds of brewers will descend on Denver to compete for medals; while they're in town, festivalgoers can sample their beers at three tasting sessions. The festivities will take place at the Colorado Convention Center.
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