The flurry of snow hitting our neck of the woods recently might make you forget that spring is around the corner … really, it is. Before you know it you’ll be navigating around frost heaves and potholes, wondering why you didn’t move to California, Florida or the depths of hell last year to avoid this dang New England weather.
But then you’ll remember that here in CT, when spring finally does arrive, that flurry of snow we endured is replaced with a flurry of beer festivals and sunshine. And you’ll remind yourself that it’s all worth it.
Here are the 5 Connecticut Spring Beer Festivals you have to put on your radar as you peel yourself out of hibernation mode.
Thread City Hop Fest (May 3rd, Willimantic CT)
Willimantic plays host to the Thread City Hop Fest, which includes great food, beer and live music. Enjoy samples from more than 30 New England breweries while you enjoy some of the best culinary offerings CT has to offer, including food from Fryborg, Rolling Tomato and Kettle Korn. This is a family-friendly event, and proceeds will benefit the No Freeze Project and WRI. Learn more now.
Brewfest on the Beach (May 15th, New London CT)
What better way to kick winter the heck out of town than to spend the evening at the beach? The boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park in New London will host the 37th Brewfest at the Beach, where more than 150 beers representing all four corners of the world will be on display. The event is rain or shine (it’s covered in case April showers turn into May showers), and proceeds will benefit Camp Rotary, a summer camp for middle school students. Learn more now.
Rising Pint Brewfest (May 9th, East Hartford CT)
More than 300 craft beers are expected to be served at the 4th annual Rising Pint Brewfest, one of the fastest growing and most comprehensive brewfests in all of New England. The festival is held at Rentschler Field Stadium, and will also feature happy hour specials from some of the regions best restaurants and food trucks. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps families of lost and wounded service men and women. Learn more now.
Ninety9Bottles Craft Beer Festival (June 6th, South Norwalk CT)
Ninety9Bottles Craft Beer Festival is back for it’s 2nd Annual Festival where Festival goers will enjoy a variety of brews while overlooking beautiful Norwalk Harbor up atop the hill at Oyster Shell Park. With an emphasis on New England based breweries, they will be pouring samples of 40+ craft beers and some old favorites and some that you have yet to experience including new beers to the Connecticut market. Learn more now.
Harmonies & Hops (May 9th, Danielson CT)
The 3rd annual Harmonies and Hops is back to celebrate spring in verdant Danielson, CT! While the event will have a ton of activities for kids and adults alike, there will be a beer and wine tasting tent featuring as many local breweries and wineries as possible. There will also be a Homebrew competition occurring concurrently with the beer and wine tasting. Learn more now.
Forget the groundhog. Trust your local brewers
Who cares what a stupid rodent in PA says about winter? Your CT craft brewers know exactly when spring begins; the moment CT’s influx of springtime beer festivals start to take place. The scene outside your winter might say frozen tundra, but you know it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be chanting frozen keg. Make sure not to miss these top 5 CT spring beer festivals, and let us know what other festivals are can’t misses for the season.
