Everyone’s favorite season — fresh hop beer season — is upon us. Billy Goat Hop Farm is now selling tickets for the fourth annual Southwest Fresh Fest coming up on Sept. 20. All of the beers poured at this one-of-a-kind shindig will serve beers brewed with Billy Goat hops that come straight off the bine and go right into the brew— usually within 24 hours.
Fresh hops pouring
This year’s stellar brewery lineup includes:
- Base Camp Beer Works,
- Cerebral Brewing,
- Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery,
- Elevation Beer Company,
- Green Mountain Beer Company,
- Horsefly Brewing Company,
- Glenwood Canyon Brewpub,
- Milieu Fermentation,
- Our Mutual Friend Brewing,
- Outer Range Brewing Co.,
- Pomona Brewing Company,
- Reckless Brewing Company,
- Shelter Distilling, and
- Stronghouse Brew Pub …
… with even more to come. Festival-goers can vote on their favorite fresh hop beer for one brewery to win the Fresh Hop Trophy for the year.
Festivities other than fresh hop beers
Two bands, Hypothetical Bluegrass and Cryin’ Shame, will perform live at Southwest Fresh Fest. Three food vendors— Uncompahgre Farms, Qué Chimba Colombian Food, and Marchio’s Grill— will be onsite. Guests can also browse sponsor tables, and jump on the farm tour to learn more about growing hops.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day-of; $15 for designated drivers and people under 21; and free for kids under 12. Country Lodge and Riverbend RV Park & Cabins will be offering discounts for festival-goers, and there will be discount vouchers for Uber rides courtesy of Billy Goat Hop Farm. There is also plenty of free on-site parking.
Sponsors
Southwest Fresh Fest would not be possible without the support of community sponsors including Pomona Brewing Company, Maxfield – Peterson, P.C., RadCraft, AgWell, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Montrose Community Foundation, Montrose Anglers, Valley Food Partnership, Alpine Events, Visit Montrose, CropwoRx, Best Slope Adventures, Colorado Grain Chain, WKRP, and Friends of the Black Canyon.
