Besides the bounty of its hop harvest, Yakima claims one of the craft brewing industry’s roots: the original home of America’s first post-prohibition brewpub. As ales, stouts and hefeweizens continue to gain popularity, Yakima is the place to experience some of the finest examples!

For a brew to be considered a “fresh hop ale” for the festival competition, it must be produced with hops that were picked no more than 24 hours prior to brewing (talk about overnight shipping!). Fresh Hop Ale is produced throughout the month of September, timing dependent on the growth of each year’s hop harvest. Brewers then bring their freshly brewed kegs of beer to the fest, where a panel of judges selects first, second and third place Fresh Hop Ales. Festival-goers vote with their taste buds— a “Most Pours Award” crowns the crowd favorite.

Not only that, there’s live music, food, wines, a cigar tent, and more! This is Yakima’s biggest (and some say best) street party of the year – all taking place in Millennium Plaza in downtown Yakima. Full Sail’s 8 Pound Pale will be pouring at this year’s festival! Proceeds from the Fresh Hop Ale Festival go to support Yakima Valley art organizations.