Attention, beer drinkers: Did you know that one of the largest beer festivals in the country is right here in Washington, and it’s almost upon us? Considering the Yakima Valley produces about 75% of the country’s hops, it makes sense that Yakima hosts the annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival every October. And when you go, not only do you get to drink delicious local craft beer, you’ll be helping to support some great causes.

Yakima’s Fresh Hop Ale Festival is now in its 17th year and it keeps getting better.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook The nationally recognized event now features more than 50 breweries serving up 100 varieties of fresh hop brews.

This year’s festival is October 5, and miraculously, there are still tickets available.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook VIP tickets are sold out, but you can still get your general admission ticket for $45 ($20 if you’re the driver).

That $45 gets you access to about 70 breweries, wineries, and cideries serving their best tastes.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook You’ll get four drink tickets, a collectible glass, special beers on the Beer Bike, and access to all live music and entertainment. Designated drivers get a gift bag with a water bottle.

Come see why Thrillist named this festival one of the 10 best in the nation.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook The fresh-hopped beers are made with hops that have been picked within 24 hours of brewing, so you can expect fresher, lighter tasting brew.

This is the perfect way to celebrate our famous nationally appreciated hops.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook If you don’t know much about Washington’s craft beer scene, this is a great time to learn — and even if you don’t like beer, you can always go for some cider, wine, food, and music.

Believe it or not, this event is about more than amazing beer.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook Proceeds all go to more than 20 Yakima County-based arts and science non-profit organizations. Last year’s festival raised $101,464!

This year’s Fresh Hop Ale Festival will be held at a new location, the Virginia Mason Downtown Parking Lot.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook Gates open at 5 p.m. for General Admission, with live music kicking off at 5:15. They’ll be pouring the beer until 9 p.m.

Get your tickets to this iconic beer festival before they officially sell out. And if you’d rather celebrate autumn’s arrival a different way, here are some beautiful day trip suggestions.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook

The nationally recognized event now features more than 50 breweries serving up 100 varieties of fresh hop brews.

VIP tickets are sold out, but you can still get your general admission ticket for $45 ($20 if you’re the driver).

You’ll get four drink tickets, a collectible glass, special beers on the Beer Bike, and access to all live music and entertainment. Designated drivers get a gift bag with a water bottle.

Fresh Hop Ale Festival Facebook

The fresh-hopped beers are made with hops that have been picked within 24 hours of brewing, so you can expect fresher, lighter tasting brew.

If you don’t know much about Washington’s craft beer scene, this is a great time to learn — and even if you don’t like beer, you can always go for some cider, wine, food, and music.

Proceeds all go to more than 20 Yakima County-based arts and science non-profit organizations. Last year’s festival raised $101,464!

Gates open at 5 p.m. for General Admission, with live music kicking off at 5:15. They’ll be pouring the beer until 9 p.m.

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