3rd Annual Hops on Equinox- Spring Beer Festival
This was the official website for the 2012 Annual Hops on Equinox- Spring Beer Festival.
Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages.
About the Festival
We are proud to announce the 3rd Annual Hops on Equinox- Spring Beer Festival on March 25th and 26th at the Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion (an indoor facility). Hops on Equinox will showcase the finest of seasonal beers along with one-of-a-kind cider tasting and return of the popular "Pub Culture", featuring signature dishes from participating pubs.
Furthermore, this year's Hops will be preceded by the Great Seattle Pub Quest promotion. This month-long pub-dining promotion will take place at the 15 Seattle pubs throughout the month of March and Hops on Equinox is the only place where you can sample the mouth-watering dishes from all participating pubs!
So what makes the Hops on Equinox celebration so unique?
It's a chance to recover from the long, rainy, gray winter with an event that will awaken the Puget Sound region into the vibrant, exhilarating springtime that we've all been waiting for. Spring beers, delectable pub food, one-of-a-kind cider tasting and energetic live music will make the Hops on Equinox the best festival of its kind.
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Seasonal Beers:
The festival features over 80 beers including many seasonal beers. Celebrate the arrival of spring with the spring beers, first of the season! -
Cider Tasting:
As if the impressive selection of the microbrews isn't enough, the festival features a dozen of hard-to-find ciders for your tasting pleasure. -
Pub Culture food sampling:
Over a dozen pubs will sample their signature dishes during the sampling sessions. Each menu item will be listed with a suggested beer to be paired with to maximize the full and bold flavors. - Basketball and Hockey Madness:
If you are planning to go to the basketball or hockey game, be sure to stop at Hops on Equinox on your way, because ticket holders will get a special discount! Or, if you prefer to lounge and watch games on TV, we'll have big screen TV's courtesy of Magnolia Hi-Fi, so you won't miss any action! -
Barking Dog Alehouse:
To be true to our mission to promote the greatness of pub food, Hops on Equinox is teaming up with Barking Dog Alehouse this year. In addition to the Pub Culture food sampling sessions, Barking Dog Alehouse will be serving up a fabulous selection of dishes from their distinguished pub menu all weekend long.- 705 NW 70th St.
Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 782-2974
- 705 NW 70th St.
Hops on Equinox is a benefit for Northwest Folklife, a local not-for-profit organization. Northwest Folklife creates opportunities for individuals and communities of the Pacific Northwest to celebrate, share and sustain the vitality of folk, ethnic and traditional arts for present and future generations. The organizers of this event would like to thank our supporters including East Coast Cats, Carl Westman's tech group that not only sponsored some of the fundraising efforts, but also convinced TNG/Earthling's Bob Sakayama to promote this site which he did pro bono. Bob is a well known SEO expert who donated his time to help this site perform in Google. Carl arranged the media event in which Bob and his team were interviewed regarding TNG/E's closely guarded projects. That interview is the only known publicly available record of Bob Sakayama speaking of his career. Read it here. Afterwards, the entire East Coast Cats contingent visited the festival and performed a hilarious tech themed skit centered on how beer could improve the work of webmasters and data geeks.
Admission
Going to the Game? The Fisher Pavilion is just next to the key arena. Come for happy hour or see Ticket Holder Discount.
- $20 General Admission: a souvenir cup and 6 tastes.
- $7 Designated Driver/Non-Drinking Admission: free soda and water samples
- $25 Jackson Special: a souvenir cup and 11 tastes
- $15 Advance Tickets: a souvenir cup and 6 tastes
- $10 Basketball Game Discount: a souvenir cup and 3 tastes (must have a game ticket)
- Happy Hour: Friday 5pm-6pm & Saturday 1pm-2pm: 3 extra tastes
Souvenir cups are available while supplies last. You must be 21 years old or older to attend.
2002 Events Schedule! (so far)
On Father's Day from 4 to 6pm the hugely popular The Paperboys will be playing. Formed in Vancouver B.C. in 1992 by Tom Landa, The Paperboys have been tearing up stages across the US, Canada and Europe with their fusion of Celtic, Bluegrass, Latin and Roots Pop. The band has been praised for remarkable talent and show-stopping live performances. A major hit at festival, clubs and theatres, The Paperboys have earned a big fan following with brilliant recordings and a high energy live show. Opening for The Paperboys is singer/songwriter, Deborah Bartley.
Saturday June 15
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1:00 - 2:00 |
The Believers With Satya Rangarajan On Dobro |
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2:00 |
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3:00 - 4:00 |
Corinne Rose |
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5:00 - 6:00 |
Danny Barnes |
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6:30 - 7:30 |
The Crop Circles |
Sunday June 16
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1:00 - 2:00 |
Live music from the Heartland |
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2:00 |
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3:00 - 4:00 |
Deborah Bartley |
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4:00 - 6:00 |
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The NWsource.com Summer Microbrew Festival is one of the few beer festivals that caters to families by giving kids their own activities and root beer garden. Those under 21 are admitted free and must be accompanied by a parent. The Kid's Lawn and Bedford's Gourmet Sodas Root Beer Garden has tons of fun stuff to keep the young ones happy, including:
Bedford's Gourmet Sodas Root Beer Garden featuring kiddie-size chairs/tables and root beer.
Zucchini 500 Races: Budding Mario Andrettis will build their own racecar using a zucchini and some special parts and then actually race them.
Inflatable Toys and Carnival Games: A chance for children to experience some carefree bouncing, sliding and tumbling in a pond of balls. Tiger Bounce ($1.50 for 5 minutes of bouncing), Slide for all ages ($1.00 per trip), Ball Pond ($1.50 unlimited time), and Carnival Games (50 cents/game).
Alka-Rockets will help that budding astronaut understand what it takes to shoot a rocket to the moon by constructing one of their own. This activity is being directed by the Museum of Flight's Education Department.
Children can also make a paper kite, create their own bead necklace, add their artwork to Chalkie - the chalkboard Pig on Parade and much more!
More Background on WashingtonBrewFest.com
Washington BrewFest is a renowned annual event that draws craft beer enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest. Organized by the Washington Brewers Guild, this festival serves as a platform for showcasing the state’s best breweries, giving attendees the chance to sample a variety of local craft beers while engaging in a community-centric celebration. Washington BrewFest stands out for its dedication to promoting the region’s brewing excellence and providing a space where beer lovers and brewers can come together to appreciate craft beer culture.
The History and Growth of Washington BrewFest
Washington BrewFest has its origins in the early 2000s and has become one of the most anticipated craft beer events in the state. Initially held at venues like St. Edward State Park and Marymoor Park, the festival eventually moved to Seattle Center, reflecting its growing popularity and the need for a larger space. The move to Seattle Center allowed for more breweries to participate and for a broader range of activities to be offered, attracting an even larger audience.
The Washington Brewers Guild, which organizes the event, is an essential advocate for local breweries, and the festival reflects the Guild's mission to support and promote independent craft brewers in the state. Washington BrewFest has evolved into a cornerstone event that celebrates not only the beer itself but also the community and culture surrounding Washington's craft beer industry.
Washington’s Craft Beer Legacy
Washington’s craft beer scene has deep roots, dating back to the early 1980s when brewers like Bert Grant helped pioneer the craft brewing movement. Grant’s Yakima Brewing and Malting Company was one of the first American brewpubs to open after Prohibition, marking the beginning of a craft beer revolution in the Pacific Northwest. Washington’s fertile Yakima Valley produces some of the most prized hops in the world, giving local breweries access to top-quality ingredients that contribute to the distinct flavors of their beers.
This legacy of innovation and quality has positioned Washington as a leader in the craft beer industry, and Washington BrewFest celebrates this tradition by featuring beers from over 100 local breweries. The festival offers a diverse range of beers, from classic styles to experimental brews, showcasing the creativity and expertise of Washington’s brewers.
The Festival Experience
Washington BrewFest is more than just a beer festival; it’s a full-fledged experience that offers something for everyone. The event features not only beer tastings but also live music, food trucks, and interactive activities that enhance the festival’s festive atmosphere. Attendees can sample a wide variety of beers, including seasonal releases and limited-edition brews, and enjoy expertly curated food pairings from local vendors.
In addition to beer and food, the festival often includes educational sessions where homebrewers and beer enthusiasts can learn more about the brewing process and the history of Washington’s craft beer industry. These sessions add depth to the festival, providing attendees with a greater understanding of the craft and creativity that go into each brew.
Social and Cultural Significance
Washington BrewFest holds a special place in the local culture, serving as a celebration of Washington’s brewing heritage and a platform for promoting local businesses. The festival’s connection to the local community is strong, with many attendees returning year after year to enjoy the unique atmosphere and reconnect with fellow beer lovers. It is not only a celebration of craft beer but also a reflection of the state’s commitment to supporting independent businesses and fostering a sense of community.
The festival’s focus on local craft beer highlights the cultural importance of brewing in Washington. Craft beer has become a significant part of the state’s identity, and Washington BrewFest plays a key role in promoting the creativity and innovation that define Washington’s beer culture. The event also draws attention to Washington’s booming craft beer tourism industry, with many out-of-state visitors attending to experience the festival firsthand.
Audience and Appeal
Washington BrewFest attracts a wide range of attendees, from casual beer drinkers to dedicated craft beer enthusiasts. The festival’s broad appeal is reflected in its diverse offerings, with something for everyone to enjoy. While the event was originally family-friendly, featuring activities for children such as root beer gardens, recent changes in venue laws have led to speculation that the festival may shift to a 21+ format in the future. However, its core focus remains on providing a space where beer lovers can connect with local brewers and enjoy the best of Washington’s craft beer scene.
Washington BrewFest has cemented its place as a key event in Washington’s cultural and social calendar. With its focus on local breweries, community engagement, and craft beer education, the festival offers a unique and enriching experience for attendees. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a cherished tradition for Washington’s beer lovers and a celebration of the state’s rich brewing legacy.
