Looking for Beer-Related Happenings?

Image: Steven Vargo
The hills are alive with beer-friendly events all around Park City and at nearby resorts. Summer sipping lasts all season long, from educational hikes to an Oktoberfest tradition that’s annually ranked as one of the best in the nation.
OKTOBERFEST
Canyons Village, Park City Mountain, 435.649.8111, parkcitymountain.com
What: Toasting Labor Day weekend, this inaugural event (well, at least in Park City) means hoisting steins and savoring German flavor with an authentic Bavarian beer hall and market. Traditional oompah and polka tunes, keg bowling, dancing, and a “Kinder Kids’ Zone” (think pumpkin painting and freeze dance) round out the festivities.
When: Friday, Aug 30, 4–10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug 31, noon–10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept 1, noon–6 p.m.
HOPS HUNTERS HIKES
Summit Land Conservancy, multiple locations, wesaveland.org
What: Did you know that wild hops grow all around Park City? Learn more about the fascinating history of this beer-making staple (transplanted to Utah by German miners) during five summer hikes. The season culminates in a community hops harvest, with the fruits of the day’s labor going into Wasatch Brewery’s annual Clothing Hoptional brew, benefiting the Summit Land Conservancy.
When: June 2: Empire Canyon; June 16: McPolin Farmlands; July 7: Virginia Mining Claims; July 21: Rail Trail; and Aug 4: Prospector Ridge. Check with wesaveland.org to get the early buzz on hops harvest dates and the Wasatch Brewery Hoppy Hour event.
HOPS ON THE HILL
Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley, 7700 Stein Way, reservations recommended, 435.645.6455, steinlodge.com/hops
What: “Drinking a cold craft beer, sampling world-class food, and enjoying spectacular mountain views—you can’t beat it,” says Utah beer guru Tim Haran. During the eight-week summer series, attendees enjoy local brews paired with exquisite bites prepared by Executive Chef Zane Holmquist and his team, served on the deck. The accompanying live outdoor concerts are free.
When: Tuesday nights, July 9 through Aug 27, 6–7:30 p.m. Local bands play until 9 p.m. with à la carte grill and beverages available for purchase. The events always sell out, so reserve your spot in advance.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ
Earl’s Lodge patio, Snowbasin Resort, 3925 Snowbasin Rd, Huntsville, 888.437.5488, snowbasin.com
What: It’s well worth the road trip to Huntsville for a summer Sunday afternoon at Snowbasin Resort. Finish up a morning of mountain biking or disc golf with a dog- and kid-friendly lawn concert at one of northern Utah’s most beautiful spots. Each week features local breweries on tap, sunny patio BBQ, and dining options at Earl’s Lodge.
When: Sundays, May–Sept, noon–5 p.m.; see the event lineup at snowbasin.com.
OKTOBERFEST
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, 9385 S Snowbird Center Dr, snowbird.com/oktoberfest
What: It’s about as close to Bavaria as you can get in the Beehive State, at least for a few weekends every year. Since 1973, Park City’s neighbor—two mountain passes to the west—has hosted the state’s largest (and growing!) “beirgarten.” Count on local brews abounding, hearty German food and oompah bands getting the crowd dancing and singing along. Snag a tram pass to the Summit Lodge for stunning canyon views and scheduled alpenhorn performances. Prost!
When: Friday–Sunday, mid-Aug through mid-Oct, noon–6 p.m.
PARK CITY GREEN DRINKS
Recycle Utah, multiple locations, recycleutah.org/park-city-green-drinks-3
What: Combine mingling with Park City’s sustainability leaders and great local spirits, and what do you get? Park City Green Drinks. These 21+ events are held on the second Tuesday of every other month, and admission is free. All donations collected at the door support Recycle Utah’s environmental and social advocacy programs and education.
When: July 9, 6–8 p.m., Bill White Farms; Sept 10, 6–8 p.m., Center of Excellence