Craft beer has become a defining characteristic of the Twin Cities, and we know there’s no better time to tuck into something hoppy than October. The Harvest Beer Festival will showcase the beauty and bounty of local beers, and the Fresh Hop Throwdown will let the skills of the brewers shine in a competition of fresh hopped beers, which are crafted from the recently picked hop harvest. Judges and drinkers will vote on the top of the crop to see who wins bragging rights and some shiny bit of trophy bling.

Stephanie March and Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl will host the festivities and frivolities that center around Minnesota’s finest craft brewers. Guests will have the chance to snack from food trucks, assemble their own pretzel necklace, enjoy the gardens at Bachman’s, and of course, sample local craft beer varieties while voting for their favorite. Cider, kombuhca and soda will also be on tap.