By Dan Mathers
A recent poll on our Instagram story revealed that 70 percent of you think autumn is the best time of year to enjoy the Northeast outdoors.
We haven’t done a poll on it (yet), but I’d guess a similar number who are beer enthusiasts would say autumn is also the best time of year to enjoy craft beer in the Northeast.
When the temperatures dip and the leaves begin to change color, breweries throughout the region celebrate the season by unveiling their own Oktoberfest beers and other dark brews that pair well with crisp, cool air and colorful fall foliage.
Many ski resorts throughout the Northeast host craft beer festivals at this time of year, creating an ideal blend of beautiful scenery, easy access to mountain adventures, and some of the tastiest brews of the year.
If spending a day (or weekend) blending your love of mountain adventure with your love of a well-crafted beer sounds good to you, then check out these beer festivals coming up at Northeast ski resorts this fall.
Mount Snow Brewer’s Festival
Mount Snow, Vermont
August 30, 2025
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mount Snow Brewer’s Festival. The event will feature live music, food trucks, and lots of craft beer from Vermont’s best brewers. While there, enjoy some downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, or hiking.
Siptemberfest
Mad River Glen, Vermont
September 20, 2025
Mad River Glen will host its annual fall beer festival Siptemberfest on September 20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include two dozen breweries and only 800 tickets.
Sunday River Brew Fest
Sunday River, Maine
September 20 & 21, 2025
The annual Sunday River Brew Fest is a two day event, taking place this year September 20 and 21. It features more than 30 of Maine’s top breweries, and also offers lift rides, a brunch, live music, and visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Killington Brewfest
Killington, Vermont
September 20, 2025
The annual Killington Brewfest features live music, lots of food, and dozens of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers. Get an early start to the day by mountain biking at the resort or hiking in the area.
Hunter Oktoberfest
Hunter Mountain, New York
STARTS September 27, 2025
New York’s Hunter Mountain does the fall beer festival thing right. Hunter’s Oktoberfest isn’t just held on one day. It takes place over three weekends. These epic weekends of fall brews begin September 27 and 28, then take place October 4 and 5, and conclude October 11 and 12.
Harvestfest’s Brewfest
Stratton Mountain, Vermont
October 11, 2025
Stratton’s HarvestFest brings flannels and fall cheer to the mountain with two days of live music, scenic lift rides, peak fall foliage, and delicious food options, along with the season finale of mountain biking. Harvestfest’s Brewfest takes place Saturday, October 11 from 11:30 to 6 p.m. and features Vermont’s finest craft ales, lagers, porters, sours, ciders and more.
Attitash Oktoberfest
Attitash Mountain, New Hampshire
October 11, 2025
The Attitash Oktoberfest is a definite party. In addition to a wide selection of craft beers, excellent food, and live music, they also have a costume contest, stein hoisting, a keg toss, and more.
Bean & Brew Festival
Jay Peak, Vermont
October 18, 2025
Jay Peak’s annual Bean & Brew Festival is a celebration of New England’s finest craft beer, cider, and locally roasted coffee. Enjoy live music from Organized Dead, lawn games, and good vibes at the Stateside Base Lodge. While there, hike the mountain, bike the Jay Peak trail network, enjoy the indoor water park, or try disc golf.
