Hoppy Times: Riverside Brews, Live Music, and Community Vibes in Downtown Manchester
As the vivid greens of summer start to lose their glisten and the warm hues of autumn twirl into the landscape with the awakening of peeper season and pumpkin everything, fall beer festivals make their way into some of the area’s best outdoor venues.
New Hampshire fall beer festivals are about more than just craft beer — they’re a celebration of community, the great outdoors and the harvest season. From the Canadian border to southern New Hampshire and the coast and mountains in between, these gatherings are where families, friends and beer enthusiasts come together to create memories against the backdrop of New Hampshire’s stunning fall scenery.
In preparation for New Hampshire Magazine’s annual October issue (aka the Beer Issue), photographer and writer Kendal Bush visited many of New Hampshire’s beer festivals in 2023 to find out what truly makes them so special.
Jim Keeley {upper row, center,} and his multi-generational group of family and friends frequent beer festivals together, pictured sitting on the painted stairs at Arms Park.
Manchester Arms Park Brew Fest
Pulsing in the heart of Manchester, the Manchester Arms Park Brew Fest takes full advantage of its scenic riverside setting. With more than 70 breweries participating, the festival is a
favorite for its stunning views and the variety of beers.
The setting here — right by the river, with a mix of colorful murals, Millyard history and open green spaces — makes it an ideal place to spend an afternoon.
The festival draws a diverse crowd, from local families to visitors from neighboring states.
Pam Morose splits her time between Massachusetts and St. Thomas, working as a chef and cicerone (think sommelier for wine but for beer), who is passionate about food and beer.
Hloni Sedie from Stark Brewery pours a sample for an enthusiastic Pam Morose.
“I bought my tickets in May to come up here. It’s an easy Saturday afternoon,” Morose said. “It brings people together, and that’s always a good thing. And you don’t see anybody sad here; everybody is just hanging out and having a good time.”
As she headed into the massive beer tent to try a new brew in her 3-ounce tasting glass, Pam remarked, “I love the science of beer. Everybody here brings something different to the table, and that’s what I love and that’s why I’m here.”
“This is one of the best,” Ken said. “It’s consistent, and the people are very welcoming.”
Multigenerational groups of festival-goers are a common sight at all of the festivals. Jim Keeley and his group of family and friends enjoy sample sips as they enjoy a view of the Merrimack River. Closer to the sprawling beer tent, Polly and Ron Bath were all smiles as they contemplated their next beer selections.
Twins Meghan and Caitlin Dudley (Grey Shirt) from Darbster Rescue come out to socialize the dogs and spread the word about rescue opportunities.
“It’s not about coming here to drink as much as you can; it’s about coming here for the experience,” Polly said. “I love that young people are getting into this and are making things that are wonderful. They’re brave, always inventive, and we can all enjoy it together, so there’s really no generation gap here, which to me is fabulous.”
Between sips, attendees can hop on over to enjoy some live music on the main stage, throw an ax or two, or pick up a few medieval weapon-maneuvering moves as the New England Steel Fighters steal the show, wielding large swords and weapons in all-around medieval mayhem while donned in full armor. The charity organization is focused on bringing awareness to veterans’ issues.
Queen City native and owner of Stark Brewery Peter Telge has run the festival for the majority of its existence, and also has a sharp focus on giving back.
“I think it’s important to give back to the community some way, somehow,” Telge said.
