Hoppy Times: Powder Keg Combines Craft Beer with Gourmet Chili

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.

Chef Adam Sainsbury offers samples of his chili made with Stout beer.

Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival

As the season progresses, the Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival in Exeter introduces a fiery twist to the fall festival lineup. Combining craft beer with gourmet chili, the festival offers a palate-pleasing adventure set to the tune of live music and bustling activity. Now in its 12^th year, this community-driven event brings together craft breweries, local chefs, and chili enthusiasts for a day filled with food, fun, and flavors.

Taking place along Exeter’s scenic Swasey Parkway, the festival boasts more than 200 different beers, ciders, and hard seltzers from a variety of local breweries, including Throwback Brewing, Great Rhythm Brewing Company, Feathered Friend Brewing, and Après Hard Seltzer. The event also showcases chili samples from local restaurants and breweries, with participants vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” for best chili.

From left to right, festival veterans Kathy and David Neils, Courtney and Jay Lodico, Brad and Danielle Henrick, Maddie Lodico and Jessie Corriveau gather at Swasey Park overlooking the Squamscott River.

First-time vendor Jasmine Patel, founder of Omnium Brewing, expressed her excitement at the chance to share menu items from her Somersworth location, including her special chili. Likewise, Chef Adam Sainsbury, who incorporates stout beer into his chili recipe, brought his culinary expertise to the festival for the first time. Whether you prefer your chili spicy or mild, the ice-cold craft beers are the perfect pairing.

For locals like Jay and Courtney Lodico, the Powder Keg Festival is a beloved tradition. “It’s an incredible celebration of town, community, and folks who are like-minded in this space,” Jay remarked at last year’s event. The couple enjoys attending with friends and adding a new touch to their festive costumes each year, like beer and pretzel earrings or Oktoberfest hats.

Enthusiastic festival goers support the festival rain or shine.

“We don’t miss it! This is our favorite,” Courtney added. “The town does a great job of making it new and fresh every year, and it’s one of the most important days on our social calendar.”

In addition to beer and chili, the festival features live music by Matty & The Penders, non-chili food options and artisan vendors. The welcoming, laid-back atmosphere even invites dog lovers to bring along their furry friends, adding to the community spirit.

“This is more than just a beer festival; it’s about bringing people together and supporting local businesses,” said Jennifer Wheeler, President of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. “When people come to Exeter for the festival, they also explore our downtown shopping, restaurants, and all that we have to offer.”

Volunteer Mark Schultz has been shoveling ice for vendors every year, rain or shine, since the festival began.

New Hampshire Magazine is a proud, longtime sponsor of Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival.