Three Beer Festivals to Attend This July

Sip some local suds at these homegrown brewfests

A popular internet myth says that Ben Franklin once wrote, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Nothing of the sort ever came from the Founding Father’s pen — but if we’re to believe the (mis-attributed) sentiment, then there’s a lot to be happy about in New Hampshire this month. Check out any or all of these local brewfests for a taste of the best beers in New England and beyond — and for a hoppy and happy good time.

A Brew with a View
July 8, Sanbornton

You can’t find a much simpler recipe for a summer festival than this. Now in its third year, this brews-plus-views fest put on by Steele Hill Resorts features VIP specialty beer pairings and a live concert by Meredith-based rockers Janet and the Redheads. The beer list boasts more than 30 breweries from near and far, including Woodstock Inn Brewery, Throwback Brewery, The Brooklyn Brewery and Kona Brewing Company.

Seacoast Microbrew Festival
July 15, Dover

Watch out, Colorado and California. One of the hottest spots in the country for craft beer is right here on the New Hampshire Seacoast, and this 2-year-old festival celebrates the region’s very best. Over the course of nine hours in the Cocheco River-adjacent Henry Law Park, attendees can sip brews from Earth Eagle, Bad Lab and 17 other Seacoast breweries. Enjoy live music courtesy of Galaxy Rabbit and Amulus, and chow down on grub from Northeast Pie Company and other area food trucks.

Manchester Brewfest
July 29, Manchester

Now in its fourth year, this celebration of suds transforms the Queen City’s Millyard into a beer lover’s paradise. The 20+-brewer lineup includes Stark Brewing, Tuckerman and other New Hampshire favorites alongside brews from as far away as Michigan and Colorado, while the food vendor list ranges from donuts and BBQ to Latin American-style empanadas. Best of all, you can imbibe in good conscience: Proceeds from this fest benefit New Horizons.