Medina Beerfest - Ohio's Top Craft Beer Festival

Exploring the Medina Beerfest

The annual Medina Beerfest has become a highly anticipated event for craft beer lovers across Ohio. Held at The Foundry in downtown Medina, this festival celebrates the thriving local beer scene and brings together a variety of breweries and cideries from across the state. With live music, food trucks, games, and of course plenty of beer tastings, it's a full day of fun for all ages.

When and Where the Fest Takes Place

The Medina Beerfest is always held on the third Saturday in October. The festival runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, giving attendees plenty of time to explore the many beer offerings. The Foundry provides a spacious indoor and outdoor setting located right off Medina's historical town square. The facility includes a large bar area and seating throughout to give beer enthusiasts a comfortable spot to sip their samples.

Breweries and Beers Represented

One of the best parts of the Medina Beerfest is the wide variety of breweries that participate. The event brings in over a dozen breweries and cideries from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Local favorites like Mad Brewing Company, Hoppin' Frog Brewery, and Thirsty Dog Brewing Company are regularly represented. National brands like Great Lakes Brewing Company also join the fest. This gives people the chance to taste flagship brews from well-known breweries along with small-batch specialty releases only available at the event.

Styles served are diverse, ranging from classic ales and lagers to trendy New England IPAs and fruited sours. For those who enjoy a good hard cider, several premier Ohio cider houses like Urban Orchard Cider Co. bring refreshing cider varieties as well. From hazy double IPAs to crisp apple ciders, there's a beer or cider to please every palate.

Food Truck Fare

In addition to expansive beer and cider tastings, the Medina Beerfest also features an array of food trucks and stands. Vendors offer everything from giant pretzels to smoked brisket sandwiches to vegan hand pies. The food helps soak up some of the alcohol and keep fest attendees refreshed and fueled for more beer sampling. It's easy to make a full meal out of the amazing food options available.

Live Music and Entertainment

Live music is a big part of the Medina Beerfest atmosphere. Two alternating stages give regional bands and musicians the chance to perform throughout the day. The genres range from blues to folk to rock, complementing the laidback brewfest environment. Occasionally the festival will also feature stand-up comedy acts or other unique entertainment.

Games and contests also take place, like a stein holding competition to see who can hold a full liter of beer in a stein with an extended arm for the longest. There are even beer yoga sessions, combining funny but surprisingly challenging yoga positions with a beer in hand. The variety of entertainment ensures a lively, engaging atmosphere from start to finish.

The History Behind the Fest

Steve Shaw, owner of Medina's Blue Heron Brewery and event manager for Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, founded the Medina Beerfest back in 2017. As the craft beer scene grew across Ohio, Shaw saw an opportunity to showcase these local breweries while creating an enjoyable experience. The first fest was a huge hit, with 800 attendees sampling beer from 5 Ohio breweries.

Over the years since that inaugural festival, the event has expanded to its current size with around 1500 attendees and over a dozen breweries. It's now hosted by Main Street Medina, a non-profit focused on promoting downtown. Proceeds from the Medina Beerfest support Main Street Medina's mission of fostering community and economic growth.

Growth of Ohio Craft Beer

The Medina Beerfest's popularity mirrors the rising passion for craft beer across Ohio. Ohio now has over 300 craft breweries operating, making it one of the top states in the country for breweries per capita. This growth shows no signs of slowing. Many small towns like Medina now have their own brewpub or two, allowing residents to proudly support local beer.

Events like the Medina Beerfest help to highlight the standout Ohio beers and give exposure to emerging breweries. They also build a sense of community around high-quality beer. The fest gives beer lovers an opportunity to come together, discover new brews, and celebrate Ohio's thriving beer culture.

Tips for Making the Most of the Fest

To fully enjoy everything the Medina Beerfest has to offer, keep these tips in mind:

Arrive Early

Be sure to get to the festival right when it opens at 1 pm. This ensures you have plenty of time to make your way around to the different breweries and try the beers before lines get long. Popular breweries like Platform Beer Co. tend to draw crowds quickly.

Pace Yourself

With 3-ounce beer samples and over 100 beers to try, pacing is important. Alternate between beer, water, and food to stay hydrated and soak up the alcohol. You want to be able to fully appreciate all the different flavors.

Talk to the Brewers

Some of the best part of beer festivals is chatting with the brewmasters and brewery representatives who are serving beer. Ask questions about the beers you sample - you might discover interesting details that help you appreciate the flavors more. They can also offer suggestions for what to try next based on your preferences.

Keep an Open Mind

Be adventurous and sample beer styles you may not normally reach for. Part of the fun is discovering new favorites. Don't be afraid to ask for tasters of IPAs even if you gravitate toward stouts.

Stay Hydrated and Refueled

Drink water between beer samples and be sure to eat enough food throughout the fest. This will keep you feeling your best all day long and let you lasting until the closing tap at 5 pm.

Why the Medina Beerfest is a Must-Attend Fall Event

With its lively atmosphere, top-notch Ohio breweries, delicious food, and supplemental entertainment, the Medina Beerfest offers an outstanding beer-centric experience. It's a chance to support local brewers, discover new favorite brews, and simply enjoy a fun festival environment. If you appreciate great craft beer and want to see what Ohio has to offer, make sure to mark your calendar for the next Medina Beerfest this October. You're sure to have an unforgettable time.

FAQs

What are the dates for the Medina Beerfest?

The Medina Beerfest takes place every year on the third Saturday in October from 1 pm to 5 pm.

What is the address for the Medina Beerfest?

The festival is held at The Foundry, located at 400 S. Elmwood St., Medina, OH 44256.

How much are tickets to the Medina Beerfest?

Tickets purchased online in advance are $35. Tickets at the gate are $40. Designated driver tickets are available for $10.

What breweries are at the Medina Beerfest?

Over a dozen Ohio breweries and cideries participate, including favorites like Mad Brewing Co., Platform Beer Co., Thirsty Dog Brewing, and Urban Orchard Cider.

Can I bring my kids to the Medina Beerfest?

Yes, the festival welcomes all ages. Minors under 21 just need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.