Hop Fest Overview

The Madison County Historical Society is pleased to celebrate over 200 years of hop heritage in Madison County. Madison County’s own resident, James Coolidge, introduced commercial hop growing to New York State in 1808 by bringing a rootstock from New England. His success enticed area farmers who took up planting acres of hops.  The hop industry in New York State exploded in 1828 with eleven counties raising hops. Madison, Oneida, and Otsego Counties raised the most- nearly 80% in the nation by 1880.   The Madison County Hop Fest celebrates the past and possible future of the hop industry. The event features presentations, demonstrations, exhibits on the history of hops, a paired beer dinner, beer sampling, and the return of the ever-popular food and beer pairing called Taste of Hops.

The 15th Annual Madison County Hop Fest starts Friday, Sept. 17 at 6pm with a paired beer dinner at Blue Barbecue located at 249 Genesee Street in Chittenango. On Saturday, September 18, on-site at the Madison County Historical Society, located at 435 Main Street in Oneida, the day commences at 11 am with video presentations on hop culture, home brew clubs, raffle, hopshop, hop growing displays, and of course craft beer sampling. From12-2 pm join us for the Taste of Hops: a food & beer pairing featuring appetizers from Blue Barbecue, Johnnie’s Pier 31, Someplace Else, The Colgate Inn, Ye Olde Landmark Tavern, and Zabroso. From 2:30-5:30 pm, join us under the beer tent for brewery samplings from some of your favorite craft breweries- Landmark, Cooperstown, Ithaca, Saranac, LongTrail, Middle Ages, Ommegang, Magic Hat, Flying Bison, and more! There will be over 40 styles of craft beer to sample. Visit the Hopshop to purchase hop plants and event shirts! Visit with Home Brew Clubs. See who will be crowned Hop King 2010!

There is no admission to attend the Hop Fest. Admission is charged for the 4 course Paired Beer Dinner, Taste of Hops, and Beer Sampling. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter the events where beer is served. Proper id is required for entrance to all areas where beer is served! Please do not bring children, strollers, or pets to the event. Tickets will be available for designated drivers (who must be 21 years of age) at the entrance of the beer-sampling tent. Tickets for the paired beer dinner are $45 and available on our website or at the MCHS. Reservations are required by September 7- seating is limited. Taste of Hops Tickets (only 150 will be sold) are $15/ $20 at door. (Advance tickets are available at the participating locations, MCHS, or online. Beer Sampling Tickets are $25 advance/$30 at door. (Advance tickets are available at Arnie's Produce/ Kraig's Kegs/ Corey’s Beverages in Sherrill, online, or at MCHS.

Proceeds from the Hop Fest support the educational programming at the Madison County Historical Society. The tradition of promoting the art of craft brewing and the influence of the hop industry on New York State continues at the Madison County Hop Fest. We appreciate your support in our efforts to share New York State's hop culture.