Brewsfest 2023 this weekend

KELLOGG — Some call it a craft beer lover’s heaven, but the rest of us know it as Brewsfest.

Silver Mountain’s Brewsfest is the resort’s longest-running event and this year is celebrating its 26th anniversary.

It runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Twenty-two breweries and more than 40 different beers and ciders will be available, but Brewsfest offers so much more. Silver Mountain event coordinator Gus Colburn has worked to turn the event into a full-fledged festival.

Complete with the scenic views, there is something different about enjoying a cold beer at 5,600 feet.

There will also be three food trucks and live music from regional acts Whack-A-Mole and the Rhythm Dawgs.

Among the breweries represented are local favorites like Wallace Brewing, Radio Brewing, and North Idaho Mountain Brewery.

“Beer offerings will include something for everyone, from hoppy IPAs to refreshing lagers, and even some non-beer offerings,” Colburn said. “We wanted to add a little more variety, so at this year’s event there are eight different ciders to choose from, as well.”

Event-goers may board the gondola any time after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, but the gate to the event area will not open until 1 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.silvermt.com — but only 1,200 will be sold. Tickets will be available at the door.

Each event ticket includes the gondola ride, a commemorative Brewsfest tasting mug, and six drink tickets — extra drink tickets will cost $1.50.

Once Brewsfest concludes, the Brewsfest Afterparty will begin at the Silver Mountain base, including more live music from Whack-A-Mole until 9 p.m.