On June 21-22, Hops in the Hills, an annual craft beer festival set against the backdrop of the Smokies, returns for its fifth celebration. The festival allows attendees to sample local craft beer from the best breweries in the region, while strolling through the heart of historic downtown Maryville.
After multiple sold-out years, Hops in the Hills is the can’t-be-missed event of the year for beer enthusiasts and has drawn attendees from across the East Tennessee region. Featuring nearly 50 of the most well-known breweries in the area, past partners include Yeehaw Brewing Company, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Highland Brewing Company and Fat Bottom Brewing Company.
At the event, attendees will sip samples from the vendors, while strolling through the streets of Maryville. They will be able to interact with master brewers to learn about the beer they are tasting.
Hops in the Hills is the anchor event for Blount County’s premier summer festival, Summer on Broadway. Attendees will also enjoy The Big BBQ Bash, Maryville Farmers Market, Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs and Napa Know How Auto Fest for additional entertainment, food and live music.
“Hops in the Hills is a wonderful way for people to visit the beautiful Smoky Mountains and experience Maryville’s vibrant, historic downtown and thriving craft beer scene,” says Blount Partnership Tourism Director Kim Mitchell. “We’ve enjoyed watching it grow and become one of the most anticipated events of the year.”
This year, the “Celebration of Fermentation” returns with week-long community events
leading up to the festival to help kickoff and celebrate the occasion. Each day, games, prizes and music will be at each stop on the schedule, including Blount County’s local Round 6 Brewing on Tuesday, June 18.
Round 6 Brewing owner, Will Wesselman, looks forward to Hops in the Hills each year. It’s a chance for brewers and beer lovers to enjoy the best products of the region, while showcasing the beauty and quaintness of Blount County.
“Many don’t realize that the area is a very well-situated beer destination,” says Wesselman. “Due to Blount County’s proximity to Asheville, Nashville and Knoxville, we have access to the best beer in the nation, while being able to enjoy it against the Great Smoky Mountains.”
On Friday, June 21, the Hops in the Hills Craft Brew Crawl & Poker Run will be held with shuttle rides provided by Knox Brew Tours. The event is a unique way to experience the town’s bars and restaurants and to try the local and regional beers before the event. Tickets for this event are $15 per person.
Saturday, June 22, Hops in the Hills starts at 5 p.m. on the streets of downtown Maryville. Tickets start at $55 per person and include samples of craft beer, food and an official event t-shirt. The festival is a 21 and over event.
For more information about Hops in the Hills, please visit HopsintheHills.com. Tickets for the events can be purchased here.
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