October 27, 2026 · Ellensburg, WA Most beer festivals put everyone under one tent. Winterhop Brewfest spreads out across a whole downtown. The 23rd annual Ellensburg Winterhop Brewfest returns on Saturday, January 16, 2027, with breweries from around the Pacific Northwest pouring inside businesses and venues all over downtown Ellensburg. Start at Winterhop Headquarters in Unity Park, at the corner of 4th and Pearl, for check-in, tickets and merchandise. From there, wander from venue to venue with your tasting glass, stopping for local music, shopping and food from downtown businesses and vendors along the way. Organizers plan on 20-plus breweries, with a few wineries and cideries in the mix. Pours run from noon to 5 p.m., and VIP ticket holders get in early at 11:30 a.m. The event is snow or shine and 21 and over, and there is also an entertainment ticket for friends who want to come along without drinking. Guests vote for a People's Choice winner each year. Outskirts Brewing took the honor in 2026, so the 2027 crown is up for grabs. Central Washington in January, a downtown full of Northwest beer, and a reason to duck into shops you might otherwise walk past. Winterhop on January 16 is a great excuse for a winter day trip to Ellensburg. Sources: Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Winterhop Brewfest page and brewery registration details (kittitascountychamber.com) and the official ticket listing (Leap Events).How it works
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