High Country
35 breweries from across North Carolina will be pouring for your pleasure.
What to expect when you’RE beerfesting
There will be 1700 people and 40 to 45 breweries.
Breweries will give out 2 oz. samples - the only payment you make is to enter the festival.
There will be merchandise available for purchase but preordering your shirt on the website will ensure we have your size.
In addition to breweries and delicious food, we will have 3 badass bands playing during the fest and free fermentation seminars where you can learn about fermented foods from around the world! This year’s bands (see additional details below):
E’LON JD
Ashley Heath & Her Heathens
The Coyotes
There will be shuttles to transport you from the ASU campus to the fest (see additional details below) and, if you drive to the fest, you can leave your car at the festival grounds over night if you are unable to drive home or get a DD.
Expect limited taxis and mobile car ride services in Boone during the event.
Once in the festival the beer, music, and seminars are free (seats are limited at seminars).
Food and merchandise are available for purchase.
Water will be available for free.
Event starts at 3pm and taps are closed at 7pm, We will start checking IDs & tickets at 1:30 pm.
*VIP’s get in an hour early at 2pm
High Country Beer fest is a 21-and-up event due to alcohol consumption. No children will be admitted.
Dogs & pets are not permitted into the festival, on the bus, or shuttles.
Bags and chairs are permitted but are subject to search.
*Tickets are available at the link below. We do not sell tickets at the gate, please purchase before you come. We usually sell out the week of the event.
SHUTTLE/ BUS & PARKING INFORMATION:
Free Parking at the Fairgrounds:
There is plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds. You are allowed to leave your car over night and pick it up by noon the next day. In fact we encourage this. Catch a ride home with a DD. We have reduced rate DD tickets and there is plenty of fun at the festival without drinking for them, or you can have someone pick you up after. Below are some other options.
Arrive at the Fairgrounds:
A bus will run pick-ups from the Appalachian State Peacock Hall Parking Lot going to the Fairgrounds from 1:15 pm until 3:30pm. *This year parking at Peacock will be limited due to construction on the lot. This option should be reserved for people that live or are staying in town.
Depart from the Fairgrounds:
A bus will run drop-offs from the Fairgrounds back to the Appalachian State Peacock Hall Parking Lot from 6:30 pm until the end of need.
Kenneth E. Peacock Hall Parking Lot is located on Rivers Street, approximately 0.5 miles from the George M. Holmes Convocation Center. 416 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
Hotel Accommodations with a safe ride to the festival and back:
Stay at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. Click on the hotel name for discounted rate. We will have a shuttle to take you from the hotel to the festival and back to the hotel after the festival is over, for no extra charge. *This is a great option for those of you that are traveling, or locals that want to take an in town vactation.
Also,
Stay at the or Graystone Lodge. Click on the hotel name for discounted rate. The shuttle will only pick up at the La Quinta Inn and Suite and will not pick up at this location. Please arrange transportation if you choose this hotel.
2024 BANDS
E’Lon JD
E’Lon JD is an American progressive soul artist, bass player, songwriter, and educator. He has found inspiration from artist such as, Jimi Hendrix, Andre 3000, and John Legend to name a few. His sound combines elements of soul, funk, jazz, and rock and could be described best as melodic driven, feel good music. He has recorded with acts such as, Phony Ppl, and The Gregory Bros., and has shared the stage with Belá Fleck, Members of Snarky Puppy, Victor Wooten, and Weedie Braimah. He is currently the bass player in the internationally touring band Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.
Ashley Heath &
Her Heathens
With a voice once described as “velvet soul,” Asheville songwriter Ashley Heath has been winning over the hearts of Americana music lovers since she gave up her barista apron in the spring of 2015. Heath released her third album “Something to Believe” on October 14th, 2022 under Organic Records in Asheville, NC.
She is now playing solo shows, as well touring with her full band "Ashley Heath and Her Heathens," in support of her new album, and set to deliver her signature sultriness to clubs and festivals around the country. Often compared to her influences, Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones, Heath easily manages to find a voice all her own. She has been recognized across Greater Appalachia for her strong songwriting and vocal abilities, having made the WNCW Top 100 list and Mountain Xpress "Best Of" awards several years in a row.
Notable plays
Most recently Heath has appeared at acclaimed events such as Merlefest, Bonnaroo, Shakori Hills, and more.
Direct Support with Pat Benatar, Del McCoury Band, Donna The Buffalo, Anders Osborne, and Shamarr Allen of Galactic.
The Coyotes
The Coyotes are a 4 piece rock band from Boone, NC. They began playing in the wake of the Pandemic in the growing Boone House Show scene. Since then, they have expanded their following and developed their sound by playing all around the Eastern US. Their music, influenced by post-punk, cance punk, and garage rock, is aggressive and upbeat, expressing contempt for the systems of exploitation and oppression, as well as a longing for other possibilities.
2022 Photos
Pictures taken by Buffalo and the Bird Photography
2024 BrewerieS
40 Breweries signed up so far! Check back later for an updated list.
Click on logo to visit the brewery’s website
Breweries…click the button above to get involved!
prior year’s hcbf Breweries
2023 BrewerieS
Click on logo to visit the brewery’s website
2022 breweries
Contact us with questions or for more information!
breweries@hcbeerfest.com
The FooD Court
Grab some grub at the awesome local food trucks on site.
The Cardinal Burger Wagon
FooD Court Featuring:
BEYOND THE BEER
High Country Beer Fest offers an opportunity to drink delicious craft brews while raising money for education.
High Country Beer Fest is a fundraising event for Ivory Tower, Inc., a nonprofit that supports Fermentation Sciences at Appalachian State University. Funds from High Country Beer Fest have been used for scholarships and research grants, staffing, equipment, and more. We are dedicated to providing training and experiences that produce quality brewers and innovators to improve the craft brewing industry and further developments in fermentation sciences.
Each year we raise between $40,000 - $60,000 for this program, thanks to you and our sponsors!
Education never tasted so good
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, in Boone NC, High Country Beer Fest is a celebration of quality craft beer, ciders, and other brews with an emphasis on education. In years past, you could sample craft beverages from over 50 unique breweries while contributing to educational programs that will help create better beer for years to come.
High Country Beer Fest (HCBF) was founded by a few local home brewers and Appalachian State University Chemistry professors who wanted to host an event that could showcase the depth and creativity that embodies the craft brewing industry.
High Country Beer Fest is a fundraising event for the Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences program at Appalachian State University. What started as a few classes is now a program with a pilot production plant and over 100 students currently enrolled. ASU’s Fermentation Science degree boasts a 100% job placement rate since its inception in 2012.
WHERE THE PROCEEDS GO
Grants & Scholarships
Proceeds from the Beer Fest go to create grants for fermentation science students who would like to conduct research projects of their own. Click here to check out our research and publications.
Over the past 11 years, HCBF has given over $200,000 to education in fermentation science.
Faculty & Equipment
The Fermentation Science program pilot plant is constantly improving its technology and equipment to increase the quality of hands-on learning. Click here to learn more about the facilities and how Appalachian State prepare their students for the fermentation industry.
Local Charities
Over the past 17 years, High Country Beer Fest has donated over $30,ooo to local charities.
In 2024, we are delighted to sponsor Partners! Canines. On average, Partners! Canines saves over 1000 great shelter dogs and puppies yearly from euthanasia through our rescue and transport efforts. Over 13,000 saved in the past 13 years!! Please visit their page at the link above and donate today. Please also consider adopting an animal from your local shelter.
In 2023, we were delighted to sponsor Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina. This organization, founded in 1995, enables the transition from crisis to stability, from poverty to sustainability, and from homelessness to housing. The mission of Hospitality House is to rebuild lives and strengthen community by providing a safe, nurturing, healthy environment in which individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises are equipped to become self-sufficient and productive. The services provided, with the support of partnering agencies, help ensure that those who leave Hospitality House will have the resources to be self-sufficient. If you want to learn about the many ways you can support HospHouse NWNC, please visit their website (linked above).
In 2022, we were delighted to sponsor Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. A portion of the proceeds of this years HC Beer Fest will go to help fund their mission. Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food. If you would like to give more you will be able to find a representative at the festival, or you can follow the link above and give directly on their website.
In 2021, HCBF was proud to sponsor The Watauga Humane Society. The Watauga Humane Society promotes animal welfare by providing services to improve the lives of companion animals and the people who love them. This year they will be back at the festival with their pups for you to play with. Maybe you will even find an amazing buddy for you to adopt. They will also be accepting donations. Please consider giving to this fantastic organization.
This year we will also be host some other great non-profits. They will have booths set up selling some t-shirts and other items. Please visit their tables and give them support if you can.
Founded in 1997, Appalachian Voices brings people together to protect the land, air and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy.
To achieve this, they work to end harmful fossil fuel practices such as mountaintop removal coal mining and construction of unnecessary fracked-gas pipelines. They also strive to shift to clean, 21st-century energy sources including energy efficiency, solar and wind power, and stand up to monopoly utility practices that put profits over people. Their ultimate goal is to establish economic solutions that create community wealth and sustain Appalachia’s mountains, forests and waters.
Beer for Boobs creates a positive relationship with the brewing community & compassionate businesses to promote breast cancer awareness, support those fighting cancer, and fund life-saving research.
Appalachian FC is bringing a National Premier Soccer League team to Boone, North Carolina. Men's soccer is back in the High Country to start playing in May 2021. Led by former Appalachian State University Men’s Soccer Coach Jason O’Keefe, Appalachian FC is bringing the world's most popular game to our community and will provide opportunities for local students to pursue a sports management career, local players to pursue their dreams, supporters to have a team to call their own in their backyard, companies to give back to their community while growing their business & local owners to build a soccer legacy while inspiring local youth soccer players to reach their potential and providing the community with high level, affordable Summer entertainment in the High Country.
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