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High Country
Beer Fest

17th annual | #HCBeerFEst

August 24th, 2024

35 breweries from across North Carolina will be pouring for your pleasure.

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):

  • TBD

  • TBD

  • TBD

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 IDing and checking 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.



SHUTTLE & BUS INFORMATION:

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.

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 TBD. Use the button below for a 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.


2023 BANDS

Educated Guess

Educated Guess is an exciting and innovative jazz-funk fusion trio from Boone, North Carolina. Their music ranges from high-energy and exhilarating funk tunes to soothing jazz full of complex harmony and melody. The members, Alvin Carlisle, Nick Williams, and Kendrick Davis, first made music together in their church band and decided to use their musical and social chemistry to create new and engaging music for all people. Overall, they are driven by innovation, self-expression, and exploration in music. Their debut EP, SHIFT!, is out on all streaming platforms. 




Pressley Laton

Count on hearing at least 3 chords and the half-truth from Pressley Laton and her bandmates, Daniel Ames and Austin Summers, as they cover some of your favorites and perform her originals about small-town life and all that comes with it... 

A singer-songwriter originally from Stanly County, NC, she'll paint you a picture you'll be hard-pressed to forget - like her elementary school principal's disciplinary measures with a paddle named "Ol' George" or how she "Didn't Stand a Chance" when she met a "Mountain Man" from Banner Elk right before graduating from Appalachian State. Primarily performing country music, her influences include Lee Ann Womack, Chris Stapleton, and Miranda Lambert, while also drawing from rock and blues artists such as Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi. Have a listen to this group from Boone, NC with their gritty, soulful sound and High Country vibe. They won't disappoint.

Will Willis and Friends

Will Willis is a singer-songwriter hailing from Western North Carolina. With his soulful voice, dynamic guitar playing, and introspective lyrics, he and his friends have been making waves in the local music scene and beyond.
Growing up in a musical family, Will was exposed to various genres of music from a young age. He started playing guitar at the age of 17 and quickly developed a passion for songwriting. Over the years, he has honed his craft and developed a style that blends elements of folk, rock, and blues.
Will's music is often described as honest and raw, with lyrics that touch on universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. His performances are powerful and captivating, with a live energy that draws audiences in and leaves them wanting more.
In 2018, Will released his latest album, "Truth," which received critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a rising talent in the Americana music scene. Since then, he has been busy  performing at venues and festivals across the state, sharing the stage with a diverse range of artists.
With a new album on the horizon and a growing fan base, Will Willis and Friends are poised to take their music to the next level and make a lasting impact on the world of music.


2022 Photos

Pictures taken by Buffalo and the Bird Photography



2023 BrewerieS

We’ve got 42 breweries this year! Check them out below.

Click on logo to visit the brewery’s website

Breweries…click the button above to get involved!

prior year’s hcbf Breweries


2022 BrewerieS

Click on logo to visit the brewery’s website

2021 breweries


Contact us with questions or for more information!

breweries@hcbeerfest.com


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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

 
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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.

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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 14 years, High Country Beer Fest has donated over $30,ooo to local charities.

This year we are excited to sponsor the 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 are 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.

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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