Of Stouts and Summits: Bethel Woods Hosts First Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-Off; Pros Talk Business at Beer, Wine, and Spirits Summit 2013

Here are two more reasons to toast the craft brew movement in the Hudson Valley

Heads up, hops-lovers! Two noteworthy events take place this month, so mark your calendars:

Bethel Woods Craft Beer Festival & Chili Cook-Off

When: Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 12:30-5 p.m.
Where: Market Sheds (Beer Festival) and Event Gallery (Chili Cook-Off) at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
Cost: $40 advance, $45 day of; $75 VIP sampling pass (includes Museum admission); $15 designated driver (includes Museum admission); $2 donation for Chili Cook-off (pay at door)

It’s hard to believe this is only Bethel Woods’s first craft beer festival, considering the venue’s status as an event powerhouse. (We’re especially fond of its little shindigs celebrating the anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival — perhaps you’ve heard of it.) So there’s no doubt in our minds that our friends at the ’Woods will put the “rock” in your rocks glass, so to speak.

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Expect more than 20 breweries (including many from our Ultimate Beer Guide) to serve up their finest ales for your sampling pleasure. Guests receive a commemorative glass, unlimited samples, and access to live performances, most notably Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers. Soak it all up with chili from the cook-off, as well as goodies from more than a dozen vendors (chocolate-covered bacon, anyone?).

» Click here for event information and a complete list of participating breweries
» View our 2013 Ultimate Beer Guide

Hudson Valley Beer, Wine & Spirits Summit

When: Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Danny Kaye Theatre at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
Registration: Space limited. Contact Gina Domenico

For those in the business of beer, you’ll want to nab a seat at the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Summit. Industry professionals, suppliers, and Empire State Development members gather to examine the particular opportunities and challenges of being in the beverage business.

Some of the day’s talking points cover state and federal policies, the new Taste NY initiative, the expansion of local beverage trails, the state’s one-stop shop program, and the development of the local hops and cider trade.

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Attendees enjoy their fair share of snacks, too — this is hosted by the Culinary Institute, after all. Guests sample bourbon hot chocolate, applejack turnovers, and cider, and even enjoy a demonstration by Culinary professor John Fischer on how to craft the original smoked Manhattan.

» Click here for more information
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