The inaugural Hops in the Hills is coming to downtown Maryville, June 26-27. The yearly craft beer fest, put on by Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, an entity of Blount Partnership, will showcase the area’s finest artisan brews while celebrating the science and agriculture of the region.
Several local and regional craft breweries will pour award-winning ales and lagers during the two-day festival.
“We’re excited to announce the first-ever Hops in the Hills event during the Summer on Broadway celebration,” said Kim Mitchell, director of tourism operations for Blount Partnership. “The community and beer aficionados will have the opportunity to experience the incredible craft brews that are right in our own backyard.”
Festival goers also have the chance to attend two seminars – “The Growing of Hops” and “Craft Beer 101.” Led by Trent Gillard of Hellbender Hops, “The Growing of Hops” will educate participants about producing their own hops in East Tennessee. Following this seminar, attendees can learn home brewing techniques from expert brewers in “Craft Beer 101.”
In addition to the tasting and educational seminars on Saturday, a Brew Crawl will take place on Friday, June 26, courtesy of Knox Brew Tours.
“According to data released in March 2015 by the Brewers Association, there was an 18-percent jump in the amount of craft beer brewed in the U.S. last year, rising to almost 22.2 million barrels,” Mitchell said. “In addition, the number of breweries grew by 19 percent last year with more 3,000 American microbreweries, brewpubs and craft breweries in business.
“In 2013, Tennessee ranked 23rd in the nation with craft breweries. We know East Tennesseans, along with residents of the surrounding states, share an affinity for craft beer, and we’re excited to be able to provide an avenue for them to make memories while enjoying quality brews.”
Located in the heart of East Tennessee, Hops in the Hills encourages attendees to immerse themselves in historic downtown Maryville. Serving as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blount County has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Sponsors for Hops in the Hills include Bluetick Brewery, Designsensory, Ferment Station, Hampton Inn Knoxville Airport, Partners Development, Clayton Homes and Civil & Engineering Consultants, Inc.
The event is part of the Summer on Broadway celebration. It will take place at 121 West Broadway Avenue in downtown Maryville. Passes to the Friday Night Brew Crawl provided by Knox Brew Tours are $10. General admission tickets to the eventon Saturday are $40.
To purchase tickets to Hops in the Hills, or for more information, go to www.hopsinthehills.com.