We're holding the inaugural South Sound Brewers Fest 2026 for a few heartfelt reasons that tie directly into who we are at McMillin Farm Collective and what matters most in our community.

 

First and foremost, it's about celebrating and showcasing the incredible craft beer scene right here in the South Sound. From Puyallup and Sumner to Tacoma and Buckley, we've got talented breweries like McMillin Farm Brewhouse, Odd Otter, Firemind Brewing, Top Down, Griffin Brewing Co. and more brewing bold, innovative beers with local flair. By bringing nine of them together on our farm for a judged competition—complete with categories like Best IPA, Best Non-IPA, Best Use of Farm/Local Ingredients, and a crowd-voted Taster’s Choice—we want to spotlight their talent, spark friendly rivalry, and give beer lovers a chance to taste the best our region has to offer. It's bragging rights, collaboration, and a little gentle roasting all in one fun day.

 

Second, this event is deeply rooted in our love for the farm and the rich hop-growing history of the Puyallup Valley. In March 1865, pioneer Ezra Meeker planted the first hop vine cuttings on his farm here, turning the fertile valley into a global powerhouse. By the late 1800s, Meeker's operations expanded dramatically—he eventually cultivated over 500 acres and exported hops worldwide, earning him the nickname "Hop King of the World" as Puyallup Valley hops became prized for brewing beer across continents (especially after European crop failures boosted demand). Meeker even authored the book Hop Culture in the United States in 1880, solidifying his legacy as the founder of the region's hop industry and the first mayor of Puyallup.

 

McMillin Farm Collective continues that proud tradition as a working family farm with a brewhouse right on-site—where small-batch craft beer meets fresh, local flavors. Hosting this fest on our sacred soil lets us honor that heritage, highlight farm-to-glass brewing, showcase local ingredients (hops, barley, honey, fruits, and more), and share the beauty of our land: rolling fields, barn views, and that unbeatable Puyallup harvest atmosphere. It's a way to connect people directly to where their food and drink come from, through farm tours, unlimited tastes, live music (headlined by our Sumner neighbors Santa Poco), food trucks, and pure South Sound pride.

 

Finally, we're doing this to give back through our partnership with Celebrate HARVEST, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving family farms by supporting agritourism, providing scholarships for education in experiential farming, and helping farms pivot toward events and experiences that keep agriculture thriving. Proceeds from the fest will help fund their mission—ensuring more farms can create opportunities like this one, inspire the next generation, and keep our rural communities strong.

 

In short: We're holding this Brewers Fest because we believe great local beer, our deep-rooted hop history from the days of the Hop King himself, farm heritage, community collaboration, and supporting agriculture deserve a big, joyful celebration. Come join us on August 29, 2026—step up, taste the rivalry, dance to Sumner sounds, and help keep the South Sound growing strong.