Why a Fresh Hop Brewers Fest?
In the mid-19th century, Ezra Meeker, a pioneering settler who arrived in the Puyallup Valley of Washington State in 1862, revolutionized the region's agriculture by planting the first hops in March 1865, laying the foundation for what would become a booming industry.
As the "Hop King of the World," Meeker expanded his operations to cultivate over 500 acres by 1891, earning substantial wealth—such as $62,000 from his 1882 crop alone (equivalent to nearly $2 million today)—and inspiring widespread hop farming that positioned the valley as a global leader in hop production for brewing beer.
We want to celebrate this rich heritage through events like the annual Fresh Hop Brewers Festival, where 10 local small-business breweries collaborate to showcase innovative fresh-hop beers made from valley-grown hops, honoring Meeker's pioneering spirit with tastings, educational tours, and community gatherings that bridge historical traditions with modern craft brewing artistry.
Prepare yourselves for the absolute pinnacle of craft beer theater: the Fresh Hop Brewers Festival's epic 10-brewery throw down, where a ragtag alliance of local small-batch heroes—like McMillin Farm Brewhouse, Off Camber Brewing, Odd Otter Brewing, Wet Coast Brewing, Top Down Brewing, and a handful of other bearded, tattooed, flannel-clad warriors—engage in a "cutthroat" battle to crown the ultimate fresh-hop ale, all while secretly knowing it's mostly an elaborate scheme to shove obscene amounts of juicy, just-picked valley hops into boiling wort and pretend they're revolutionizing the universe one pint at a time.
These poor, delusional souls race against the clock to harvest those precious green cones before they even think about drying out, brewing fleeting wonders that explode with citrusy, floral, "I-fell-into-a-hop-field" magic—only for some pompous jury of hop-head judges to nitpick and declare a winner amid dramatic sighs and eye-rolls. But wait, glorious news for you mere mortals: grab those tickets, storm the gates, and shamelessly plunder the spoils by sampling every single one of these over-the-top, limited-edition liquid masterpieces yourself—then cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, where you get to decide which beer is truly the best (because let's be real, that's the only award that actually matters anyway, who cares what the "experts" think when the people's palate reigns supreme?).
​Breweries submit entries into 3 categories:​​​
Fresh-Hop IPA:
Judged on vibrant fresh-hop aroma/flavor, balance, drinkability and clean execution. West Coast, Hazy, Double - all are welcome.
Non-IPA Fresh Hop:
Open to any style (pale ale, lager, amber, red, porter. stout, sour, etc.). Emphasis on how fresh hops enhance the base style without overpowering the beer.
Best Use of Farm/Local Ingredients:
Brewers must incorporate at least one significant ingredient sourced from Washington farms (hops, barley, fruit, herbs, honey, etc.). Fresh hops are still required.
Breweries may submit up to 3 beers, but are limited to one each per category.
​In addition, there will be a Taster's Choice Award that will be voted on by the attendees.
Each attendee casting their one vote for their favorite beer overall. All poured beers are eligible.
The winner will be featured on tap at McMillin Brewhouse for the month of September 2026, or until it's gone.
​Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category.
Who will be there?
The Breweries
We're keeping this in the family. There's only room for nine other breweries within 20 miles of McMillin Brewhouse to come compete for the medals and, of course, a year's worth of bragging rights. Stay tuned, we'll list the victims, uh, participants as they get suckered, uh, voluntarily agree to participate.
The Bands
We'll have artists from Sumner, Orting, Puyallup and Bonney Lake playing on the McMillin Farm Stage. Get ready for some great acts that are as local as the beer you love to drink. We'll announce the lineup as we get them booked.
The Food
You can't have great beer and great music without enjoying great food. In addition to the Grillin' Gorilla cooking up some great fare, we'll have 9 other food trucks with a WIDE ASSORTMENT of culinary offerings. We'll update you as we get them booked too.
General Admission: $45 advance / $55 day of
Includes entry, commemorative tasting glass and unlimited 4-5 oz tastes.
VIP / Early Access: $65 advance only
Includes everything in GA + 11am entry, exclusive fresh-hop pour and a limited edition FHBF sticker. Limited to 200 tickets.
What are my ticket options?
MFC Members get discount and pre-sale buy
Buy tickets 1 week before the public and $5 off each ticket up to 4.
Where do I show up and when?
August 29th, 2026
Noon - 6pm
McMillin Farm
12517 State Route 162 East, Puyallup, WA 98374
This year we'll be celebrating with the holiday traditions from Italy! We'll have great musical entertainment lined up to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Our 12 Vendors of Christmas will be selling amazing gifts for those special people on your list.
We'll have food trucks serving you delicious meals.
Roasted chestnuts are back as well!
And of course tasty seasonal beers from McMillin Brewhouse.
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Selfie stations for the whole family. Kids can take a ride on the McMillin Farm Rail Road Train!
And all this is included with your FREE admission and parking!!
Returning this year will be our fully decorated Christmas Trees with 3 new themes. And don't forget those Getaway Packages.
All will be raffled off to support Celebrate HARVEST.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the farm December 5th!!