The annual Holiday Ale Festival is already upon us. It returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square on Wednesday, December 4, and runs through Sunday, December 8. 

 

Though winter’s chill has already begun to set in, don’t worry. The fest will have tents and gas heaters for the frigid and frost-ravaged. Still, you may want to bring your Hot Hands and make sure you’re wearing Smart Wool on your feet.

 

For this, the festival's 18th annual run, the organizers worked with breweries to ensure beers served were either made or blended specifically for this event. Breweries were also encouraged to bring rare and vintage beers.

 

General admission packages cost $30 at the door and include a mug and 10 “taster tickets.” Advance tickets are also $30, but they include 12 tasting tickets, and expedited entry for all five days. For the real beer snobs, there are Advance VIP passes for $65, which include the tasting mug, 28 taster tickets, a bottle of water (genius!), access to VIP lines (including special tappings), and express entry all five days. 

 

Don’t forget about the 10th annual Sunday Beer Brunch. For $75, you’ll gain access to the upper level of the Pioneer Courthouse Square so that you may stuff your face with cured meats and artisanal cheeses alongside vintage winter beers.

 

Standard beer releases for the festival will include brews from 10 Barrel Brewing Co., 2 Town Ciderhouse, Alameda Brewing Co., Base Camp Brewing Co., Burnside Brewing Co., Cascade Brewing, Gigantic Brewing, and so many more.