Idaho's Mountain Brewers Beer Fest announces cancellation with plans to return in 2021

As one of the oldest festivals in the United States, let alone North America, the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest remains an iconic festival in scenic Idaho Falls, Idaho. With the festival hosted at Sandy Downs Race Track in Idaho Falls, the event only showcases beers from Idaho but also brewers from throughout the region and across the country. For brewers it’s an opportunity to have your beers judged by one of the oldest active festivals in the country. Unfortunately, because of restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, coupled with requirements in Phases 1 - 4, the organizers have elected to cancel this year’s festival and judging.

For the organizers, they arrived at the decision after surmising the need for social distance was prohibitive towards overall attendance. But the festival isn’t alone in recognizing the limitations in hosting a beer festival, when considering the cancellations of major festivals like the Great American Beer Festival, Great British Beer Festival, Oktoberfest (in Munich) and the nearby Oregon Brewers Festival. For those saddened by the news, who missed the announcement directly, the organizers wish to let people know they have grand plans for 2021.

Next Saturday, August 28th, 2021, the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest returns. Also, the festival will serve as the crown jewels during Idaho Beer Week. Started August, 23rd and running through August 28th, 2021, Idaho Beer Week will precede the festival with tap takeovers, sponsored and hosted events, all leading up to the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest.

Finally, the organizers at the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest have sent out notices to all ticket holders. Included in your letter information on requesting a refund or if you desire steps to use your admission for 2021’s festival. As a bonus, any person who prepaid for their 2020 ticket, who applies it towards 2021’s festival, will receive a special offer.

We hope you will understand this difficult decision, and that everyone who enjoyed the festival in the past, as well as first time beer lovers, will plan on joining us in August of 2021 for a return of the breweries, beer, music, food, fun and friends.We look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Mountain Brewers Beer Fest…Cheers!

Update. The committee organizers have updated their plans for this year’s Mountain Brewers Beer Fest from June to August. We have updated the dates for the festival and Idaho Beer Week.