South Dakota’s largest beer festival fills a single afternoon with more than 200 brews and plenty of chances to say “hold my beer.” With Mt. Rushmore’s four stoic busts looming overhead, you’ll try craft beers from dozens of acclaimed craft breweries, including up-and-comers like Nebraska Brewing and Drekker to seasoned veterans like Dogfish Head, Left Hand and Sierra Nevada. This isn’t New York or Los Angeles, where aesthetes throw around words like “mouthfeel” and “finish” but it’s still the largest selection of American craft beers in the area. And let’s be real, by your third or fourth sample, you’re hardly picking up on hops-related subtleties. Mountain West gets this, and holds activities like corn hole, human foosball and beer yoga.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers are not available for the festival, but Rushmore Hall has a capacity of 4,700. Over 75 brewers are expected to be at the festival carrying over 200 different craft beers.
- The ticket prices: non-sampling for $30; general admission for $67; VIP for $93 (you’ll get an hour of early entry).
- Traveling in from out of state? Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to South Dakota here.
FAQs
Where does the Mountain West Brew Fest take place?
Mountain West Beer Fest is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, at Rushmore Hall at the Monument. The address is 444 N Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
How far are the Black Hills from Rapid City?
The Black Hills have hundreds of miles of roads so it really depends on what you plan to see. But, you are very close. See this map to get a better idea.
What is the Mountain West® Beer Fest schedule for the day?
- 12 PM – Doors open and sampling is available to VIP ticket holders
- 1 PM – Doors open for general admission and non-sampling ticket holders
- 3PM – Whiskerfest contest
- 5 PM – Ends
What’s the best way to get to the annual Mountain West Beer fest?
The festival is easily accessible by car. If you’re flying into South Dakota, the closest airport is the Rapid City Regional Airport, located a 15-minute drive from The Monument.
Is this the same festival as the one in Bernalillo, New Mexico?
The Mountain West Beer Fest in New Mexico is separate from the “annual Mountain West® beerfest” in South Dakota.
Are there any age restrictions?
The festival is 21+ and will ask to see your ID before you enter the hall.
It’s my first time going to the festival. What should I expect?
Besides tons of craft beers there will be live music, food trucks, bar games, upscale catering for VIP ticket holders and you’ll be in the heart of downtown Rapid City.
Who created this festival?
The HomeSlice Group.
Is the festival ADA accessible?
Yes, The Monument is ADA and wheelchair accessible, including parking, seating, and restrooms. Wheelchairs are available for guests, and further information may be found here.
Who’s brewing this year?
2024’s brewers have yet to be announced. Brewers in 2023 included 2 Towns Cider, A Homestead Brew, Anderson Valley Brewing, Athletic Brewing, Ayinger Brewing, B Nektar, Bell’s Brewery, Big Beaver Brewing, Big Sky, Black Stack Brewing, Black Tooth Brewing, Blake’s Cider, Boulevard Brewing, Boulevard Quirk, Brau Brothers, Breckinridge, Brewing Projekt, Brickway Brewing, Bud Light Seltzer, Carbless, Central Waters Brewing, Cohort, Covert Artisan Ales, Crooked Stave Brewing, Crow Peak Brewing, Dakota Point Brewery, Delirium Brewing, Deschutes Brewing, Drekker Brewing, Elysian Brewing, Founders, Goose Island Brewing, Half Brothers Brewing, Kona Brewing, Mt Rushmore Brewing CO, White Claw, Truly, Zipline Brewing and more.