I love beer. I also love autumn. Put the two together, and you have a match made in heaven. Milton’s Hops and Harvest Festival witnessed its inaugural year in 2018, and except for 2020 has been going strong for good reason.
First, inspired by the changing season, the festival is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors. Marvel at the transformation of the leaves, support local vendors and the food and beer providers and have a great time with family and friends.
If you haven’t been to one yet, don’t worry. I’ve got everything you need to know about the festival covered. And if you have been before but are trying to decide if it’s worth going to again, or want to know the details for this year, keep reading, as someone who loves going, I can tell you, it’s always a great time.
Who Can Attend the Festival?
The festival is for everyone. Yes, everyone. Families with little ones, people with dogs are welcome, provided their four-legged friends remain on their leashes, and anyone else who loves beer and being outdoors.
The festival organisers do their best to be inclusive to everyone, so if you or someone needs wheelchair access, the website suggests you contact someone on the inside for more information.
Where is The Hops and Harvest Festival?
For those who have been in the past, this autumn beer and food fest previously took place at Kelso Conservation. For this year, 2022, it is being moved to Halton Conservation’s newest addition to the parks’ team, Area 8.
When is The Hops and Harvest Festival?
It varies year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check with their website or on social media. This year, 2022, it will take place from September 23 to 25:
- September 23, 2022: 2PM – 9PM
- September 24, 2022: 11AM – 11PM
- September 25, 2022: 11AM – 5PM
What Kind of Activities Happen at the Festival?
Free to Participate
Depending on the time you choose to visit, you can expect a lot of great activities. Some are included in the price, while others require you to pay extra. First, let’s take a look at what is included in your ticket price.
- Photo booth
- Live musicians
- Campfire lounge
- Lawn games
- Hiking
- Wood branding
- Honey tasting
- Maple tasting
- Farm animals
- Raptors
Music will happen throughout the entire event, so don’t feel as though you have to come at a later time of day. It includes a lot of home-grown talent and is a great way to support the community. Check out the website for artist times and bios.
Depending on how cool the temperature is that weekend, you can expect the campfire lounge area to be busy. If you can’t get a seat, bring some extra layers. Since this is the first time having the location at Area 8, the hiking trail isn’t as extensive compared to Kelso. However, you can still get a nice walk around the beautiful crystal lake.
Activities that Cost Extra
Activities that require extra fees are the following:
- Face painting
- Archery
- Hatchet throwing
- Boat rentals
- Pumpkin painting
If you plan to try hatchet throwing or archery, come prepared with closed-toe shoes, and you will have to sign a waiver. Typically boat rentals occur when you make a reservation on the site to visit one of the conservation areas. Still, in this case, you can reserve at the event.
Vendors at Hops and Harvest
Beer and Breweries
There will be two options for the beer tasting you purchase, a sample size for those who like to take it slow and a full size for those who already know what they want. Eight brewers from around the GTA will attend, including Milton’s Orange Snail Brewers.
There will be a variety of pilsners, lagers, meads, wheat beers, IPAs, and more. The official list, if you must know before you go, is as follows:
- BACKEDBYBEES
- Karbon Brewing
- Crank – Lite Lager
- Orange Snail Brewers
- West Avenue – Cider House
- Wellington Brewery
- COMMONGOOD BEER COMPANY
- Left Field Brewery
Food
Your next purchase will likely be from the food vendors because who can drink beer and not get hungry, right? And to make things nice and even, there will also be eight food vendors to delight your tastebuds with foods like pierogis, ice cream, hot dogs, jerk chicken, tacos, and more. In the same fashion as above, here is the list of food vendors:
- Andrzejewski Pierogi Shop
- Ice Cream 4U
- Born 2 Eat
- Grills Cheese
- Curb Side
- WoofDawg Hot Dog
- Jerk Brothers
- Alijandro’s Kitchen
There is something for everyone, so be sure to come hungry! Suppose you also love exploring unique finds from local artisans and businesses. In that case, you’re in luck because there will be 54 farms and marketplace vendors selling their wares.
Marketplace Vendors
The list is quite extensive, some of which you may even recognise from the Milton Farmers Market, such as Tijuana Toms, Moose River Preserves, and The Strudel Ladies. Bring along a couple of reusable bags if you love to shop.
You’ll also be able to buy some delicious freshly squeezed lemonade from Lemon Heaven, some delectable baked goods from Eye on the Pies, and Omi’s Sweet ‘N Treats, and many other goodies, like candles, jewellery, dog treats, Caesar mix, and more.
Oh, and in case you taste a few too many beers, Delicious All Day Coffee will be there to clear your head with their freshly harvested, freshly roasted coffee.
Additional Information
How Do I Purchase Tickets?
You can find tickets on their website or through links on their social media. The prices are as follows:
- Adults – $26.75
- Seniors – $21.75
- Children – 5 to 14 – $20.75
- Children under 5 – Free
What is Included in the Ticket Price?
Access to the event, including all the vendors, music, and breathtaking views.
Will There Be Parking?
Yes, there is parking on site.
Does The Festival Run Rain or Shine?
Yes. Bring some umbrellas and jackets if it does rain, but there will also be tents to cover the vendors, food, and beer.
I Have Food Restrictions. Will They Accommodate me?
Don’t worry. There are vegetarian, vegan, gluten, and dairy-free options for those with food restrictions.
Final Thoughts and Further Reading
There you have it, folks, a great way to spend a weekend in Milton. The Hops and Harvest Festival is a great way get out and support local vendors, try some new beers and food, and capture the beauty of the changing season at one of Milton’s newest additions to the Halton Conservation Parks. What are you waiting for? I hope to see you there!
For more activities in Milton, check out our other articles:
- 4 Best Swimming Lessons In Milton
- 27 Things to Do in Milton
- 2 Dog Parks in Milton
- 10 Best Golf Courses in Milton
- 9 Places for Strawberry Picking in and around Milton
- 13 Places for Apple Picking in and around Milton
- 14 Splash Pads in Milton
- Milton Farmers’ Market
- 13 Best Campgrounds near Milton
- Milton Fall Fair
- 12 Hiking Trails Near Milton
