THE NH BEER TRAIL FESTIVAL: YEAR 11, JUNE 27, 2026
The New Hampshire Beer Trail Festival isn’t just another beer fest. It’s the NH Brewers Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s happening Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Tuckerman Brewing Co. in Conway, right in the heart of the White Mountains.
What to Expect
Nearly 40 New Hampshire breweries will be pouring 100+ craft beers. Everything from classics you drink all summer to rare, festival-only releases you won’t find anywhere else. Live music from Lazy River Riders, food trucks including Baltic Kitchen NH, The Best Mini Donuts, and Tuckerman Brewing. Local artisans and live artist demonstrations round out the grounds. The White Mountains are your backdrop. You’re standing in a beer garden under a big tent with the mountains visible on all sides.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Location: Tuckerman Brewing Co., Conway, NH
- Hours: Check Beerfests.com for times (typically an all-day afternoon event)
- Tickets: $55 general admission (cash or credit). VIP tickets available with additional perks.
- Included: Souvenir taster glass, free parking, live entertainment
- Age: 21+ only
- Tent: Yes. Rain or shine, you’re covered.
Why This Matters
Every ticket goes directly to the NH Brewers Association, which promotes, educates, and protects craft breweries across the state. You’re not just drinking beer; you’re supporting the people who make it. You also get the brand-new NH Beer Trail Guidebook, packed with exclusive discounts at member breweries statewide. That guidebook becomes your summer roadmap.
Pro Tip
Pace yourself. You’ll have taster pours, not full pints. Eat between tastings. Stay hydrated. The festival gets crowded, but the energy is worth it. Arrive early or come back later afternoon to avoid peak midday traffic. Shuttle service is often available from lodging in the area, so ask your hotel or rental host before the day.
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS BREWERIES: YOUR TRAIL GUIDE
If you’re planning to stay for the weekend (and you should), you’ll want a home base close to the action. Bretton Woods Vacations manages more than 125 vacation rentals throughout the region, including properties in Bethlehem, Littleton, and the surrounding towns that put you within easy reach of every brewery on this trail.
1. Tuckerman Brewing Co. — Conway
The Vibe
Tuckerman is where the festival is happening. It’s also where you should start your trail journey. The brewery sits in Mount Washington Valley, giving you that mountain-in-every-direction feeling. Outdoor beer garden, taproom, food (especially the smashburgers). You’ll see hikers, climbers, skiers (in winter), and locals who know great beer when they taste it.
The Beer
Tuckerman brews a solid variety of styles, known for balanced, approachable beers that don’t require a PhD to enjoy. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, and a food truck is usually on-site with great eats.
Location
North Conway area, near White Mountains attractions and hiking trailheads.
Why Stop Here
If you’re doing the trail, Tuckerman is your anchor. Festival or not, this is a brewery worth visiting. Good food, good beer, good mountains, and actual brewers who’ll talk to you about what they’re making.
2. Rek’-Lis Brewing Company — Bethlehem
The Vibe
Rek’-Lis is reckless in the best way. Young owners, younger crowd, live music nights that get packed. The Pint House (their tasting room in the back lot) has great outdoor spaces in summer. Baja-inspired food truck, with a full menu at the brewpub. People love this place, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
The Beer
A rotating mix of ales and IPAs brewed in-house, plus an extensive whiskey and spirits menu. The beers change regularly, so you’re rarely drinking the same thing twice. It’s a brewpub that takes beer seriously but doesn’t take itself seriously.
Location
2085 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH. About 15 minutes north of Littleton.
Why Stop Here
The energy. Rek’-Lis feels like where people actually gather. Not a museum, not a fancy operation. Good beer, good food, good people. Live music nights are perfect for a beer trail weekend, and the outdoor seating is dog-friendly in summer.
3. Schilling Beer Co. — Littleton
The Vibe
European-inspired craft brewery in a historic red gristmill on the Ammonoosuc River. This is beer nirvana if you’re into serious brewing. Modern equipment meets old mill charm. Wood-fired pizzas in the pub, a sleek store and tasting room, river views, and a covered bridge right outside. This is the kind of place where you slow down and mean it.
The Beer
Schilling is lager-focused. Czech-inspired lagers, mixed-fermentation ales, world-class craft beers. If you’re tired of IPAs and pale ales, Schilling is your reset. Clean, crisp, traditional styles done right. They also do foudre-aged lagers, which you won’t find at many other places.
Littleton, NH is about 10 minutes north of the ski areas, right on the river.
Why Stop Here
The setting alone is worth the trip. Wood-fired pizzas (genuinely incredible), the riverside views, and if you’re into lagers and European beer styles, Schilling is a masterclass. The staff know their beer and will talk to you about it if you want to go deep.
4. Woodstock Inn Brewery — North Woodstock
The Vibe
Been brewing for over 20 years. It’s an institution. Main Street Woodstock location, welcoming atmosphere, solid food menu, and a rotating variety of beer styles on tap. This is where locals come and where visitors should too. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just real.
The Beer
Woodstock has been brewing long enough to know what works. You’ll find traditional styles, plenty of IPAs, and solid seasonal offerings. Nothing flashy, just dependable, well-made beer that keeps people coming back. Mug Club members get $1.75 off pints, which tells you exactly what kind of community this place has built.
Location
North Woodstock, NH, near Lost River Gorge and other White Mountains attractions.
Why Stop Here
Consistency, history, and the fact that this is where people actually hang out. A 20-year-old brewery that’s still packed on weekends is doing something right. You’re also near some of the best hiking and gorge walks in the region.
WHITE MOUNTAINS BREWERY WEEKEND: 2-DAY ITINERARY
The festival is Saturday. Build your weekend around it. Here’s the plan.
Friday Evening
Arrive and Settle In
Get to the White Mountains by early evening. Check into your lodging. If you’re staying near Bethlehem or Littleton (which is the smart move for this trail), head straight to Rek’-Lis for your first brewery stop. Casual vibe, live music if you’re lucky, solid food. Order a flight of four or five tastings, pick a four-pack to take home, and call it a low-key opening night.
Browse vacation rentals near Bethlehem and Littleton to find your base camp for the weekend.
Why Rek’-Lis First? It’s the most welcoming for first-time beer trail visitors. No pretense, good energy, the food is solid, and it eases you in without overwhelming you before the big day.
Saturday (Festival Day)
Morning Sleep in. Grab breakfast at your rental or a local café. Hydrate well. Eat a proper lunch before heading to the festival. Your stomach will thank you by 4 p.m.
Afternoon/Evening: NH Beer Trail Festival at Tuckerman
Head to Tuckerman Brewing. The festival is the main event. Arrive early (early afternoon) to beat the crowds. Pace your tastings. Eat from food trucks. Enjoy the live music. Grab the NH Beer Trail Guidebook, which is included with your ticket and packed with discounts you’ll use all summer. Leave by 6 p.m. if you want to avoid peak crowds, or stay until close if you’re having too much fun. No judgment.
Late Afternoon/Evening
After the festival, rest at your rental. Grab dinner at a local restaurant rather than another brewery. You’ve had enough beer for one day. Early night if you want to make the most of Sunday.
Sunday (Brewery Trail Day)
Morning to Afternoon: Brewery-Hopping Route
Stop 1: Woodstock Inn Brewery (North Woodstock)
Start here. Order a flight or a full pint. Spend an hour or two settling in. It’s the most relaxed stop on the trail and the right place to ease back into drinking after a big festival day.
Drive time: 20 minutes to Littleton.
Stop 2: Schilling Beer Co. (Littleton)
This is the centerpiece of the brewery. You want real time here: wood-fired pizza, a full beer flight, and a walk around the riverfront property. Give it two or three hours. Eat lunch if you haven’t already. Really taste the lagers.
Drive time: 10 minutes to Bethlehem.
Stop 3: Rek’-Lis Brewing Company (Bethlehem)
Final stop, and a fitting one. You’re back close to where you started. Order another flight or a pint, enjoy the afternoon, and catch live music if it’s on. This is your wind-down brewery. No rush.
Total time: Four to five hours of actual brewery time, plus driving. Doable in a day, and very much worth it.
THE NH BEER TRAIL GUIDEBOOK
After the festival, you’ll have the brand-new guidebook. It includes exclusive discounts at member breweries statewide and becomes your roadmap for the rest of the summer. Breweries participating in the trail include:
- Tuckerman Brewing (Conway)
- Schilling Beer Co. (Littleton)
- Rek’-Lis Brewing (Bethlehem)
- Woodstock Inn Brewery (North Woodstock)
- White Mountain Brewing (North Conway)
- Copper Pig Brewery (Lancaster)
- Iron Furnace Brewing (Franconia area)
- One Love Brewery (local favorite)
And 30+ more statewide. The guidebook pays for itself on the first couple of visits.
WHERE TO STAY FOR BEER TRAIL WEEKEND
Lodging location matters for this trip. The breweries cluster in a 30-minute corridor from North Woodstock up through Littleton and Bethlehem. Staying inside that corridor means you’re never far from the next stop, and you can plan around ride shares or a designated driver without the logistics getting complicated.
Bretton Woods Vacations has more than 125 properties across the region, including vacation homes, cabins, and cottages in Bethlehem, Littleton, Franconia, and surrounding towns. Many properties sleep groups of four to ten, making them well-suited for a beer trail group weekend.
Browse available rentals for the June 27 weekend and book early. Festival weekends fill up fast.
The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods is about 30 minutes away and worth knowing about if you’re looking for a full resort experience on either end of the weekend.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Age
21+ only. The festival is adults-only. No kids, no dogs at the festival itself. Leave them home for this one.
Driving
You’ll be brewery hopping. Don’t drive impaired. Options: designate a driver, use ride-share (Uber and Lyft availability in the White Mountains is limited, so check ahead), or stay within walking distance of breweries. Staying in Littleton or Bethlehem puts you within range of multiple stops.
Food
Every brewery has food or food trucks nearby. Don’t skip meals. Eat between every stop. It slows alcohol absorption and makes the whole experience better and longer.
What to Bring
- Water (seriously, hydrate the whole day)
- Cash (some vendors are cash-only)
- Credit card (all breweries accept both)
- Phone (maps and ride-share)
- Sunscreen (outdoor beer gardens in June)
- Light jacket (mountain evenings cool down fast)
WHY JUNE FOR BREWERY HOPPING?
June weather in the White Mountains is about as good as it gets: cool mornings, warm afternoons, low humidity, and clear skies. The festival is the main event, but even without it, June is the sweet spot. Water flow is strong from snowmelt, so breweries with outdoor seating have that mountain-run sound in the background. Days are long with sunrise before 5 a.m. and sunset after 8 p.m., which means plenty of time.
By July, it’s crowded. By August it’s hot. June is when the region is at its best.
For more ideas on how to fill the rest of your weekend, check out our White Mountains summer activities guide and our ideal 3-day summer itinerary, which pairs well with a brewery trail trip.
You can also read our Ultimate Northern New Hampshire Craft Brewery Guide for a deeper dive into the full regional brewery scene beyond the festival trail.
FAQ
Is the festival crowded?
Yes, it’s popular, and it shows. Arrive early afternoon to beat the peak or come back around 5 p.m. when the crowds thin out. Either way, you’ll have time to get through your tastings without feeling rushed.
Can I drive between breweries?
Yes. All four breweries on this trail are within 30 minutes of each other. The smart move is designating a driver or booking lodging central to the corridor. If you’re relying on ride-share, check availability in your area ahead of time since coverage in the White Mountains is more limited than in a city.
Are these breweries kid-friendly?
The festival itself is strictly 21+. The individual breweries vary. Rek’-Lis and Woodstock Inn both have food and outdoor space, but the bar-forward atmosphere is better suited to adults. If you’re traveling with family, check each brewery’s policy before you go.
Can I buy beer to take home?
Yes, and you should. Most breweries offer growlers, cans, and bottles for to-go purchase. The NH Beer Trail Guidebook includes discounts on retail purchases, so keep it handy.
What makes each brewery different?
Tuckerman is your accessible, festival-host brewery: balanced beers, a great mountain setting, and welcoming to everyone. Rek’-Lis is the high-energy brewpub with live music, rotating taps, and a crowd that’s there to have a good time. Schilling is the serious craft destination, built around lagers and European styles in a stunning riverside mill. Woodstock Inn is the institution, a 20-year-old Main Street anchor that earns its loyal regulars every weekend.
Is there a best brewery?
Depends on what you’re after. Schilling probably edges it out on overall beer quality and setting. Rek’-Lis wins on atmosphere and energy. Tuckerman wins for accessibility and being the festival home. Woodstock wins for consistency and history. Visit all four and decide for yourself.
COMBINE THE TRAIL WITH OTHER WHITE MOUNTAINS ACTIVITIES
Brewery hopping and White Mountains summer activities go well together. Here are some easy pairings:
Hiking: Multiple trailheads are near all four breweries. A morning waterfall hike followed by an afternoon at Schilling is a very good day. Explore our NH hiking trails guide for options near each stop.
Scenic Drives: The Kancamagus Highway is 30 minutes from the Woodstock area. Bretton Woods and Twin Mountain offer multiple scenic routes worth building into your drive between breweries.
Water Activities: Swimming holes, kayaking, and tubing on the Saco River near Woodstock are solid ways to spend a morning before you start tasting.
Gondolas: Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods both have summer gondola rides with ridgeline views that pair nicely with a post-ride beer.
Make brewery hopping part of a bigger White Mountains trip, not the whole trip. The region gives you plenty of reasons to stay an extra day.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND WORTH STAYING FOR
The NH Beer Trail Festival on June 27, 2026, is your gateway into New Hampshire’s craft beer scene. Afterward, use the guidebook and hit the White Mountains breweries properly. You’re not speed-racing through a checklist. You’re tasting, talking to brewers, eating good food, enjoying the mountains, and supporting the people who make the beer you love.
Pace yourself. Eat. Hydrate. Stay safe. And book your lodging early. Bretton Woods Vacations has properties throughout the region that put you right in the middle of it all.
The beer will still be there if you slow down. Honestly, the slowdown is the point.
