The 2026 Hickory Hops was held April 11, 2026. 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. !
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Hickory Hops is an annual craft beer and music festival held on Union Square in downtown Hickory, North Carolina. The 22nd annual edition takes place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1 PM to 6 PM. The festival features over 50 craft breweries participating in a sampling event, with all tasting tickets including a festival tasting glass.
Organized by the Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA) and hosted by Olde Hickory Station, the festival is a strictly 21+ event — no one under 21 is allowed to enter, including non-drinkers and designated drivers. No coolers, children, or pets are permitted.
Hickory Hops was founded in 2005 as a collaboration between the Hickory Downtown Development Association and Olde Hickory Brewery, one of the Catawba Valley's most respected craft breweries. The goal was to create an event that would bring people to downtown Hickory's Union Square while celebrating North Carolina's burgeoning craft beer scene. Over two decades later, the festival has become one of the state's most enduring beer events.
Union Square in downtown Hickory provides a charming setting — a historic town square surrounded by shops and restaurants that fills with brewery tents, music stages, and hundreds of enthusiastic beer lovers each April. The festival's growth from a local gathering to a 50+ brewery event mirrors the explosion of craft brewing in North Carolina, which has become one of the top craft beer states in the Southeast.
Olde Hickory Brewery — which operates the Olde Hickory Tap Room, Olde Hickory Station, and Olde Hickory Brewery — serves as the festival's anchor and host. Tickets are available in advance online or at Olde Hickory's physical locations and Amos Howards Restaurant & Brew Pub, keeping the event rooted in the local business community.
Founded
2005
Organizer
Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA) / Olde Hickory Brewery
Breweries
50+
Tier
Major Regional
2027 dates not yet announced
The last edition was held April 11, 2026. when 2027 dates are announced.
1 day
Lowes Foods City Park
📍
Hickory, North Carolina
50+ breweries
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Hickory Hops 2027 dates have not been announced yet. Check back for updates!
Hickory Hops is held at Lowes Foods City Park.
Ticket pricing for Hickory Hops 2027 has not been announced yet. Check the official website for updates.
Burp Fest is planning to bring its burping contest to Hickory Hops. Sign up to get notified when details are confirmed.
Burp Fest is the world's premier competitive burping organization. We bring our burping contests to beer festivals across America, giving attendees the chance to compete for glory, trophies, and social media fame.
Sign up on our website and we'll let you know as soon as a Burp Fest contest is confirmed at Hickory Hops.
Previous editions of Hickory Hops.
Festival info last updated
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