Experience Killington Brewfest: Vermont’s Premier Autumn Craft Beer Celebration at Pico Mountain

Read the full experience

Set against the vivid palette of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Brewfest offers an unmatched autumn experience that blends craft beer tasting with scenic mountain vistas and lively entertainment. Held annually at the Pico Mountain Base Area in Mendon, Vermont, this event is a highlight of the fall season, drawing beer aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike to sample over 40 breweries spanning local legends and regional favorites. Running for four to five hours in mid-September, the Brewfest captures the peak of New England’s foliage, creating a striking backdrop of crimson, gold, and amber hues as you sip your way through expertly curated brews. Pico Mountain itself is part of the greater Killington Resort, a well-known outdoor recreation hotspot famed for its rugged terrain, ski trails in winter, and sweeping hiking paths during warmer months. The Brewfest capitalizes on this location’s natural appeal, transforming the base area into a tastemakers’ playground. The festival features dozens of craft beer styles, complemented by ciders and hard seltzers from acclaimed producers such as Citizen Cider, Long Trail, Von Trapp, and Smuttynose. The presence of renowned brewers like Anheuser-Busch alongside local Vermont breweries creates a dynamic tasting experience that reveals the depth and variety of New England’s brewing scene. Beyond the liquid offerings, the festival is energized by a vibrant vendor village with delicious food options and artisan crafts, and live music that propels the event from a casual sampling to a full-fledged celebration. This year’s lineup includes performances by local talents Nick Bredice & Rhys Chalmers and the alt-country Jared Stout Band, whose Appalachian-rooted sounds mirror the moods of the Vermont highlands. Killington Brewfest is not just about the beer — it invites all ages with a structured approach to safe enjoyment, allowing under-21 guests with designated driver tickets or free child entry, ensuring the event stays family-friendly yet responsible. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, making the venue as comfortable and inviting as your favorite backyard gathering. Accessibility is enhanced with shuttle service looping nearby hotels and popular stops along Killington Road, easing transportation concerns and supporting a responsible drinking culture. With VIP tickets unlocking exclusive early access, indoor bathrooms, and a lounge with specialty brews and light fare, there are options tailored for every kind of festival-goer. This event is a standout in Vermont’s outdoor recreation calendar not only for its cultural vibrancy but also for its integration into the spectacular natural setting of the Green Mountains. Killington Brewfest provides a rare chance to connect with Vermont’s brewing heritage surrounded by the state’s most renowned autumn landscape, making it a quintessential fall adventure for locals and travelers seeking authentic regional flavor and mountain fresh air in one perfect package.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4–5 hours.

Fitness level

This event requires minimal physical exertion; moderate walking on uneven ground may be expected.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age restriction to attend Killington Brewfest?

Guests 21 and over can purchase GA or VIP tasting tickets; designated driver and child tickets allow access for younger guests with restrictions on alcohol consumption.

What is included with a general admission ticket?

GA tickets include a commemorative tasting glass, a 10-punch beer sampling card, and live music.

Are outside food and drinks allowed?

No outside food, drinks, backpacks, or pets are allowed, but food and beverages are available for purchase onsite.

Can I re-enter the event once I leave?

Re-entry is prohibited, so bring everything you need for your entire stay at the beginning of the event.

Is parking available at Pico Mountain?

Parking is limited; we recommend using shuttle services provided between nearby hotels and designated stops.

Can children attend Killington Brewfest?

Yes, children 15 and under can enter for free with a child ticket. Guests ages 16 to 20 require Designated Driver tickets. Alcohol will not be served to guests under 21.

Local insights

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Red fox

History

Pico Mountain is part of the Killington resort area, a major Vermont ski destination established in the 1950s and surrounded by forests rich in New England history.

Conservation

Killington Brewfest encourages sustainable practices by promoting shuttle use and limiting single-use plastics during the event to reduce environmental impact.

About Killington

Killington is a year-round outdoor events destination in Killington, Vermont, known for a diverse calendar of seasonal competitions, festivals, and community gatherings. The property hosts summer golf events, including the Michelob ULTRA Golf League at Killington Golf Course, a Thursday night 9-hole scramble series running from June 12 to August 28 with prizes, dinner, and local giveaways. In autumn, Killington stages Killington Brewfest at Pico Mountain, featuring live music, food, and craft offerings from about 40 breweries, ciders, and seltzers against Vermont foliage. Winter events include organized competitions at Bear Mountain Lodge such as the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge and amateur races with age divisions and discounted lift tickets, plus volunteer-driven activities supporting safety and operations. Spring highlights include the annual Pond Skim and volunteer opportunities that aid participant safety and event logistics; the kparks Spring Send-Off jam in Timberline Park; the Slash & Berm Grom Slalom for riders 13 and under supporting Wings for Life; and a lively Mini Shred Madness at Pico with crew support. Killington also presents community gatherings such as an Easter Sunrise Service reached via the K-1 Gondola with a non-denominational service at Peak Lodge and a shared breakfast. Multiple volunteer roles are available across events, offering lift tickets, meals, and hands-on experience. Each event listing emphasizes safety, community involvement, and competitive or celebratory elements, providing visitors and volunteers clear expectations and organized programming. The Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge accepts the first 150 registrants for competition, with course inspection, safety measures, and volunteer support available.

Base locationMendon, Vermont

Tours offered24+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Bring a lawn chair or blanketSeating is limited, so bringing your own chairs or blankets ensures comfort throughout the festival.

Plan for changing weatherVermont fall days can shift from sunny to chilly; dress in layers to stay comfortable in all conditions.

Use the shuttle serviceTake advantage of shuttle buses running between key locations to avoid parking hassles and drink responsibly.

Bring valid IDAll attendees 21 and over must carry a valid ID for age verification at the entrance and within the venue.

Recommended gear

Layered clothing: Vermont’s fall weather is variable; layers help you stay comfortable from warm afternoons to cooler evenings.
Lawn chair or picnic blanket: Bring your own seating for comfort since the venue is mostly standing room.
Valid ID: Required for alcohol tasting access and legal compliance.
Cash or card for vendors: Used to purchase extra food, beverages, or souvenir tasting cards.