Exeter’s annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival is back for its 11th year, complete with cold beer, delicious food and great company. Also returning are children’s activities including a kid’s zone, and chili samples from several vendors.
A little over a decade ago, the Town of Exeter Parks and Recreation and Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce caught the “craft beer wave,” and have been putting on this popular event since then, growing each year.
“We are excited to return to one session this year with a V.I.P. option to get in one hour early,” stated Greg Bisson, Director of Exeter Parks & Recreation. “The event has sold out in the past, so buy your tickets now and don’t miss out.”
“The Powder Keg Beer Festival is a great opportunity to highlight and support our community. We look forward to welcoming new and returning attendees to this year’s festival. When people come to Exeter for the festival, they stay and enjoy the shopping, restaurants, and all that we have to offer here.” remarked Jennifer Wheeler, President of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Photo by Allie Burke Photography
The festival will take place rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 7 along the Swasey Parkway in Exeter from 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Exeter’s Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival is family-friendly and includes unlimited beer and chili samples (while supplies last), entertainment by Matty & The Penders, artisan tents to visit, local food venders, a kid’s zone and more.
The event will feature over 200 different beers, ciders, and hard seltzers from several breweries, including Concord Craft Brewing Company, Czar’s Brewery, Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, and many more. Chili samples will also be available from area restaurants and breweries who will be competing for the “People’s Choice Award” for best chili. You can read the full beer list here.
“We want people to come in and enjoy Exeter; we have a lot of great establishments and retailers downtown. There’s ample opportunity for them to come before or after… to really explore Exeter,” says Bisson.
The event is community-driven and community-focused. “Not only is it about bringing people here and trying beer, it’s about highlighting the community, supporting the community and coming together. There’s always a real sense of excitement,” says Wheeler.
Still hungry after all those delicious chili samples? There will also be a variety of food trucks (pretzels, french fries, burgers, fried dough and kettle corn), water and non-alocholic beverages available for purchase.
Tickets are on sale now with V.I.P admission starting at 12 p.m. for $60 and General admission starting at 1 p.m. for $45 and includes unlimited beer and chili samples (while supplies last), entertainment, and more. Designated driver and youth tickets are $10 and all tickets can be purchased by visiting powderkegbeerfest.com.
New Hampshire Magazine is a proud, longtime sponsor of Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival. Come visit us at this year’s event and pick up a complimentary copy of the October issue.