Sussex-Lisbon 1st Annual Hops Festival
Last Revised 05/01/2014
A Proposal
Sussex-Lisbon Hop Festival Overview
The Sussex-Lisbon Area Historical Society, Inc. is pleased to celebrate over 175 years of hop heritage in Waukesha County. Waukesha County’s own resident, James Weaver, introduced commercial hop growing to the State of Wisconsin in 1837 by bringing a rootstock from England and Oneida County, New York. His success enticed area farmers who took up planting acres of hops. The hop industry in the State of Wisconsin exploded in the early 1850s with many counties raising hops. Waukesha and Sauk Counties raised the most- nearly 80% in the nation by 1880. The Sussex-Lisbon Hop Festival celebrates the past and possible future of the hop industry.
Weekend Details:
Sept. 14 Paired Hop Dinner . Join the historical society for an exceptional meal paired with local Brewing Companies. Brewery owners- will be at the dinner to talk about the paired meal. Reserve your seat by . Tickets are $50.
Sept. 15 on-site at the Sussex-Lisbon Area Historical Society- 11 am – 5:30. Free admission-three featured guest speakers- first Hop Specialist Brewing owners and brewery. There will also be brewing demonstrations by exhibits on the history of hops, crowning of the 2014 Hop King and Queen (2pm), Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing(12-2), and of course craft beer sampling(2:30-5:30 pm). Throughout the afternoon purchase your raffle tickets to win great beer related merchandise. Visit the Hopshop to purchase hop plants and event shirts! Visit with and Great Lake Brewing News.
Taste of Hops: a food and beer pairing (12-2 pm) will feature appetizers from the following restaurants: Inn, Country Store, Tavern. will be creating a delicious beer filled chocolate for patrons. Advance Tickets $20/$25 at the door.
Craft Beer Sampling (2:30-5:30 pm) will surely be enjoyed by all from this line-up so far: More will definitely be added! Brewery Representatives will be on hand to answer all your beer questions. Advance tickets $25/$30 at the door. Tickets available at SLAHS, Brewing in
Sept. 16 Come join us for a tour of the beautiful hop house exhibit at the Depot Museum will lead the tour and share his vast knowledge on the development of the Hop House and its role in the hop industry in upstate New York. Reserve your seat by 9/7.
Proceeds from the Hop Festival support the Sussex-Lisbon Area Historical Society. The tradition of promoting the art of craft brewing and the influence of the hop industry on the State of Wisconsin continues at the Sussex-Lisbon Hop Festival. We appreciate your support in our efforts to share the State of Wisconsin hop culture. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 1st Annual Sussex-Lisbon Hop Festival!
For more information and to purchase Hop Festival tickets check out . And of course become our fan at Hop Festival! You can also buy advance beer sampling tickets at
There is no admission to attend the Hop Festival. Admission is charged for the Paired Beer Dinner, Taste of Hops, and Craft Beer Sampling, and Hop Kiln Exhibit. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to enter the events where beer is served. Proper id is required for entrance to all areas where beer is served! Please do not bring children, strollers, or pets to the event. Tickets will be available for designated drivers (who must be 21 years of age) at the entrance of the craft beer sampling tent.