Last summer, 42 North Brewing Company teamed up with Holiday Valley with the goal of creating an outdoor festival that combined great music, beer, food and fun outdoor activities. And thus, the first annual HillTap Festival came to Spruce Lake at the top of Holiday Valley and resulted in a day that people in attendance will not soon forget.
“Last year’s festival exceeded our expectations. There is no better place to merge craft beer, roots music, and adventure. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind venue,” said 42 North Brewery Founder, John Cimperman.
This year, the HillTap Festival returns on Saturday, July 23, with plans to take the fun and entertainment to the next level. The fun begins at 12pm and runs until 6pm at Spruce Lake. Participants will park at the Tannenbaum Lodge and take the always scenic Spruce Lift, with a complementary 42 North beer, to the lake where all the festivities will take place.
“Having the ability to put music on top of the mountain and next to Spruce Lake really creates a unique vibe,” said Cimperman. “This year we are thrilled to have two excellent bands playing tunes and setting the scene for a great day.”
Big J Blues will play from 1-2:30PM. With his custom Mississippi Drum Machine underfoot, Big J has a reputation for playing the blues the way they were meant to be played; from the gut! His performances never cease to impress.
After Big J completes his set, Sunday at the Station (SATS) takes the stage from 2:30 – 5:30PM. The SATS sound has been described as a blend of high-energy Americana, folk and bluegrass with a touch of punk melody and bluesy soul. The band, which hails from Meadville, has been touring the tri-state area for over a decade and this year is releasing its third full length album, “Revival”.
While the music is fantastic, it’s not the only reason to come to the HillTap Festival. After all, you can’t throw a proper festival without some great food and drinks. The 42 North Tap Trekker Truck will be on-site with a number of the brewery’s most popular brews to cover the drink part of the equation. As for the food, Fat Bob’s BBQ Food Truck and Villaggio’s Italian Fare are bound to have options that will excite even the pickiest of palates.
It goes without saying that Holiday Valley is all about outdoor adventure so while you’re jamming to some great tunes and enjoying the food and drink, there will be plenty of other things around Spruce Lake to add to the experience. There will be SUP demos by SUP Erie Adventures, bike demos by Freewheel, Henna Art by Buffalo Henna, Axe throwing by Hatchets & Hops, Art by Hot Wing Designs and Holiday Valley will have e-bike demos. Additionally, there will be some great vendors like Mud, Sweat n’ Gears, Finger Lakes Trails, Chiba Chiba CBD and Tom’s Pro Bike will be up at Spruce Lake.
Tickets are only $30 (pre-sale), $35 day off and $40 if you want to transport a mountain bike on the chairlift. The price of admission gets you a lift ride to Spruce Lake, a full day of music, access to the vendors and demos and a day of fun memories that will fill your social media timeline! Children 10 and under are admitted free, accompanied by a paying adult.
For more information and to get your tickets today, click here.