(Original Ommegang celebration in 1549)

Ommegang’s annual ‘Belgium Comes to Cooperstown’  festival is one of the nation’s most unique beer celebrations. And after a five-year hiatus it is making its return to a pastoral setting in Cooperstown, NY on September 27-29.

It’s a one-of-a-kind festival, that American Craft Beer has named one of the best in the nation, which was inspired by an historic royal celebration. The first Ommegang celebration welcomed Emperor Charles the Fifth to Brussels in 1549, and it was such a hit that the citywide party is still held every year.

And while the emperor won’t be in attendance in Cooperstown this summer festivalgoers will enjoy a weekend filled with iconic Belgian imports and Belgian-style ales from every corner of North America and beyond. Brewery Ommegang will host more than 30 local, national, and Belgian brewers, pouring over 100 unique beers.

“The Belgium Comes to Cooperstown Festival is more than just a beer event; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and the creativity that brews in our community,” said Jordan Egbert, brand manager at Brewery Ommegang. “We’re passionate about bringing exceptional beer and bucket-list experiences to the people we serve, so we couldn’t be more excited to bring BCTC back for everyone to enjoy.”

Recognized as one of the most important beer festivals in America, “Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” offers 3,000 beer lovers a memorable weekend of serious beer, food, art, culture, camping and live music>

(Courtesy Brewery Ommegang)

“Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” is more than just great beer it’s an experience… Ommegang renovated its pastoral grounds in 2018, it’s a beautiful place to spend the weekend.

Friday, September 27: Festivities begin at 6 p.m. for invited industry folks and VIP ticket holders. VIP tickets include access to Friday night’s special beer tastings, and a Belgian-style farm-to-table hog roast followed by live music, as well as optional camping on the brewery grounds.

Saturday, September 28: Festival grounds open at noon on Saturday, September 28, for GA ticket holders. The Belgian Beer Festival component begins at 2pm, with tastings running until 6 p.m. There will be a main beer tent as well as the opportunity to visit immersive activation tents by the likes of Brewery Ommegang, Boulevard Brewing Co., Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Duvel, Chouffe, and more during the Belgian beer festival beer experience. There will also be live music throughout the day and fireworks.

Sunday, September 29: On Sunday morning, a light breakfast will be served from 7 to 9am.

(Courtesy Brwery Ommegang)

But due to high demand, tickets for this eagerly awaited festival are limited…

• VIP tickets cost $250/person and include access to all weekend activities and two nights of optional camping on the brewery grounds.
• General admission for Saturday night with camping costs $155/person.
• General admission for Saturday’s festivities without camping costs $125/person.

In a world of increasingly faceless beer festivals Ommegang’s “Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” is something special and we can’t hype it enough…It’s a wonderful festival that gets that craft beer is ‘an experience’ and a weekend that’s not to be missed.

Not sure if tickets are still available, but if they are, you know what to do!