According to the national Brewers Association, Washington ranks fourth among U.S. states with its 438 craft breweries. And although Idaho comes in at No. 31 with a total of 99 craft breweries, it’s 10th on a per-capita basis for having 6.8 breweries per 100,000 adults age 21 and older. No wonder the Inland Northwest is a hotbed of events throughout the year devoted to small-batch beer. Here’s some of the highlights beer lovers can look forward to.
SPOKANE LILAC FESTIVAL BREWFEST
One of the Inland Northwest’s most beloved annual events, the Spokane Lilac Festival, was founded in 1938 and is still going strong as it approaches its 90th birthday. During the 2020s, a new event on the program, the Spokane Lilac Festival Brewfest, has given local beer lovers another opportunity to gather, sip suds and enjoy a lively atmosphere in Riverfront Park’s Gesa Pavilion. The Lilac Festival and its Brewfest take place each May.
DOWNTOWN COEUR D’ALENE BEER FESTIVALS
Twice a year, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association gives beer drinkers from the Inland Northwest and beyond a special reason to visit the lakeside town. Each July, the association teams up with Idaho Brewers United to ensure that local brews are the focal point of its Brewfest, with more than 40 beers, ciders and nonalcoholic options available. Other regional breweries also are included in the event at McEuen Park.
Then, each September, it’s time for Oktoberfest (that’s when they do it in Germany, too). The Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest (next up Sept. 18-19, 2026) is a walk-around event as a different beer is poured at each participating local merchant — more than 30 in all. Each year, a “tapping of the keg” kicks off the fest on Friday, while Saturday’s activities (besides quaffing) include a stein-holding competition and a best-dressed contest featuring traditional German attire. Would anyone disagree that a lager tastes better when one is decked out in lederhosen?
GRAINMAKER
Beer can be something that’s simply refreshing and slightly inebriating to drink, or for those so inclined, it can provide a cerebral experience that takes a deep dive into how the brew was made. Grainmaker, now an annual “festival of barley and beer,” takes place each August, co-organized by LINC Malt and Cold Stream Malt & Grain Co. In 2026, the event was held at downtown Spokane’s Brick West Brewing Co. In perhaps the best example of Inland Northwest brewers being a true community, Grainmaker features collaborations involving more than 40 West Coast breweries. It’s an opportunity to sample one-of-a-kind and one-time-only brews and to talk to the people who made them. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Washington Association of Wheat Growers’ Barley Fund.
SCHWEITZER FALL FEST
Each year on Labor Day weekend, the largest ski resort in Idaho winds up its summer operations with the family-friendly Schweitzer Fall Fest. Beer fans who purchase a commemorative glass gain access to tastings of more than 80 microbrews, ciders and wines while soaking in the mountaintop scenery and listening to live music. Other adult beverages (not to mention specialty coffee drinks and hot chocolate) may be more popular once the snow arrives on the mountain, but during the Schweitzer Fall Fest, beer still rules.
EVEN MORE BEER FESTS!
RIVERSTONE BLOCK PARTY & BREWFEST
Sept. 12, 2026 • Coeur d’Alene…