Cape May Events

The Harvest Brew Festival 2024 in Cape May: The Ultimate Guide

Daniel Foster
6 min read
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The Harvest Brew Festival is a yearly event that brings together the best of Cape May's local culture, food, and music. This year, the festival promises an even bigger lineup of craft breweries, artisan food vendors, and live entertainment that celebrates the harvest season in style.

Festival Overview

The 2024 Harvest Brew Festival takes place the first weekend of October at the Emlen Physick Estate grounds. Now in its 12th year, the festival has grown from a small local gathering into one of South Jersey's premier fall events, attracting over 5,000 visitors annually.

What's on Tap

Over 30 craft breweries from New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region will be pouring their finest seasonal offerings. Highlights include:

Cape May Brewing CompanyThe hometown favorite will debut their new Harvest Pumpkin Ale, brewed with locally grown pumpkins and a blend of autumn spices.
Mudhen BrewingKnown for their experimental approach, Mudhen will feature a barrel-aged imperial stout that's been aging for 14 months.
Slack Tide BrewingThis Clermont-based brewery brings their popular Hoppy Holidays IPA and a new cranberry wheat beer perfect for the season.

Food and Artisan Vendors

The festival features over 20 food vendors offering everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh oysters. Local favorites include the Lobster House's famous lobster rolls, Cape May Salt Oyster Company's raw bar, and Willow Creek Winery's cheese and charcuterie boards.

Artisan vendors will showcase handmade jewelry, pottery, photography, and other crafts, making this an excellent opportunity for early holiday shopping.

Live Entertainment

Three stages will feature continuous live music throughout both days. The main stage lineup includes regional favorites playing everything from folk and bluegrass to rock and jazz. Local musicians will perform on the acoustic stage, and a DJ will keep the energy high at the dance tent.

Tickets and Information

General admission tickets include a commemorative tasting glass and 10 tasting tokens. VIP packages include early entry, additional tokens, and access to the VIP lounge with exclusive pours. Designated driver tickets are available at a reduced rate.

The festival runs from noon to 6 PM both Saturday and Sunday. Free shuttle service is available from several parking locations around Cape May.

If you're planning to stay for the weekend, check out our guide to the top boutique hotels in Cape May or browse beachfront rental options. For more Cape May events, see our coverage of the Cape May Food & Wine Festival.

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