Hops on the Rock is set for Saturday, October 10th at the Sterling Marketplace outdoor farmers market pavilion at 111 W. Second St. in Sterling. The event began in 2017 and, despite a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The event has experienced its share of unpredictable weather over the years, including rain, wind, and cold temperatures that forced organizers to move the festival indoors during its early years. Since the Sterling Marketplace pavilion became available, Hops on the Rock has been held there, providing an outdoor covered space for attendees and vendors.
This year’s event is expected to feature between 30 and 50 brands and approximately 90 to 100 different beers. Attendees can sample a wide variety of craft beers and discover new styles and flavors without committing to a full pint.
For people who are selective about beer, the tasting format offers an opportunity to experiment. Each sample is only about two ounces, allowing attendees to try something new, take notes on their favorites, and move on if a particular beer is not their style.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the participation of six home brewing groups. Zebra Brewing, a local home brewing group from the Sterling and Rock Falls area, has participated in previous years and has become involved in helping with event planning.
The Freeport area Brewing Society and several other home brewers will also be participating. Together, the home brewers are expected to bring roughly 25 to 30 different beers, giving attendees a chance to taste beers that are not typically available at local restaurants or stores.
Sterling Main Street is also expanding its participation from downtown bars and craft beer-focused businesses. Crafted Roots and the Rusty Fox have been involved in previous years, while other downtown establishments are joining the festival this year.
Lisa’s Brick House, Candlelight Group, Dunks and the Precinct at North End are among the businesses participating. Some vendors will feature beers with international influences, while others are bringing specialty selections and beers that may be unfamiliar to attendees.
Organizers are also making an effort to include new and unusual offerings from breweries. While returning favorites will still be available, the goal is to make sure longtime Hops on the Rock attendees have something new to discover.
Food and entertainment will round out the afternoon. Brito’s taco truck will be on site, while Rockstar Donuts will offer doughnut holes with both sweet and savory options. Live music will be provided by A Leg and a Thigh, a two-piece band that will perform throughout the event.
Attendees can also make their own pretzel necklaces. The popular craft beer festival tradition gives guests a portable snack and palate cleanser between beer samples. A photo booth will also be available, allowing attendees to take pictures during the event.
Hops on the Rock will feature several ticket options. VIP admission runs from 2 to 3 p.m. and costs $50. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door. VIP attendees receive an extra hour of sampling, a special dated tasting glass, a drink lanyard, and a T-shirt. The drink lanyard allows attendees to keep their tasting glass with them while taking a break for food or other activities.
General admission begins at 3 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. A $10 designated driver ticket is also available for guests age 21 and older who want to attend without drinking.
Hops on the Rock is more than just a day of craft beer tasting for Sterling Main Street. The event serves as a fundraiser that helps support the organization’s other programs and projects throughout the year.
Sterling Main Street is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the city but operates separately. Fundraising events such as Hops on the Rock help support programs that beautify downtown Sterling and provide activities and services at little or no cost to the community.
Those efforts include downtown flower baskets and events such as Hot Dog Day. Revenue from fundraising events helps offset the costs of programs that otherwise would not generate income for the organization.
Groharing also shared some of her favorite memories from Hops on the Rock, including a specialty beer called Unicorn Tears from Wishful Acres Brewery in Lena. She also highlighted Bent River Brewing’s seasonal Sweet Potato Ale as another memorable beer that she discovered through the festival.
The festival provides an opportunity for attendees to discover seasonal and limited-release beers from smaller breweries and home brewers. Because many of these beers are produced in small batches, some selections may only be available for a limited time.
For those looking to explore craft beer without committing to an entire pint, Hops on the Rock offers an afternoon of sampling, food, music, and community while supporting Sterling Main Street.
The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Sterling Marketplace outdoor farmers market pavilion at 111 W. Second St. in Sterling. Attendees can also search for the Twin City Farmers Market to find the location and nearby parking.
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