Wheeling, West Virginia (May 12, 2026) – The 12th Annual Mountaineer Brewfest, a celebration of West Virginia’s finest Craft Beers, will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Heritage Port in Wheeling, West Virginia. Tickets for the 2026 Mountaineer Brewfest go on sale June 1st. The Mountaineer Brewfest has raised over $320,000 to date in donations to local Wheeling charities through festival proceeds and matching tips generated by the Circus Saints & Sinners.
For the 12th consecutive year, the Mountaineer Brewfest will be brought to you by Title Sponsor Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack has been a positive force in Wheeling for more than a century. From its early racing days that predate the Civil War to its current state as one of the largest tourist attractions in West Virginia, Wheeling Island is rich in American history. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack has made significant contributions to various charities through a program called “Game Changer” which is funded through casino patrons’ extra change and donations, and their “Wheeling Island Sharing Hope” program that focuses on giving back to the community.
Kim Florence, President & General Manager, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – “In its 12th year, the Mountaineer Brewfest continues to be a premier festival in the Wheeling community, drawing craft beer enthusiasts from across the region, while raising funds for our local charities. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is proud to support the event as title sponsor again this year.”
Proceeds from the August 16th, 2025, Mountaineer Brewfest will benefit the Wheeling YMCA. The Wheeling YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Ohio Valley for more than a century, serving as a trusted community hub dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to opportunity, the Wheeling YMCA strengthens the community by providing programs and services that nurture the potential of children, promote wellness for individuals of all ages, and foster a sense of belonging for all. At the heart of the Wheeling YMCA’s mission is its commitment to youth and families. The YMCA provides a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through its nationally recognized, state-certified summer camp, year-round childcare, sports leagues, educational enrichment, and leadership development programs, the Wheeling YMCA offers positive, structured experiences that help young people build confidence, character, and lifelong skills. For many children in the region, the YMCA is not just a place to play—it is a safe haven where they are supported by caring adults and engaged in meaningful activities that keep them active, connected, and inspired. The Wheeling YMCA also plays a critical role in supporting working families by offering free and low-cost childcare options, ensuring that parents have reliable, safe care for their children while they work or pursue education.
These services are particularly vital in a community where access to affordable childcare can be a significant barrier for many households. Guided by its core value of inclusivity, the Wheeling YMCA never turns away a child, adult, or family due to an inability to pay. Through its Strong Kids and financial assistance programs, the YMCA ensures that membership and program participation are accessible to all, regardless of income level. This commitment reflects the organization’s belief that access to safe spaces, healthy activities, and supportive programs is not a privilege—it is a right.
Beyond youth programming, the Wheeling YMCA serves thousands of community members each year through its wellness facilities, group fitness classes, aquatic programs, and community initiatives. Recent renovations and expansions have strengthened its ability to meet evolving community needs, including updated fitness spaces, improved childcare areas, and enhanced recreational facilities.
Through its long-standing history, broad reach, and deep community partnerships, the Wheeling YMCA remains an essential institution in the Ohio Valley—one that brings people together, supports families, invests in children, and builds a stronger, healthier, more connected community for all.
Wheeling YMCA – Executive Director Adam Shinsky – “Mountaineer Brewfest has been an outstanding event for the City of Wheeling. The dedication and effort of its committee have made a meaningful impact, serving as a game changer for several nonprofit organizations in our community. The Wheeling YMCA is truly grateful to have been selected as this year’s recipient. This support comes at a critical time, as the Wheeling YMCA is serving more individuals and families than ever before.”
Mountaineer Brewfest Founder and President Jeff Hayes – “The Mountaineer Brewfest committee is planning for another unforgettable Brewfest on Saturday August 15th at the Heritage Port. There will be Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Craft Breweries, great local food trucks, and incredible entertainment. We sincerely thank everyone who has attended, sponsored, volunteered, and supported the Mountaineer Brewfest over the years, helping us raise more than $320,000 in support of local charities,” said Hayes.
“We conducted our charity selection process, and the committee selected the Wheeling YMCA as the recipient of this year’s festival proceeds. We look forward to working with Adam Shinsky and his team at the YMCA to ensure that more children in the community have access to safe spaces, positive role models, structured activities, and enriching experiences that support their academic, social, and emotional growth regardless of their family’s ability to pay,” Hayes stated.
“And we have been very blessed with our partnership with Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack over the past eleven years. I want to thank Regional President & General Manager Kim Florence, Catering & Event Sales Manager Julie Baker, Marketing Manager Amy Kirkland, and their teams for all they do in helping us put on one of the best Craft Beer festivals in West Virginia!”
In addition to 2026 Title Sponsor, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, the Brewfest would also like to thank and acknowledge the following incredible Sponsors for their commitments to this year’s festival:
- Partner Sponsors: Omni Strategic Technologies, Visit Wheeling West Virginia, WTOV9, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Smoker Friendly, Belmont Savings Bank, Gumby’s Cigarette & Beer World, Waterfront Hall, The 19th Hole, The UPS Store, MPLX, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, ELV Energy Services, The Market Vines, and Shirts ‘N More.
- Distributor Sponsors: Wine & Beverage Merchants of West Virginia, Blue Mountain Beverage, Carenbauer Distributing, and Johnson Brothers Mountain State Distributing.
- Brewer Sponsors: Bernie Glenn Insurance & Financial Service, Edward Jones, Hanlon McCormick Schramm Bickford & Schramm Co. LPA, McKinley Carter Wealth Services, McKinley Architecture + Engineering, Moyer Group Wealth Management, Carpets by Jamison, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 141 Wheeling, The Glessner Group, The Bridge Tavern, Main Street Bank, Cardinal Operating Company, Riverbridge Wealth Management, Savage Construction, Liberty Distributors, Belmont Carson Petroleum, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Convenient Food Mart, and Truist
- Friends Sponsors: City of Wheeling, Project Best, Team Sledd, American Sanitary Supply Company, WesBanco, Fitzsimmons Law Firm, Whiteside of St. Clairsville, Cast Property Solutions, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 83 Wheeling, WV, Contractors Supply, Lowe’s of Wheeling, Circus Saints & Sinners, Wheeling Alers Home Brew Club, and Wheeling Lightningbirds
- Media Sponsors: WV The Torch, The River Network, The Watch Dog, iHeartRadio Wheeling, and Lamar Advertising,
- Special Feature Sponsors: “WV Craft Brewer Reception” – Sponsored by IC Cab and Waterfront Hall, “Smiley Ann’s Photo Van” – Sponsored by McKenzie Riedel Wealth Management, “Main Stage Entertainment” – Co-Sponsored by McKinley Carter Wealth Services and McKinley Architecture & Engineering, and “WV Beer Competition Judging” – Sponsored by Generations Restaurant & Pub.
“We are so thankful for the continued support of these amazing sponsors! Without their assistance, we would not be able to provide the funds to help local charities and bring what we believe is one of the best events in Wheeling and the state to the Wheeling Heritage Port,” stated Hayes.
“We have over 100 volunteers each year from the community, organizations, and our charity that contribute to the success of the Mountaineer Brewfest,” stated Hayes. “Our partner organizations that help each year are: The Circus Saints & Sinners, the Wheeling Alers Home Brew Club, The Wheeling Lightningbirds women’s amateur ice hockey team, and new in 2025 the Wheeling Park Hockey Parents. The Wheeling Alers bring their expertise to the festival by managing our WV Craft Beer competition and work the taps at many of our Brewer tents. The Saints & Sinners organization attend to the taps in our Beer Garden and raise additional funds for our charity through tips with matching sponsor donations, the Wheeling Lightningbirds also work the taps at many of our Brewer tents, and the Wheeling Park Hockey Parents help with tear-down activities.”
WV Brewer samples available at this year’s festival include: Köerber Beer Company, Fox Hops Brewery, Big Timber Brewing, Parkersburg Brewing Company, Mountain State Brewing Company, Old Spruce Brewing, Abolitionist Ale Works, Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider, Freefolk Brewery, Screech Owl Brewing, Fife Street Brewing, High Ground Brewing, Halleck Brewing Company, Charleston Nano-Brewery, Bridge Brew Works, Stumptown Ales, and The Peddler
Entertainment this year will feature: Main stage- “The Trainjumpers” from Wheeling at 4:30 pm, “North to Nashville” from Columbus at 6:30pm, and headliner “Pulse” from Connecticut at 8:30 pm. “Grace Campbell” from Morgantown will perform during the VIP hour at 3 pm.
Mountaineer Brewfest tickets can be purchased starting June 1st via www.mountaineerbrewfest.com, www.facebook.com/MountaineerBrewfest, www.eventbrite.com, or at Yourkovich & Associates, located at 246 Kruger Street in Wheeling.
The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Mountaineer Brewfest VIP Craft Beer and Food Pairing will be held for Early Bird VIP Ticket special add-on purchase and sponsors on Thursday August 13, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. This pairing will feature craft beers from The Peddler with special food preparations complementing the craft beer selections by Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Executive Chef John Greenwald.
The August 15, 2026, festival hours are VIP entry 3:00 pm, General Admission entry at 4:00 pm, the festival ends at 10:00 pm. You must be 21 years of age with a valid photo ID to enter. This is a rain-or-shine event. Special early ticket pricing is available June 1st through July 31st. General Admission tickets are $35, VIP tickets are $70, and VIP + Thursday Pairing $80. Ticket prices increase after July 31st. General Admission will be $45, and VIP will be $80. Designated Driver tickets are also available.
All these details and more will be shared on Mountaineer Brewfest Facebook and Instagram sites. Be sure to follow us for the latest festival news as we gear up for the 2026 Mountaineer Brewfest!
About the Mountaineer Brewfest:
The Mountaineer Brewfest festival showcases West Virginia’s finest Craft and microbrewers via an organized tasting and is held annually at the Heritage Port in Wheeling, WV. Our mission is:
- To promote West Virginia’s unique and growing industry of craft and microbreweries
- To provide the public with an opportunity to learn about West Virginia and regional craft and microbrewers and their products.
- To provide the best in Entertainment and Food all within a relaxed atmosphere.
- To encourage community within the city of Wheeling by:
- Working with local officials and businesses to provide a sustainable event
- By donating festival proceeds to local charities
Please visit www.mountaineerbrewfest.com or www.facebook.com/MountaineerBrewfest to purchase tickets and for more information.
