We were elated to hear that Beer Hoptacular, one of our favorite beer fests from 2011, was returning for an encore. With the promise of more space, more food, and yes, more beer than last year, we wasted no time hitting up the scene at Friday night’s sudsy fête, the first of the weekend’s three jam-packed sessions. We had a blast (from what we recall) filling our souvenir glass with craft brews from both local charmers (5 Rabbit Brewery, the fledgling Baderbräu) and far-flung favorites (Lagunitas and Oskar Blues Brewery).

Photography: Peter Ranvestel