Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as downtown Clarkdale, Arizona, transforms into a haven for craft beer enthusiasts at the annual ClarkdALE Beer Festival. Sample bold stouts, crisp IPAs, hazy pale ales, and seasonal sips from some of Arizona’s top breweries. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual taster, a local or just in town for the weekend, you’ll find your perfect pour at the ClarkdALE Beer Fest. Hosted in downtown Clarkdale every May, the festival is known for its laid-back vibe and community feel. It’s not just about the beer; it’s about bringing people together in a place where history, hops, and heart collide.
This annual event is a must for beer lovers, live music fans, and food truck enthusiasts all in one afternoon.
Meet the Host – Smelter Town Brewery
Shoutout to Smelter Town Brewery – the host of this fun event. Located just a stone’s throw from the main square, this brewery is a rising star in Arizona’s craft beer scene. From their signature Smelter IPA to seasonal collaborations, they’re a top draw for festival-goers. They are a key reason the ClarkdALE Beer Fest continues to grow in popularity.
Check Smelter Town Brewery’s Facebook Event, follow @smeltertownbrewery, or visit their homepage for more info and updates.
Featuring
Esteemed breweries such as Smelter Town Brewery, THAT Brewery, Simple Machine Brewing Company, Lake Pleasant Brewing Company, Belfry Brewery, Dark Sky Brewing, O.H.S.O. Brewery, Oak Creek Brewing Company, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, and Verde Brewing Company.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event, offering flexible options to suit your tasting preferences:
- 2 tickets for $8
- 4 tickets for $15
- 8 tickets for $25
Each ticket can be exchanged for an 8-ounce pour from any participating brewery, allowing you to sample a diverse array of craft beers throughout the festival.
Location
921 Main Street, Clarkdale, AZ
Time
Saturday, May 17, 2024 • 1 PM – 6 PM
Beyond Beer: Food and Entertainment
Local Food Trucks
Complement your beer tastings with delicious offerings from a variety of local food trucks, including Sidewalk Grill, Savories, Dog Town, Not Your Routine Poutine, Papi’s Kitchen, Sinful Sodas, and Brewha. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for cash purchase at these food trucks, ensuring options for all attendees. For wine enthusiasts, selections can be purchased inside Smelter Town Brewery.
Live Music
Groove to live music from local bands all afternoon and soak up the sounds with a cold beer in hand. Livas & Morgan will take the stage from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by the Well Dressed Wolves from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The ClarkdALe Beer Festival welcomes attendees of all ages, making it a perfect outing for families. However, due to the warm weather and street setting, pets are kindly requested to stay at home for their safety and comfort.
Seating and Comfort
While some seating will be provided, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to ensure a comfortable experience as they relax and enjoy the festivities.
Here for the Weekend?
Why rush back home when you can make a weekend out of it? Clarkdale is an ideal home base for exploring the Verde Valley—and if you’re here for the ClarkdALE Beer Fest, consider staying right in the heart of the action. The historic Park Hotel, located above Smelter Town Brewery, offers boutique-style accommodations with modern comforts and vintage charm. Wake up just steps away from your next favorite pint, enjoy brunch at nearby cafés, hop on the Verde Canyon Railroad, and take in the small-town hospitality that makes Clarkdale feel like home. To book your stay, visit the Park Hotel’s website.
Looking for More Beer Festivals?
If you’re planning to mark your calendar for more great brews and scenic adventures, don’t miss Ales on Rails at Verde Canyon Railroad, just minutes from downtown Clarkdale.
Running September 14 through October 31, 2025, this one-of-a-kind event pairs Arizona breweries with a stunning four-hour train ride through the red rocks and golden leaves of the Verde Canyon.
Before hopping aboard the train, lunch and lagers are available for purchase at the depot, with a full selection of regional craft beers (including Smelter Town Brewery and Uncle Bear’s Brewery) and non-alcoholic options. Then, explore the Boxcar Gift Store and the John Bell Museum.
Departures
Train departures are at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Ticket Information
- Price: $139.00 per person
- Includes:
- Comfortable indoor seating
- Access to open-air viewing cars
- Charcuterie box with gourmet selections
- Champagne or sparkling cider toast upon boarding
New for 2025
Experience the magic of the canyon at dusk with Saturday’s Starlight Tours, where the shifting light transitions into starry skies and moonlit landscapes. Saturday evenings May 3 – October 25, 2025.
For more details and to book your tickets, visit the Verde Canyon Railroad website.
Come Raise a Glass in the Verde Valley
The ClarkdALE Beer Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Arizona’s vibrant craft beer culture. Plus, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment in a welcoming community setting. And if one day of beer and fun isn’t enough, you can keep the good times flowing with Ales on Rails—a fall favorite just down the road at Verde Canyon Railroad. It’s the perfect way to keep the craft beer celebration rolling—literally.
