Pocono Winter BeerFest

Pocono Winter BeerFest on January 24 brings together 30-plus regional breweries, wineries, and distilleries under one roof in Stroudsburg, offering unlimited tastings from noon until 5 p.m. for a single $20 admission. Attendees receive a commemorative tasting glass and access to craft beers, hard ciders, wines, and spirits from producers across northeastern Pennsylvania, with brewers and distillers on-site to discuss their methods and flagship pours. The festival takes place indoors at the Sherman Theater, a 1929 vaudeville house at 524 Main Street, making it a weather-proof winter event. Parking is available in municipal lots within two blocks of the theater, and designated driver tickets are typically offered at reduced rates for those abstaining from alcohol.

Stroudsburg sits at the southern edge of the Pocono Mountains where Brodhead Creek meets the Delaware River, a location that made it a natural hub for mills and taverns in the 18th century. The town was founded in 1799 by Daniel Stroud, a Dutch settler who established a ferry crossing and tavern that served travelers moving between Philadelphia and the northern frontier. Today, the area’s craft beverage scene reflects the region’s agricultural roots, with breweries sourcing local grains and distilleries using Pocono spring water. January weather in the Poconos is cold, typically in the 20s and 30s, but the indoor festival keeps things comfortable, and many attendees treat the event as a midday warm-up before exploring Stroudsburg’s downtown shops and restaurants.

The festival draws couples, beer enthusiasts, and groups of friends looking for a low-key winter social event, with crowds peaking between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Designated drivers can enjoy free soft drinks and snacks while their companions sample the pours. Food is not included in admission, but food trucks and vendors typically set up outside the theater offering hot pretzels, bratwurst, and other festival fare. After the tasting session ends at 5 p.m., many attendees continue their evening on Main Street, where Stroudsburg’s walkable downtown offers galleries, antique shops, and dining options within a three-block radius.

Turn Winter BeerFest into a Poconos weekend by booking a rental on Lake.com near Big Pocono State Park or Camelback Mountain, both within a 20-minute drive of Stroudsburg and offering access to winter hiking and skiing. After the festival, head to Trackside Grille & Bar (established 2015) on Main Street for burgers and craft beer, or try Sarah Street Grill (1997) for upscale American fare in a restored historic building. The festival pairs naturally with a Saturday morning snowshoe hike or a visit to the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, making it a centerpiece event for travelers looking to combine craft beverages, mountain scenery, and winter recreation in a single trip.