RAPID CITY & BLACK HILLS EVENTS
Mountain West Beer Fest 2026
November 14, 2026 · The Monument, Rapid City
Good beer, good company, and a fall weekend in the Black Hills. Mountain West Beer Fest brings an afternoon of tasting, food trucks, and games to The Monument on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Gather your friends for the festival, explore Rapid City, and come back to a quiet evening by the lake at Canyon Lake Resort. The festival is for adults 21 and older, including non-sampling guests.
From Canyon Lake Resort: Approximately 4.7 driving miles · about 12–15 minutes. Get directions →
Distances start at 4510 Shore Drive. Route, traffic, weather, and event parking can change travel time.
Date, address & festival hours
When: November 14, 2026, 1–5 p.m.; VIP entry begins at noon.
Where: Rushmore Hall at The Monument.
Address: 444 Mt. Rushmore Road N., Rapid City, SD 57701.
The festival takes over Rushmore Hall inside The Monument. Arrive a little before your admission time so you can park and head in without missing the start. With the tasting indoors, this is an easy event to build a November weekend around.
What is happening at Mountain West Beer Fest?
With more than 80 breweries and over 200 drink selections in the festival lineup, there is plenty to explore beyond your usual order. Beer, seltzers, nonalcoholic options, and hemp drinks share the spotlight, with food trucks and games adding to the afternoon. Come with a favorite style in mind—or use the day to find a new one.
You do not have to be a beer expert to enjoy this one. Taste at your own pace, take a break for food, and spend some time catching up with friends between stops. A non-sampling ticket gives members of your group a way to join the fun without participating in the tasting.
Compare general admission, VIP & non-sampling tickets
General admission: Sampling begins at 1 p.m.
VIP: Noon admission, sampling, VIP-area access, and lunch served noon–2 p.m.
Non-sampling: Entry from 1 p.m., without tasting privileges.
Tickets start at $29.25+, with pricing varying by admission option and fees. Compare festival tickets and reserve your spot through The Monument.
Want to start early and settle in over lunch? VIP admission adds an extra hour, lunch, and access to the VIP area. General admission gives you the full 1–5 p.m. tasting window, while non-sampling admission works well for friends who are joining for the company.
Identification, parking & a comfortable arrival
Bring your photo ID and take a quick look at The Monument’s parking and arrival details. Review the venue’s bag policy before heading out so you can keep your hands free for the afternoon.
Arrange a designated driver or a ride back to your lodging before the tasting begins. For groups, choosing a pickup spot ahead of time keeps the end of the afternoon simple—and lets everyone focus on enjoying the festival.
Give yourself a little room on either side of the festival. Spend the morning browsing downtown, linger over breakfast, or save your sightseeing for Sunday. Pack a warm layer for November weather, even when the main event is indoors.
Make a Rapid City weekend of it
A Saturday afternoon festival is a good excuse to stay for the weekend. Arrive Friday, enjoy Beer Fest on Saturday, and leave Sunday open for a leisurely breakfast and another Rapid City stop. Our Black Hills Vacation Planner can help you fill in the rest.
At Canyon Lake Resort, you can trade the festival crowd for a slower pace beside the lake. Choose from hotel rooms, cabins, and lodges, whether you are planning a getaway for two or bringing friends along. Find your dates, book your festival tickets separately, and make a weekend of it.
