Wisconsin’s Best IPA to Be Crowned at 10th Annual Wisconsin IPA Fest

Milwaukee, WI – July 27, 2026 – Ten years ago, a handful of Wisconsin breweries gathered to see who could brew the state’s best IPA. A decade later, that idea has outlasted a wave of brewery closures that has reshaped Wisconsin’s craft beer landscape. This year, more people are planning to celebrate it than ever before.

The Wisconsin IPA Fest returns for its landmark 10th year on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Third Space Brewing in Milwaukee, bringing together 40 of the state’s best breweries to battle for the prestigious title of “Wisconsin’s Best IPA.” Ticket sales are already up 25% over last year, with VIP tickets nearly sold out, providing proof that even as the industry faces real headwinds, Wisconsin’s craft beer community is showing up stronger than ever to support the industry.

To mark the occasion, this year’s fest is running an hour longer than ever before. Presented by Briess Malt, Cansource, and Workforce.com, and known as one of the top IPA events in the Midwest, this milestone celebration of hop-forward beers will feature West Coast IPAs, Hazy IPAs, Imperial IPAs, and more. Attendees will enjoy unlimited sampling from 2:00-6:00 PM (VIPs get an extra hour, entering at 1:00 PM), sip on standout beers from across the state, and vote for the People’s Choice award, while a panel of industry experts and brewers determines the official champion.

The competition is serious. On Thursday, July 30, BJCP-certified judges will conduct a double-blind tasting of every beer in the contest, scoring entries based on aroma, flavor, balance, and style accuracy. The top five IPAs will advance to a final peer-judged round on Friday, July 31, where Wisconsin brewers (excluding those with beers in the finals) will vote for the ultimate winner.

In addition to IPAs, each brewery will pour a variety of other styles, from lagers and stouts to sours and seasonal ales, making this event a must-attend for all craft beer lovers in Wisconsin and beyond. For even more opportunities to try other styles, this year’s IPA Fest will again feature a Lager Lounge and Sour Station, each showcasing unique beers from a handful of the participating breweries. Sampling in these areas is included with general admission.

Outside the beer tents, a variety of local food trucks will satisfy your cravings, and a live DJ will keep the energy high with a full-day soundtrack of eclectic tunes and summer vibes.

Winners will be revealed live at the festival at 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 1, giving guests extra time afterward to rush the champions’ booths and taste the newly crowned beers for themselves. The 2026 Best IPA in Wisconsin will earn the coveted Fermentation Tank Trophy and the opportunity to collaborate on a new IPA with Third Space Brewing for the 2027 fest. Meanwhile, the fan-voted People’s Choice winner takes home bragging rights, and the legendary leg lamp trophy donned with their brewery’s name in Sharpie.

Last year’s champions included:

• Wisconsin’s Best IPA: Topwise by Central Waters Brewing Co. (6.4% ABV Hazy IPA)
• People’s Choice: Bonilla Money by Vennture Brew Company (9.5% ABV Hazy Imperial IPA)

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

🕐 Time: 2:00-6:00 PM (VIP access begins at 1:00 PM), winners announced at 4:30 PM

📍 Location: Third Space Brewing, 1505 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI

🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://thirdspacebrewing.ticketspice.com/wisconsin-ipa-fest-2026-third-space-brewing

Whether you’re a die-hard hophead, a casual beer drinker, or looking for one of the best beer events in Milwaukee, the 10th Annual Wisconsin IPA Fest is your chance to celebrate a decade of Wisconsin’s best IPAs and help crown the next champion. With tickets moving fast, fans are encouraged to grab theirs before this milestone year sells out.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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