Hops on the Rock

Sterling’s original Craft Beer Festival held annually on the 2nd Saturday of October

Saturday, October 10, 2026

VIP Admission Opens at 2:00 PM
General Admission Opens at 3:00 PM
Event Closes at 6:00 PM

🍻 Mark your calendars! Since 2017, Hops on the Rock takes over Downtown Sterling every year on the 2nd Saturday in October. Join us at the Sterling Marketplace (111 W. 2nd Street) from 3–6 PM for an afternoon packed with craft beer, good eats, and great vibes. Want to beat the crowd? Snag a VIP ticket for early access from 2–3 PM!

And this year the America 250 Celebration continues as we get Red, White & Brewed!

🚗 Getting here is easy! Park in the municipal lots by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber & Twin City Farmers Market, or in the County Market lot just north of West 3rd Street. Walking, biking, or carpooling? Even better! And remember—drink responsibly. We’ve got a special Designated Driver ticket and a convenient DD drop-off/pick-up spot right by the entrance.

🔞 Important! This is a 21+ only event—no exceptions. Bring your valid photo ID or you won’t make it past the gate. Everyone gets a wristband at check-in.

🐶 Leave the pups at home. As much as we love dogs, this festival is for humans only (and honestly, we’ve heard a few stories about sneaky sips).

🌦 Rain or shine, we’re on! Dress for the weather, grab some food from our awesome vendors, and enjoy the day. (Psst—no outside food or drinks allowed.)

🎟 Tickets: General Admission will be available at the gate, but skip the lines and grab yours early online. VIP tickets are advance-only and go fast, so don’t wait! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Package Options:

VIP Tickets – $50

100 Available

Early admission at 2:00 PM for VIP Hour
Limited edition tasting glass & t-shirt
20 sampling tickets
Event Program
Other swag!

**VIP Tickets are available in Advance only and are NOT available at the gate**

General Admission Tickets – $30 in advance; $35 at the door

Admission to the festival from 3-6 PM
Branded tasting glass
12 sampling tickets
Event program

Designated Driver Tickets – $10

DD tickets are available in advance and will be available for purchase at the gate during General Admission hours. Designated driver ticket holders do not receive a tasting glass or drink tickets.

**DDs must be 21+ and preset a valid ID to enter. All DDs must wear a red event wristband and will not receive drink tickets or tasting cups. Any persons witnessed to be in violation while wearing this wristband will be escorted off the event premises immediately.

Additional Ticket Information

Additional Sampling Tickets – 2/$1

Additional sampling tickets will be available onsite during the event only.

For each 2 oz. sample poured, a ticket must be collected. This is a regulatory measure to keep us in compliance with current Illinois liquor laws.

All tickets are non-refundable. 21 and Older. ID required for Entrance.

Calling all Home Brewers!

Have a great beer you’ve been perfecting? We’d love to showcase it!

Sterling Main Street is inviting home brewers to join us at this year’s Hops on the Rock for an opportunity to share samples of your craft with hundreds of fellow beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just beginning your brewing journey, we’d love to have you be part of this year’s Red, White & Brewed celebration.

Interested in participating? Complete our Home Brewer Interest Form using the link below, and we’ll be in touch with additional details.

Share your passion. Meet fellow brewers. Be part of one of Northwest Illinois’ favorite craft beer festivals!

Live Music

A Leg and a Thigh

Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteers are what help make this event so great, and we could use a few more hands. From checking tickets at the gate to pouring beers, there are several options available. Sign up link coming soon. CONTACT US in the meantime if you’d be interested in helping out!