Hoppy Halloween Challenge
The Spooky Brewing Competition. Each October, the Prairie Homebrewing Companions host the Hoppy Halloween Challenge in the Fargo, ND / Moorhead, MN area, drawing entrants from across the United States and Canada, all vying to be crowned the “Great Pumpkin” of brewers. The competition accepts all BJCP beer, mead, and cider categories, and counts toward both the Midwest Homebrewer of the Year and High Plains Brewer circuits. Winners take home medals hung from hand-crafted, Halloween-themed lanyards.
For complete competition instructions and details, visit brewingcompetitions.com/hoppyhalloween
Key Dates (2026)
| Account registration (Open now!) | Jul 1, 2026 |
| Entry registration opens | Sep 15, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT |
| Entry registration / drop-off / shipping closes | Oct 9, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT |
| Judging sessions | Oct 14 – Oct 24, 2026 |
Banquet & Awards Ceremony
The Banquet and Awards Ceremony will take place on Oct 24, 2026 at
Country Inn & Suites – Meadow Room
3316 13th Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
| Halloween Theme judging | 4:00 PM CDT |
| Banquet* | 6:30 PM CDT |
| Guest Speaker | 7:30 PM CDT |
| Awards Ceremony | 8:30 PM CDT |
*The Banquet is a ticketed event — email hoppyhalloween@gmail.com to purchase tickets.
The Guest Speaker and Awards Ceremony are free to attend and will also be livestreamed on our Hoppy Halloween Challenge Facebook group page.
Questions?
Reach the Hoppy Halloween team at hoppyhalloween@gmail.com.
Past winners and competition history can be found at hoppyhalloween.com.