Indiana’s craft breweries produced more than 233,000 barrels of beer in 2024, creating an economic impact of nearly $1.5 billion, according to the Brewers Association national trade group.
Today, more than 200 craft breweries operate in the state, which experienced a near quadrupling in its craft brewer ranks since 2011.
And while Broad Ripple Brewpub in Indianapolis is the state’s longest operating microbrewery, having opened in 1990, Indiana’s commercial brewing history dates back to 1819, when, according to the Indiana Historical Society, German settlers in New Harmony began selling their surplus beer in the town on the banks of the Wabash River.
Now, regardless of whether we’ve just schooled you on Hoosier craft beer history, or if you can write a dissertation on the differences between Zombie Dust and Zombie Ice, IndyStar is proud to announce our partnership with an annual event that’s sure to enlighten and entertain Central Indiana craft beer lovers.
Conner Prairie’s’ popular History on Tap craft beer event returns in 2025 from 6-10 p.m. June 6. Attendees will sample the creations of more than 20 Indiana craft brewers while strolling the Fishers living history museum’s grounds and taking in music, food, activities and historical reenactments centered on Indiana’s long and lively brewing history.
Twenty-five Indiana breweries pour suds from 6:30-10 p.m. May 29 at Conner Prairie’s annual History on Tap event in this May 28, 2015 photo.
General admission tickets for the 12th annual History on Tap event run $75 for non-members and $65 for Conner Prairie members at connerprairie.org, with $20 admission for designated drivers. All participants must be age 21 or older.
As a Growler Partner in this year’s event, IndyStar will be on hand to enhance the fun. Attendees are encouraged to stop by our booth to meet our news and marketing staff, participate fun activities, and snap selfies at our interactive photo stations at the event.
IndyStar readers can also look forward to some additional local brewery information from dining and drinks reporter Bradley Hohulin, your friend inside Central Indiana’s culinary scene.
Other IndyStar ‘in real life’ events planned
IndyStar sports reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow talks with an Indiana Fever fan before the Fever hosted IndyStar night on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Part of reporting on a community is being part of that community, and like last summer when IndyStar launched a reader advisory panel and held in-person events at Indiana Fever games and the Indiana State Fair, we’re planning some fun community events as the weather heats up.
This year, IndyStar readers can plan on hearing about another IndyStar night with the Fever, in-person events on our free ticket day at the fair, and a few other offerings that we’ll announce later. Our dedicated news staff, both those new to the area and those who have called Indianapolis home for decades, are looking forward to meeting you out on the town.
Thank you for reading IndyStar.
Eric Larsen is IndyStar executive editor. Reach him at ericlarsen@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar to join Conner Prairie for History on Tap craft beer event