Rare Beer Picnic

The Rare Beer Picnic is back and better than ever! Hosted by Junkyard Brewing Company at Viking Ship Park in Moorhead, this celebrated summer gathering is more than just a beer fest — it’s an immersive experience crafted for beer lovers, by beer lovers.

Repeatedly nominated for “Best Beer Festival” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards taking 3rd place in 2023, and listed in the “Top 5 beer festivals around Minnesota this summer” in the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Rare Beer Picnic brings an unmatched blend of exclusivity, quality, and summertime fun. Set under the sweeping shade of Viking Ship Park’s towering trees, this is where beer geeks and casual sippers alike come together for an unforgettable day of discovery.

One Ticket, Everything Included
Your Rare Beer Picnic pass unlocks a true all-access experience — no VIP wristbands needed. Attendees enjoy:

• Unlimited Samples of rare, limited-edition, and one-off experimental brews from a hand-picked selection of top craft breweries
• A Full-Size Branded Tasting Glass — a stemmed, collectible beauty you’ll actually want to use again
• Catered Picnic Meal featuring shredded jerk chicken, elote corn, and Cuban black beans with rice
• A Swag Bag loaded with a custom koozie, stickers, and lighter
• Live Music from regional legends Heart and Soul, setting the vibe with funk, soul, and good-time grooves

More Than a Festival
The magic of the Rare Beer Picnic lies in its laid-back, curated atmosphere. No overcrowded beer lines. No premium tiers. Just four glorious hours of sipping, sun, and socializing. Bring a blanket or chair, camp out beneath the canopy, and sip your way through some of the finest beers you may never get to try again.

And yes — be warned — spontaneous water fights have been known to break out thanks to the mischievous Junkyard crew.

Attending Breweries

• BlackStack Brewing – Saint Paul, MN
• Lupulin Brewing – Big Lake, MN
• Drastic Measures Brewing – Wadena, MN
• Modist Brewing Co. – Minneapolis, MN
• Thesis Beer Project – Rochester, MN
• Little Thistle Brewing Co. – Rochester, MN
• Kros Strain Brewing – La Vista, NE
• Klockow Brewing Company – Grand Rapids, MN
• Elm Creek Brewing Co. – Champlin, MN
• Bad Habit Brewing Company – Saint Joseph, MN
• Venn Brewing Company – Minneapolis, MN
• Oliphant Brewing – Somerset, WI
• Swing Barrel Brewing Co. – Moorhead, MN
• Junkyard Brewing Company – Moorhead, MN
• HammerHeart Brewing Company – Ely, MN
• Bemidji Brewing – Bemidji, MN
• Wild State Cider – Duluth, MN
• Luce Line Brewing Co. – Plymouth, MN
• Falling Knife Brewing Co. – Minneapolis, MN
• Bricksworth Beer Co. – Brewpub with locations in Burnsville, MN and the North Loop, Minneapolis

See also

Community

Fargo Park District to Host Free Kids Triathlon on July 9

Tickets & More Info: https://www.rarebeerpicnic.com/

Event Details:
Saturday, July 12, 2025
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Avenue North, Moorhead, MN 56560

Parking is located in the Hjemkomst Center parking lot with additional parking available at the Moorhead Mall. Parking should be easy to find with a short walk to the event area. Designated drivers, taxis, and other ride services are encouraged for a safe ride home after the event! (a parking map will be sent to attendees).

Afterparty to follow at Junkyard Brewing! Or if you’ve had enough for one day, you’re welcome to hang out at our taproom until your ride shows up!