Local breweries in South Dakota are marking the annual Craft Beer Week with various events to highlight their products and support the industry. Organized by the South Dakota Craft Brewers Guild, the weeklong celebration aims to raise awareness of the state's brewing scene. Brewers emphasize the need for community backing amid challenging times.
The South Dakota Craft Brewers Guild, formed to promote local craft beer, has organized its annual Craft Beer Week as a spring welcome. This event, which began in 2022, features activities across participating breweries to showcase South Dakota's offerings.
Steve Hartman, owner of Woodgrain Brewing Company and a guild member, described the week's purpose: “Really, it’s just an awareness that South Dakota has a lot of great breweries, and we make some great beer. And just trying to put South Dakota beer on the map.” He added that support is crucial now, stating, “Now more than ever, South Dakota breweries need support. And I think everybody in the service industry could use that little extra support, especially coming off of the slower months of the year.”
Events include beer releases, bingo, music, and more, as Hartman noted: “Beer releases, bingo events, music, all kinds of stuff going on this week to celebrate South Dakota.”
At Remedy Brewing Company, co-founder Tyler Jepperson highlighted the timing's benefits, even though his brewery is not currently active in the guild. “It allows us to start hitting our spring releases, maybe a new menu, and just kind of getting ready for summer. And then celebrating what I think is unique about our downtown, there’s several really good breweries we have down here,” Jepperson said. He observed that the industry varies, with some establishments succeeding: “Breweries and local brew pubs that focus on community, focus on really good beer, really good food. I think they’re thriving and they’re doing very well.”
Hartman encouraged newcomers: “Try something different, maybe one more time and go check it out. This is a good time to do it. Support your local breweries.”
South Dakota Craft Beer Week continues through Sunday, with the national American Craft Beer Week scheduled for May 11 through 17.
