The ski resort, touristy vacation town of McCall, ID, has a lot of things going for it. Its a popular fun spot, about 90 miles north of Boise. While the long-time locals may not be too fond of its busy summer (and winter) weekends full of out-of-towners, these visitors do leave some of their money here during their stay. The same is true for most small-town destinations, I suppose. This past weekend, I was one of those visitors, here for the 2026 “Mountain Brewfest“. Hwy 55, the direct route from Boise, had been closed earlier in the week due to local grass fires and smoke. Fortunately for us, the road was reopened just the day before the event.
Each winter, typically in February, McCall hosts “Destination Beer”, it’s maybe more famous, or at least longer-running, beer festival. I’ve attended several of those and posted about my most recent one here. This was my first time for this Summer event.
Mountain Brewfest is put on by the McCall Payette Lakes Rotary. 100% of the events proceeds go to support various local youth and community programs. Beginning in 2021, this is it’s 6th year. Participating breweries this year included local and regional producers, Payette, Sockeye, Bert’s, Boise Brewing, and Noble Mead, the new meadery from Boise. Broken Horn, Salmon River and McCall Brewing represented the host town and there were a few others from around the region. Silver City Brewing from Bremerton, WA, and Surfside, all the way from Pennsylvania came with their Vodka cocktails. Live music was provided by “Crossroads,” a local 4 piece band. During breaks and between sets, DJ McCall kept the tunes going.
The weather didn’t exactly cooperate, with thunderstorms passing through intermittently throughout the day. However, that kept the temperatures down a bit and didn’t really seem to dampen festival-goers’ spirits. The mini “tent city” provided plenty of shelter from rain and shade relief from the sun. I made the rounds and tried some beers that I’m familiar with. Then a few that I had not seen before. Farmers Brewing was there… first time trying theirs…Holidaily Brewing was pouring couple GF beers, and Athletic Brewing was also there with their N/A offering. Western Cider, Schilling, and Boise’s Meriwether were also there for those particularly fond of fermented apple juice blends.
Most breweries brought their popular “flagship” beers. These kinds of festivals are usually not so much for one-offs or specialty brews. Instead, what you usually find are the selections they are already known for. While mingling, I met with a few volunteers and a few brewery reps, everyone was having fun giving out samplers and talking up their wares. I got the “Ketchum Burrito ” from KB’s, the food truck feeding all the “festers”, tried a few more tasters, and was on my way. It was a good day and it seemed like a great turnout.
After experiencing this new (to me) festival, I now have yet another reason to make the drive up to McCall each year. Much thanks to Julie @ McCall Payette Lakes Rotary; they put on a great festival. See you next year!
