El Dorado County Fair is a registered non-profit 501 (c) (3)
Fair Hours: Thursday & Friday Noon - Midnight | Saturday 10am - Midnight | Sunday Noon - 10pm
El Dorado County Fair is a registered non-profit 501 (c) (3)
Show off your best brew in our homebrew & microbrew competitions!
Think you’ve got the best brew around? Enter our Homebrew or Microbrew Competitions and put your skills to the test! From hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to crisp lagers and creative specialty brews, this event celebrates the craft, passion, and creativity of local brewers and homebrewers alike.
Judged by experienced tasters, entries are evaluated on flavor, aroma, appearance, and originality. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just getting started, this is your chance to showcase your talent, earn bragging rights, and maybe even take home a medal.
Join us in raising a glass to community, craftsmanship, and the joy of a perfectly brewed beer!
Download the specific Entry Information, then fill out the Entry Form below, or register online through the “Enter Your Homebrew or Microbrew” button on the right.
Entries accepted at the Fair Office January 5 – February 9, 2026
Fair Office: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 95667
Entries accepted at the following locations, January 5 – February 7, 2026
DarkHeart Brewing
7110 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights
916.333.7792
Fort Rock Brewing
12401 Folsom Blvd., Suite 110, Rancho Cordova
916.936.4616
Entries delivered to Breweries must be in boxes to allow breweries to handle them without interfering with brewery operations.
Entry Fee is $3 per Entry
No Prize Money Offered | Ribbons 1st – 3rd Only
American Judging Systen
RULES (STATE RULES APPLY)
Division 482 – Beer Labels
Class #
Drop off entry form and label at the Fair Office by May 27, 2026
Fair Office: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 95667
This competition is organized in partnership with the El Dorado County Fair Association, That Dam Brew Club (TDBC), Hangtown Association of Zymurgy Enthusiasts (HAZE).
This is an American Homebrewers Association (AHA) sanctioned competition run in accordance with AHA and BJCP rules. See BJCP website for style guidlines.
Each panel will have at least one BJCP qualified judge ranked Certified or higher.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Fair Office at 530.621.5860 or email us at fair@eldoradocountyfair.org.
Commercial Rules:
Open to all commercially licensed brewers. Entry to consist of a six pack or equivalent, preferably with no label other than the entry label. Commercial brews must be brewed at the licensed premises by the exhibitor; no pilot batches. Brews entered must have TTB/ABC Brand and Label approval and be commercially available at the time of purchase with the exception of “Seasonal” offerings (must indicate when these are available).
Homebrew Rules:
Entry to consist of three bottles or cans, with no label other than the entry label. American Homebrewer’s Associations rules shall apply unless they are in conflict with State Rules. AHA/BCJP. Enter according to BJCP Style (ex. 9A or 9 B). Commercially produced beers or those produced at a brewery on premises facility are not eligible. (Enter those in the Commercial Competition). ALL BEER OTHER THAN COMMERCIAL.