4 Hands Lupulin Carnival returns May 19 nearly twice as big as last year

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The 4 Hands Brewing Co. Lupulin Carnival is back and bigger than ever when it returns to St. Louis Union Station May 19 to celebrate lupulin, a waxy yellow substance in hops that imparts flavor and aroma during the brewing process.

The carnival began seven years ago as a release party for 4 Hands War Hammer Imperial IPA and a way for the St. Louis brewery to bring in hop-focused beers from across the country. Now, it’s one of the largest beer festivals in the city.

Attendees receive a mug, then sample beer from more than 90 local and national breweries, including Earthbound Beer, New Belgium Brewing Co., Boulevard Brewing Co. and Seattle Cider Co., while noshing on fare from nine local food trucks, including Seoul Taco, Lion’s Choice, Farmtruk and The Sweet Divine.

The event has nearly doubled in size from last year, featuring about half local breweries. “This is the first year it’s open to the St. Louis Brewers Guild,” said Lauren Schurk, marketing and social media specialist for 4 Hands. She said the brews are mainly hoppy, but there are other styles, too, and the annual release of War Hammer is still part of the celebration.

Attendees can also enjoy live music from the Knuckles and Stevie Wonder tribute Master Blasters featuring Steve Ewing of The Urge, as well as DJs, games like a bean bag toss, Ferris wheel rides, a super slide and, of course, carnival entertainment like fire breathers, acrobats, sword-swallowers and more.

This event sells out each year, so it’s recommended to get tickets early online.

$55. Sat., May 19 – noon to 4 p.m., St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St., St. Louis, 314.436.1559, lupulincarnival.com

Lauren Healey is associate editor at Sauce Magazine. 

Sauce Magazine is a sponsor of Lupulin Carnival.