Downtown Riverside is centered on the train station. In the fall for the past seven years, the depot transforms into Hop Stop – a festival of beer, cider and other beverages. This year the fest is on Sept. 28 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $60 for adults, $5 for children who want access to the Pocket Circus or free for children under 12 without that. An adult ticket comes with a commemorative tasting glass for sampling from more than 20 brewing and distilling vendors.
The idea for the event took shape when Peter Boutsikakis became more involved with his family’s grocery business, Riverside Foods. The store was established by his grandfather in 1981, but when Boutsikakis joined management there were trends, like craft beer, that he wanted to explore.
“We elevated the beer selection here with early brands like Bell’s and Founders,” Boutsikakis said. “And there was always this idea of doing some sort of Oktoberfest.”
Since the beginning Hop Stop has been the primary fund raiser for Riverside’s Olmsted Society.
The organization is dedicated to sustaining the vision famed architect Fredrick Law Olmsted had for Riverside. He designed public parks in New York, Boston and across the northeast, but Riverside is a unique Olmsted creation.
“Riverside is the only suburban landscape that he designed,” Dan Murphy, president of the Olmsted Society, said. “He was all about promoting interaction between people.”
The winding streets and many greenspaces in Riverside were designed to promote leisure.
Hop Stop makes good use of greenspace next to downtown. Guthrie Park is part of the event with an expanded picnicking area this year.
“It provides such a good third space for neighbors, friends and people to come and meet up with each other,” Boutsikakis said. “Opportunities which are unfortunately few and far between these days.”
Participants can spread a blanket in the park, get some food from Beach Ave BBQ or Carey Corn hand popped popcorn, and circulate between sampling and eating. There is also more space this year for kids to run and play.
The event is zero waste.
“We’re being very conscious of using compostable and recycling services,” Boutsikakis said. “We ask any food vendors to use compostables as well. And the majority of our brewers are pouring out of a draft system. So as their tanks are emptied out, they take them back and refill them.”
The event takes place in the afternoon, which enhances its family-friendly profile.
“It is designed, so that patrons can enjoy our downtown afterwards. We have wonderful restaurant selections and a couple of bars. I’m very proud to say that after our event, the downtown seems full.”
Tickets have sold out five years in a row, so jump on board as soon as you can.