DO YOU LIKE BEER? Then you’d better sit down even more than you already have, because the state of Minnesota’s 43 (and possibly more) foremost breweries will soon assemble in the only Twin Cities suburb that is equally as nice as Eden Prairie.
It’s TAP 2026: the city of Shakopee’s fifth annual celebration of that greatest of all beverages (excluding chocolate milk) – BEER!
It’s a Beautiful Day in Shakopee
You stroll on over to the ticket booth. There you are issued 11 things of the utmost importance: a 5-ounce commemorative drinking glass that will contain as many pours as you please, and 10 wooden tokens. You are now free to mill about the tented streets and sample participating brewmasters’ finest while Badger Hill Hootenanny musicians play their hearts out.
Which breweries will wow you the most? Dangerous Man of Minneapolis? Gambit Brewing of St. Paul? Under Pressure of Golden Valley? Snarky Loon, which makes the perilous journey all the way from Jenkins solely for your beer-enjoying pleasure? They’re all diamonds – but only some of them can win your coveted tokens.
Give all your tokens to your only favorite. Give half to each of your top two. Spread them across 10 different breweries like you’re some kind of Johnny Tokenseed. There is no wrong way to express your impressedness with the beers that you sample at TAP.
Which breweries will receive the most, second most, and third most tokens? The respective winners of the $750, $500, and $250 cash prizes awarded at 4:45pm, of course!
Beer Runs Through Shakopee’s Veins
“Shakopee has a long and proud tradition of brewing,” said Michael Kerski, director of planning and development for the city. “We’re the hometown of Rahr Malting Company, which has remained family owned since its foundation here in 1847. We were also a very important destination for Twin Cities beer enthusiasts during the Prohibition, for reasons that weren’t remotely legal.
“TAP does more than keep that tradition alive. It also fortifies the Minnesota microbrewery scene as a whole. Unlike regular beer festivals where tents are staffed by hired representatives, TAP is attended by actual brewery owners. They hobnob and share their knowledge with one another, as well as any of our guests who’d care to know more about their craft.
“And it is the best craft. It is the craft of making beer.
“Wisconsin. Illinois. California. Even England. People from all over the beer-drinking world come to Shakopee to experience TAP. That means you’re extra lucky if you live in Eden Prairie. You’re only 20 minutes away from TAP, tops!”
TAP 2026 will be held in Downtown Shakopee on Saturday, September 12th until 5pm. Purchase a VIP ticket for 1pm entry and exclusive tastings, or a general admission ticket for 2pm entry. Just whatever you do, do not stay at home. Life’s not about sitting around and reading magazines all day. It’s about having fun! TAPShakopee.com