By Kate Bartlett
Saturday, July 27th marks the fourth annual HillTAP Festival with 42 North Brewing at Holiday Valley. This premier summer event brings another year of fun filled festivities in celebration of the great outdoors. Jump on the chair lift for a full day of music and outdoor adventure activities atop the mountain at Spruce Lake including paddleboarding, mountain biking, axe throwing, and live music on two stages.
Tickets include access to lift, live music on three stages, axe throwing from Hatchets & Hops, stand up paddleboarding demos, bird demos from American Hawkeye, bike demos from Tom’s Pro Bikes, Brewhouse Bikes, WNYMBA, & Holiday Valley E-Bikes, and more. There will also be food trucks from Villaggio and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse and craft beverages from 42 North, hard cider sampling from 1911, as well as vendors including Mud Sweat ‘n Gears, Chiba Chiba CBD and The City Garage. “This event is incredibly unique,” says John Cimperman, owner and founder of 42 North. “It’s the premier summer event at Holiday Valley and is a great showcase of all this area has to offer in the summer months. It’s a full day sampler of adventure activities from 12-8pm with live music and craft beer.”
The party starts atop the hill from 12-5pm. There’ll be a Bird Flight Demonstration at 1:30 and stand-up paddleboard race from 2:30-3pm with SUP Erie Adventures. Food and Beverage will be available at Tannenbaum Lodge from 5-9pm. Live music will take place throughout the festival on three stages, one atop the hill and 2 at the bottom.
The first HillTAP Festival was in 2021 atop the scenic landscape of Spruce Lake and was started as a way to bring people together to celebrate adventure in the great outdoors. “The vibe of the event is really laidback and fun,” remarks Dash Hegeman, Director of Marketing at Holiday Valley. “It’s a great way to bring everyone together and add to the many different things to enjoy during the summer season at Holiday Valley.”
The co-partnership between Holiday Valley and 42 North combines craft beer at the ideal location. “The infrastructure is here at Holiday Valley,” says John. “This is the perfect setting to celebrate the season in the great outdoors. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event, and the only festival in the area that provides music on three stages, both atop and at the bottom of the hill, accessible via ski-lift.”
The musical acts this year include three phenomenal regional artists playing a variety of music. “These acts are very well known regionally, and we’re honored to bring them to Holiday Valley,” says John. While they’re all roots-based music, they’re all unique and bring something different to the table.” Smilo & The Ghost will play Roots Americana music on the Spruce Lake Cabin stage from 1 – 4pm. The music moves down to Tannenbaum from 4-8:30pm, bringing the party downhill and a bit more accessible. “This was an addition that was made to the agenda last year and was very well received by the attendees,” says Dash. Miller & The Other Sinners will play Rhythm & Soul music from 4-5:30pm. Workingman’s Dead closes out the night with Grateful Dead music from 6-8:30pm.
“HilllTAP is a fantastic event that is fun for the entire family,” says Dash. “Anyone who is a fan of live music, being surrounded by nature, and having fun should come check it out. It gets people outside and enjoying the natural beauty of Spruce Lake; all while keeping people entertained and making a lot of great memories.”
Visitors can make a weekend out of it with the HillTAP Lodging Package, which grants discounted lodging for anyone attending HillTAP. Hotel and RV accommodations are available at Holiday Valley, with tent camping available at HoliMont. For more festival information and lodging packages visit https://www.hilltapfestival.com/