Every year on the second weekend of September (Friday to Monday) Matsumoto Castle hosts a Craft Beer Festival featuring beers from the prefecture and some special guests.

I went on the first day and it was very crowded! This festival is popular with people from out of town, too!
Of course there were stands from Bacca Brewery and Matsumoto Brewery (the city breweries) but also beers from Suwa, Nozawa onsen and more, and some food stands selling grilled meat, sanzokuyaki and more dishes that go well with beer.

You can also get some bottles or cans to go.

At the entrance you can buy a coupon for 720 per drink (4400 yen for five drinks and the yearly themed glass) and then you can use it to get a beer from the stands.

I got this Jalapeno beer from one of the stalls (DD4D Brewings) and then I could enjoy my beer with the view of Matsumoto castle.

The castle was open to visitors as usual so this could be your chance to enjoy a festival and visit the castle at the same time!

If you go, the festival this year is from Friday 13 to Monday 16, from 11 AM to 6 PM at Matsumoto Castle!
Cheers!