AMPlified Hops Beerfest Is Rolling Into a Scorcher
AMPlified Hops Beerfest, presented by Hensley Beverage and Crazy Train, takes over Pepsi Amphitheater in Flagstaff on Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM MST — and the National Weather Service has this one pegged as Sunny with a high near 109°F. Wind stays light, WNW at 0 to 10 mph, and there’s only a 3% chance of rain. So no umbrellas needed — but this is an all-day heat situation at an outdoor venue, and it’s showing up right at the hottest part of the afternoon.
What to Wear, What to Bring
At 109°F with full sun and barely any breeze to cut it, heat management is your top priority before you even think about the tasting lineup. Light, breathable, light-colored clothing is the move — think loose tanks, shorts, and anything that isn’t dark or heavy.
Slather on SPF 50 sport sunscreen before you head in and plan to reapply — sweat and beer sampling don’t mix well with sunburn. A bandana face cover is a smart add too; soak it in ice water and drape it around your neck for quick relief between pours.
Footwear matters more than people think at a standing-room festival. Comfortable walking sandals will keep your feet cool on hot pavement while still holding up for hours on your feet.
Beat the Heat, Not Just the Lines
With temps near 109°F, hydration isn’t optional — it’s the difference between a great afternoon and a rough one. Bring a hydration backpack so you’re sipping water constantly between beer samples, not just when you remember to. Water plus beer in triple-digit heat is a fast way to feel it the next morning, so pace yourself and drink water between every tasting.
If the venue allows seating in shaded or general areas, a foldable camping chair is worth having for breaks between sets and pours — standing in full sun for hours straight in this heat adds up.
Your phone will also take a beating from the heat and from documenting every pour, so toss a portable phone charger 20000mah in your bag before you head out.
Practical Tips for the Day
Check Pepsi Amphitheater’s bag policy before you leave the house — many amphitheaters restrict bag size and require clear bags, so a clear stadium bag is a safe bet if you want to bring anything beyond the essentials.
Given the heat, arrive with a plan: park, get inside, and get to shade or misting areas as fast as possible rather than lingering in a hot parking lot. Afternoon sun in Flagstaff is intense at elevation, so don’t underestimate how quickly 109°F with direct sun can wear you down, even with the light wind.
Bottom line: this is a heat-management day first, beerfest second. Hydrate early, hydrate often, protect your skin, and you’ll actually get to enjoy Crazy Train and everything Hensley Beverage has poured for AMPlified Hops.