The 2026 IPA Challenge brings a dozen breweries to The Little Fleet in Traverse City on Thursday, November 12, for an evening of blind tasting and friendly competition.

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., giving local craft beer fans an opportunity to compare a range of IPAs in one setting.

Instead of choosing by brewery name or can design, attendees sample beers without knowing who made each entry.

That setup puts the focus on flavor and personal preference, and guests vote for their favorite.

The brewery with the most votes takes home the trophy and bragging rights.

This year's competitors are Silver Spruce, Workshop, Farm Club, The Filling Station, Stone Hound, Rare Bird, Loco Boys, Earthen Ales, MiddleCoast, Tank Space, Nocturnal Bloom and Short's.

A $35 ticket includes a three-ounce pour of each of the 12 competing beers, along with food from Crocodile Palace.

That makes it an approachable way to explore multiple producers without traveling among different tasting rooms.

For those new to IPAs, tasting several side by side can help show how much the style varies from one brewery to another.

Some drinkers prefer a sharper hop character, while others look for fruit-forward notes or a more restrained finish.

There is no need to be an expert to join the voting; the point is to find the beer you enjoy most.

The event also offers a chance to spend an evening with friends and support the region's active brewing community.

The Little Fleet's event calendar lists the IPA Challenge for Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Before making plans, check current ticket availability directly with the venue.

As with any alcohol-focused outing, this event is for adults of legal drinking age, and a designated driver or other safe ride is a smart part of the plan.