PHOTO PROVIDED Two event-goers hold plastic cups of craft beer at a previous year’s Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest.

STATE COLLEGE — Organizers of Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest have canceled this year’s event, citing lower-than-anticipated ticket sales amid industry challenges and broader economic pressures.

The third annual Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest, the Centre Region’s largest craft brewing festival, was scheduled for May 24 at Penn State’s Panzer Stadium.

The festival, which routinely hosts more than 75 breweries from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, was called off just three weeks out as organizers said they faced a choice between scaling back the event or canceling it altogether.

“This decision was not made lightly,” organizers said. “Rather than scale back and compromise the quality of the festival, we believe it’s best to pause this year’s event and return when we can deliver the full Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest experience.”

The event is hosted by State College-based Antifragile Brewing Company, in collaboration with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA). In a joint statement, organizers said all prepaid tickets will be refunded following the cancellation.

Once the darling of the alcohol industry, small-batch brewers have seen a decline in recent years amid increased competition and waning consumer interest. At the same time, rising costs have reduced discretionary spending among American consumers.

Organizers said those conditions contributed to slower and lower ticket sales, making it difficult to stage the event at the level attendees have come to expect.

In light of their goal to “deliver a first-class experience that celebrates craft beverages and brings our community together,” they said they chose to cancel rather than scale down to a lower-cost production.

“In bringing any new event to the market, the HVSEA and HVAB are committed to ensuring a premier, high quality event that can grow in a manner that provides maximum value to the community, attendees and participants,” said Leslie Kistner, public relations director of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. “Unfortunately, many factors made it impossible to move forward with a quality event as envisioned.”

Kistner said no decision has been made about whether Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest will return next year.

According to the festival’s website, all ticket purchases will be automatically refunded by Ticketmaster to the original card used at checkout. Customers are asked to allow up to seven business days for refunds to appear on bank statements.

If customers experience issues after that window, they are instructed to contact Penn State Ticketmaster at 1-800-NITTANY or golions@psu.edu.

In light of the cancellation, organizers encouraged fans to continue supporting participating breweries.

“If you’re able, consider visiting a taproom, grabbing a growler or enjoying a pint close to home because your support makes a meaningful impact,” they said. “Thank you for being part of the Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest community, we look forward to raising a glass with you again soon.”