DOVER – As spring weather is finally upon us, a chance for beer and music lovers to get outside is here. To that end, Dover’s Fordham & Dominion Brewing Co. is hosting its fourth annual R2Hop2 Beer and Music festival on Saturday.

“We have lots of indoor events throughout the year but I think this is a major highlight of the year, not just because it’s outside but because there’s so much going on and it’s a lot of fun,” said Ryan Telle, vice president of marketing at Fordham & Dominion Brewing.

The festival, to be held rain or shine, will feature beer, food, vendors, live music and even activities for the kids.

The brewery will have a wide variety of its handmade craft beers on tap, including Oak Barrel Stout, Double D, Rams Head IPA, Copperhead Ale and some seasonal favorites making a comeback for the summer. Festivalgoers will also have access to an early tasting of a new IPA that isn’t set to hit shelves until May.

Dover's Mike Weyrauch will be one of the featured entertainers on Saturday. (Submitted photo)

General admission tickets include four beer samples and a commemorative mug and after but after the samples, pints can be purchased.

More than just beer will be available though; Smyrna’s Painted Stave Distilling Co. and Marydel’s Harvest Ridge Winery will be on site with spirits available for purchase.

On the menu are plenty of local businesses offering cuisine.R2Hop2 food vendors include Babci’s Potato Pancakes, 5K BBQ, 33 West Ale House & Grill, Tre Sorelle Dolce, The Delaware Egg Roll and Hot Stuff Paninis, just to name a few.

But R2Hop2, named after the brewing company’s dry-hopping machine, isn’t only about the food and drinks. Throughout the day, live entertainment will be playing on the stage. The lineup features the Brooklyn-based rockabilly trio Little Lesley and The Bloodshots, Pennsylvania acoustic trio Rivers, Milford folk rockers Stone Jack Ballers, Smyrna’s Justin McNatt and Dover’s Mike Weyrauch. DJ Sticks will emcee the event.

To enjoy the live entertainment and get the best seats in the house, Mr. Telle suggests bringing a picnic blanket or beach chairs.

“People like to get good seats close to the stage so if you want to get close, it’s a good idea to claim a spot where you can eat and listen to the music,” he said.

New this year is the addition of “The Man Cave,” a tent full of goods and services for the manly man.

“We try to have something new every year to keep it fresh so we decided on The Man Cave where pin-up girls will be serving beer; cigars and beef jerky will be sold and we’ll even have a barber giving hair cuts, beard trims and shaves,” Mr. Telle said.

Other attractions at the festival are a keg toss, cornhole and a homebrew demonstration. For the kids, a climbing wall, Sumo Wrestling, a moon bounce, face painting and henna tattoos will be offered.

“Our goal with this festival is to bring the community together for one day for some great beer and great music,” said Fordham and Dominion President and CEO Jim Lutz.

R2Hop2 will be held Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. on the Fordham and Old Dominion grounds at 1284 McD Drive, off Horsepond Road, in Dover.

Attendees are reminded ot bring cash because some vendors take cash only and there is no ATM on the grounds.

General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets include four beer samples and a commemorative glass but there are also designated driver and ages 17-20 tickets for $15. Admission for kids 16 and under is free.

For more information, visit www.fordhamanddominion.com or call 678-4810.