Rapp’s Barren Brewing Leads ARktoberfest 2025, Raising $25,000 for Mountain Home Kids

ARktoberfest 2025 proved that when good beer meets a good cause, great things happen. Hosted by Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company, the annual celebration transformed downtown Mountain Home into a lively mix of music, food, and fellowship — all in support of local children. The festival’s success underscored how deeply the Ozarks community values giving back while savoring the simple joys of togetherness.

In a press release Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company disclosed that this year’s festival raised $25,228.36, providing meals and resources for children across the Twin Lakes Area. Held in the Baker District, the event featured a vibrant lineup of live music, local food, family-friendly games, and an unforgettable sense of Ozarks community.

Headlining performances by The Ozark Mountain Bluesmen and Bad Habit kept the crowds moving, while the VIP Experience featured live barbecue demonstrations from YouTube barbecue legend Malcom Reed, founder of How to BBQ Right. Guests also enjoyed craft brews from 11 Arkansas and Missouri breweries, along with fan-favorite competitions like the Beer Mile, Stein Hoisting, and Hammerschlagen.

Attendees arrived decked out in lederhosen and dirndls to enjoy the perfect fall day. Children played, adults laughed, the beer flowed, and dancing broke out in the streets. “It’s really an incredible sight to see a community come together in such a fun and wholesome way — all for a great cause,” said Amber Marler, Rapp’s Marketing Director.

“ARktoberfest is about more than beer,” added Russell Tucker, Co-Owner of Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company. “It’s about community — about bringing people together to celebrate the good things we have right here in Mountain Home, and using that joy to give back.”

In true Baker District spirit, local businesses also joined in the festivities. Nature’s Way sold Oktoberfest-inspired attire throughout the weekend, while Rio Burrito served up limited-edition German-style tacos — giving festivalgoers even more ways to savor the celebration.

The Backpack Food 4 Kids Program, the festival’s primary beneficiary, provides take-home meals for children who may otherwise face food insecurity over weekends. Every dollar raised during ARktoberfest helps ensure no local child goes hungry. Each meal bag is packaged at the First United Methodist Church by local volunteers — including the Rapp’s owners and their families, who joined the assembly line the morning of the donation, packaging over 200 meals in just 30 minutes.

At the end of the effort, all in attendance paused for a moment of prayer, led by Pastor Rev. John Fleming, asking that each child who receives a meal not only have a full belly but also know they are loved and cared for.

ARktoberfest was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors. Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company extends its sincere gratitude to: Anstaff Bank, Jack’s Package Store, Pirate Perry Events, 1st Arkansas Bail Bonds, Dauna Tyson Powell – Realtor, Green Mountain Home Improvement, Farmers & Merchants Bank, NSM Outdoor Solutions, AmericInn by Wyndham, Greggs Farm Supply, Yelcott, and the City of Mountain Home.

Founded in 2017, Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company has become a cornerstone of downtown Mountain Home’s revitalization. With its focus on small-batch craft beer, scratch-made food, and genuine Ozarks hospitality, Rapp’s continues to serve as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

As the sun set over the Baker District and the final toasts were raised, ARktoberfest 2025 stood as a shining example of what community spirit can achieve. From dedicated volunteers to passionate fans of craft beer and live music, everyone played a part in turning celebration into meaningful impact. Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company invites supporters to keep that spirit alive — follow their upcoming events, share a pint with purpose, and join in making next year’s festival even more unforgettable.

For more information about Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company or to get involved with future community events, visit www.rappsbarrenbrewing.com or follow @rappsbarrenbrewing on social media.

About Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company 

Founded in 2017, Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company is Mountain Home’s first craft brewery. What began as a garage hobby between friends has grown into a celebrated community hub known for its small-batch beers, scratch kitchen, and commitment to local growth and giving back. Located in the Baker District, Rapp’s is proud to support the Twin Lakes community through events like ARktoberfest and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.

Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company — Sip-Savor-Sojourn.

About Backpack Food 4 Kids 

Operated by the First United Methodist Church, Backpack Food 4 Kids’ mission is to alleviate hunger and food insecurity for Mountain Home School Children.

This ministry provides weekend meals to over 300 Mountain Home school children each week. They also have backpacks filled with food for children who attend Wesley Kitchen, as well as pre-school children attending Kidspiration. Volunteers pack and deliver food every week during the school year. If you would like to donate to this important mission you can visit the FUMCMH website: https://fumcmh.org/pages/backpack-food-4-kids