North Island Beer to host a Ping-Pong Ball Challenge for its 17th anniversary
North Island Beer will hold a participatory game, the Ping-Pong Ball Challenge, on August 16 at EBRI in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, as part of its 17th anniversary celebration. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the game starting at 3:30 p.m.
Hop BroHere’s a fun one: 17th anniversary festival at North Island Beer is happening on August 16 at EBRI in Ebetsu, and they’re even running a special Ping-Pong Ball Challenge.
MugiWait, Ping-Pong Ball Challenge at a beer festival? That sounds chaotic in the best way!
Hop BroThe gimmick is great: you balance a ping-pong ball on a bottle and make a full lap while dodging obstacles like beer kegs.
MugiWhat is that! It’s basically a zero-hand-shake race. I’d lose in two seconds and still demand applause.
Hop BroTiming matters too. The event runs from 11:00 to 18:00, the game starts at 15:30, and players need to be there by 3:20 p.m. check-in.
MugiOh, nice! Separate adult and kids divisions makes it feel welcoming, and even losers get a participation prize. I respect that deeply.
Hop BroYep, adults can win beer, kids can win juice, and there’s a 500-yen presale discount. Paper tickets are also sold at the Ebetsu brewery, Beer Bar North Island, Cocomoca, and EBRI.
MugiBut what kind of beer are they known for? When you say Ebetsu wheat weizen, my brain still hears wizard language.
Hop BroWeizen is a style with soft wheaty aroma, a fluffy mouthfeel, and often a banana-like fruitiness. Super approachable, actually.
MugiOoh, so limited beers with Hokkaido hops aren’t just about bitterness, they’re about aroma too?
Hop BroExactly. Hops can bring citrusy or grassy character, and the brewer trained in Canada, so that local-first brewing style feels really intentional.
MugiNow I want one immediately. Watch the game, then cheers feels like the perfect way for both of us to celebrate their 17th anniversary!
Event details
North Island Beer will mark its 17th anniversary with a special participatory game called the Ping-Pong Ball Challenge. The event will be held on Sunday, August 16, at EBRI in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, with the full event running from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The challenge itself starts at 3:30 p.m.
The rules are simple: place a ping-pong ball on top of a bottled beer, then make your way around a course while avoiding obstacles such as beer barrels. The first person to finish receives a prize, and even those who do not win will receive a participation prize. The adult division offers beer as the prize, while the children's division offers juice.
How to join
Participants should sign up at the registration sheet next to the outdoor DJ booth and arrive by 3:20 p.m., 10 minutes before the start. Advance tickets are discounted by 500 yen and can be purchased through the link in the Instagram profile or via the swipe QR code. Paper tickets are also being sold until the next day at the Ebetsu brewery, Beer Bar North Island, CocomoCA, and EBRI.
About the brewery
North Island Beer is based in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, and was founded by brewers who trained in Canada. The brewery's official site says it also works with local ingredients, including Ebetsu-grown wheat and Hokkaido hops. The anniversary event reflects that local-first approach while keeping the format open to visitors and families.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the brewery’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroHere’s a fun one: 17th anniversary festival at North Island Beer is happening on August 16 at EBRI in Ebetsu, and they’re even running a special Ping-Pong Ball Challenge.
MugiWait, Ping-Pong Ball Challenge at a beer festival? That sounds chaotic in the best way!
Hop BroThe gimmick is great: you balance a ping-pong ball on a bottle and make a full lap while dodging obstacles like beer kegs.
MugiWhat is that! It’s basically a zero-hand-shake race. I’d lose in two seconds and still demand applause.
Hop BroTiming matters too. The event runs from 11:00 to 18:00, the game starts at 15:30, and players need to be there by 3:20 p.m. check-in.
MugiOh, nice! Separate adult and kids divisions makes it feel welcoming, and even losers get a participation prize. I respect that deeply.
Hop BroYep, adults can win beer, kids can win juice, and there’s a 500-yen presale discount. Paper tickets are also sold at the Ebetsu brewery, Beer Bar North Island, Cocomoca, and EBRI.
MugiBut what kind of beer are they known for? When you say Ebetsu wheat weizen, my brain still hears wizard language.
Hop BroWeizen is a style with soft wheaty aroma, a fluffy mouthfeel, and often a banana-like fruitiness. Super approachable, actually.
MugiOoh, so limited beers with Hokkaido hops aren’t just about bitterness, they’re about aroma too?
Hop BroExactly. Hops can bring citrusy or grassy character, and the brewer trained in Canada, so that local-first brewing style feels really intentional.
MugiNow I want one immediately. Watch the game, then cheers feels like the perfect way for both of us to celebrate their 17th anniversary!
