- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BeerBeverage
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 7
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍺
National Beer Day arrives every April 7, inviting us to celebrate one of humanity’s oldest and most beloved beverages. This day commemorates the Cullen-Harrison Act of 1933, which paved the way for beer sales after Prohibition. Gather your friends, visit a local brewery, and explore new craft brews to mark the occasion.
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History of National Beer Day
Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic drink, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in hundreds of types, flavors, and proofs. People have been drinking it for thousands of years; scientists have found evidence of beer production dating to 7,000 BC. Ancient Mesopotamians wrote poems about it, and considered it proof of divine existence. The Ancient Egyptians used it in a number of religious ceremonies. In Medieval Europe, monks made beer their monasteries, elevating the craft of brewing to an art form. Today, only water and tea are more widely consumed than beer, and over 35 billion gallons of beer are produced worldwide per year.
National Beer Day celebrates the day in 1933 that the Cullen-Harrison act was signed into law, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the United States. In 2009, a Virginian man named Justin Smith decided to commemorate this historic day, and created his own unofficial National Beer Day. Since then, it has been recognized by the state of Virginia, and unofficially by millions of brew aficionados nationwide.
One of the best things about beer is the sheer number of varieties that exist. IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Sours… the list goes on and on. In terms of alcohol content, beer usually ranges between 4-7% ABV, meaning you can sip a cold one on a hot summer day without much worry of intoxication. Last but not least, it’s sold in six-packs, so you can share with your friends!
National Beer Day timeline
Early humans begin producing beer-like beverages in the ancient Middle East.
Germans in the Bohemian region perfect the process of flavoring beer with hops.
The invention of the steam engine kicks off the Industrial Revolution, and changes the way beer is produced.
Craft breweries start opening in the United States at an exponential rate.
National Beer Day - Survey Results
Data gathered by a top Houston Marketing Agency
Additional Findings
BEER DRINKERS ARE CONSIDERED THE MOST APPROACHABLE
Both women (70%) and men (59%) who drink beer are perceived as more approachable than drinkers of any other alcoholic beverage.
Traditions of the Day
Cheer “Bottoms up!” with your pals on National Beer Day! Traditions on this day include having a good time and making great memories over servings of beer. Some people have made it an annual tradition to celebrate Beer Day by buying a round for their friends. These fun times make their way to social media with popular hashtags that you can find at the bottom of this post.
Festivities beyond the regular ‘Happy Hour’ take place in breweries and pubs, with great specials and offers. Some places take it up a notch and serve beer in custom-designed glasses and offer beer on the house! Of course, beer can’t be enjoyed without the bartenders and waiters who provide quick service and great conversation, so tipping them generously and verbally showing them some appreciation is encouraged.
By the Numbers
50 billion – the gallons of beer consumed every year all over the world.
8% – the percentage by which brewing jobs increased in the U.S. since 2016.
$328.4 billion – the number of dollars contributed towards the economy by the beer industry in 2018.
2.2 million – the number of people employed by the beer industry.
$503,300 – the price of the world’s most expensive beer – Allsopp’s Arctic Ale.
$1.9 billion – the number of dollars contributed to the U.S. economy by Oregon’s beer industry.
1.6% – the percentage of gross domestic product the beer industry in the U.S. contributed in 2018.
912,092 – the number of people who work in malt-beverage retailing.
7–10°C – the temperature at which lagers should be stored.
40% – the percentage decrease in the risk of developing kidney stones by drinking beer moderately.
National Beer Day FAQs
When is National Beer Day?
In 2027, National Beer Day will be observed on Wednesday, April 7. This annual celebration invites enthusiasts to discover new flavors and appreciate the craft of brewing.
How much beer is consumed in the U.S. annually?
The U.S. beer market is robust, with annual consumption consistently high. Industry reports for 2025 indicated that total beer volume sales reached nearly $110 billion, reflecting its enduring popularity.
How many breweries are there in the U.S.?
The number of breweries in the United States continues to grow, with the Brewers Association reporting over 9,700 operating breweries by early 2027. This reflects a diverse and thriving industry that caters to a wide range of tastes.
Why is April 7 National Beer Day?
National Beer Day commemorates a pivotal moment in American history: the day beer returned. On April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law, allowing Americans to legally buy and sell beer once again, leading to widespread celebrations across the nation.
National Beer Day Activities
Head to a craft beer bar
These days, there are tons of venues serving local and regional specialty brews. These establishments are on top of the beer scene, and have constantly rotating menus, so check back in often to see what’s new.
Tour a Brewery
Brewing beer is half science, half art. Taking a tour of a local brewery will help you appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating your favorite IPA or stout. Added bonus — there are usually free samples.
Pick up a variety six-pack
Maybe you feel like enjoying your beer in the comfort of your own home, or around a backyard fire. That’s fine — most beverage distributors or specialty beer stores allow you to create a mix-and-match six-pack for you to take with.
Take the Which Beer Are You? Quiz
5 Beer Facts From Around The World
BYOB
Per capita, the Czech Republic consumes the most beer of any country.
Booze on the go
In many countries, including Belgium and South Korea, fast-food restaurants serve beer.
Hoppy birthday!
In England, it is common for boys to drink a “yard” of beer on their 18th birthday — three pints, end-to-end without, stopping.
Beer and cheese
Milwaulkee, Wisconsin, calls itself the beer capital of the world, hosting America’s four largest breweries.
Beer as old as time
The oldest continuously operating brewery is found in Austria, and opened its doors in 1040.
Why We Love National Beer Day
There are tons of beers to try
Now more than ever, there are an endless variety of beers hitting store shelves. Experimenting with a crazy new brew can be a lot of fun.
Beer is communal
As one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, it’s easy to find someone to clink bottles with. Beer pairs nicely with almost any social gathering, because there’s a beer for almost everyone.
Beer can be healthier than other alcoholic beverages
With a lower alcohol content than wine or liquor, beer can be a safer and healthier choice for those looking to imbibe, but not overindulge. Enjoy a brew or two without much fear of a nasty hangover.
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