- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AmericanBeerDrinking
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 3
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍺
National Independent Beer Run Day rallies beer enthusiasts every July 3. This day calls on Americans to purchase craft-made beer from independent brewers, helping them thrive against larger competitors. Support local breweries and enjoy unique, high-quality brews as you prepare for Independence Day celebrations.
Want to sponsor National Independent Beer Run Day? Learn how
Expected National Independent Beer Run Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that independent breweries and bottle shops often run special deals and events leading up to National Independent Beer Run Day. Expect local breweries like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Company, and Stone Brewing to offer discounts on cases, growler fills, or special limited releases. Many smaller, regional craft breweries will also be promoting their unique offerings. Independent retailers like Total Wine & More and local bottle shops may feature sales on a variety of craft brands. Look for taproom specials at your favorite local spots, and keep an eye on social media for pop-up events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 3 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Independent Beer Run Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #IndependentBeerRunDay. Film your beer haul from a local craft brewery or bottle shop.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #IndependentBeerRunDay. Share photos of your favorite independent craft beers and where you bought them.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IndependentBeerRunDay. Post about your local independent brewery and why you love their brews.
National Independent Beer Run Day Hero
Charlie Papazian
History of National Independent Beer Run Day
The first American lager was brewed in 1840 by John Wagner, a German immigrant who brought a brewing yeast with him to Philadelphia, marking the beginning of the modern U.S. beer industry. The country’s first large brewery, which opened in 1857, produced 1,000 barrels; today, Budweiser alone makes more than 100 million barrels per year.
Until Prohibition, most American beers were brewed by small companies in their local communities. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, beer companies also had to be at least partially owned by Americans to sell beer. Because only large companies had the resources to comply with the new legal requirements for breweries, smaller brewers were acquired or went out of business, and within five years of Prohibition’s repeal, nearly all beer production was controlled by just 50 companies.
After Prohibition ended, beer lovers across America rejoiced at their newfound freedom. It didn’t take long for Americans to rediscover their love of beer or for those who had never given it up, to start brewing. Craft breweries began popping up all over the place, and by 1980 there were 42 independent breweries in the United States.
National Independent Beer Run Day, celebrated on July 3, is an unofficial holiday that encourages beer lovers to support local breweries. The day was declared on June 26, 2019, by Brewers Association, the organization behind American Craft Beer Week and Savor, an American Craft Beer and Food Experience. National Independent Beer Run Day calls on beer lovers to seek out self-governed craft beers for their July 4 celebrations.
National Independent Beer Run Day timeline
John Wagner, a German immigrant, brings brewing yeast to Philadelphia.
It produces 1,000 barrels and today, Budweiser alone makes more than 100 million barrels per year.
Beer lovers across the U.S. rejoice at their newfound freedom and start brewing.
The Brewers Association, dedicated to small and independent American brewers — declares July 3, National Independent Beer Run Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Independent Beer Run Day
Local independent breweries, bottle shops, and bars can celebrate National Independent Beer Run Day by hosting special tasting events, offering discounts on craft beer purchases, or launching limited-edition brews. Consider collaborating with local food trucks to create a festive atmosphere. Promote your independent status and highlight the unique qualities of your offerings to attract customers looking to support local businesses before the July 4th weekend.
National Independent Beer Run Day FAQs
When is National Independent Beer Run Day?
National Independent Beer Run Day 2026 falls on Friday, July 3, encouraging consumers to stock up on craft beers just before the Independence Day holiday weekend.
How many independent breweries are in the U.S.?
As of early 2026, the number of independent craft breweries in the U.S. is estimated to be over 9,500, reflecting robust growth and consumer demand for diverse, local options.
What is the market share of independent craft beer?
Independent craft brewers currently hold a significant share of the U.S. beer market, capturing approximately 13-14% of the overall volume, demonstrating their growing influence.
What defines an independent craft brewery?
According to the Brewers Association, an independent craft brewery is small (producing 6 million barrels or less annually), independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft brewer), and traditional (most of its alcohol derived from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients).
National Independent Beer Run Day Activities
Try a new independent beer or brewery
Celebrate your independence by seeking new makers of craft beer and take your friends with you to visit a brewery. Independent Beer Run Day is an opportunity to discover something new, and share that experience with others.
Publish a list of beers you've tried
You can do this here, by leaving a comment in this post. Feel free to rate how much you like each beer and inspire others to explore the world of independent craft beer themselves, one sip at a time.
Drink beer while watching an independent movie
It's a great excuse to get together with some friends or family. Stock up on beer made by a small brewery and celebrate sovereignty by watching an independent film.
5 Interesting Facts About Beer
Beer brewing was for women
The first beer was brewed in ancient Mesopotamia around 4,000 B.C., and was brewed by women called ‘brewsters.’
Small brewery domination
According to the Brewers Association, which represents more than 2,500 U.S. beer makers, only about 250 are owned by large corporations.
One of the oldest drinks
Beer is one of the oldest drinks humans have produced, dating back to at least the 5th Millennium B.C. and recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
133 Million hectoliters sold per year
More than 133 million hectoliters are sold per year, producing total global revenues of $294.5 billion.
Most popular drink
Beer is the world's most consumed alcoholic beverage and is the third-most-popular drink after water and tea.
Why We Love National Independent Beer Run Day
It promotes independent breweries
This special day encourages you to go out and support your local independent brewery by trying one of their craft beers.
It gives us an appreciation of beer
The day creates an awareness of the history of beer, a beverage that allows us to wind down and connect with fellow human beings.
It helps the future of craft beer
We believe the future of craft beer depends on the continued success of independent breweries across this country. You can help this cause by celebrating National Independent Beer Run Day.
Social Media Tips for National Independent Beer Run Day
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