New Beer’s Eve is celebrated every year on April 6 to mark the end of the prohibition era in America. President Franklin Roosevelt called an end to the prohibition and declared that there will be no restrictions on drinking, purchasing, serving, and brewing alcohol. On this day, people headed back to bars and taverns to enjoy a tall drink of their favorite alcohol. Today, of course, it is impossible to imagine a time when the consumption of alcohol was prohibited, but thankfully since 1933, America has not imposed a prohibition. With legal drinking age restrictions and moderation in consumption, drinking can be a very enjoyable activity.
History of New Beer's Eve
From 1920 to 1933, America experienced the period of Prohibition. This means all forms of alcohol were prohibited. In 1933, President Roosevelt lifted the Prohibition, and alcohol was freely flowing again. People celebrated the end of Prohibition by enjoying their first drink (legally) in nearly 13 years. Ever since that night, April 6 has been celebrated as New Beer’s Eve. Americans drank up to 1.5 million gallons of beer in the first 24 hours of the end of Prohibition.
We don’t really know when the first beer was brewed. The residue of the first known barley beer was found in a jar at the Godin Tepe excavation site in modern-day Iran, putting it at around 3400 B.C. Historians have theorized that beer, like bread, developed best in agrarian societies where there was enough grain and time for fermentation. The Babylonians had about 20 recipes for beer, Egyptian Pharaohs were buried with vats of beer, and even preferred paying workers in beer!
Over the centuries, beer’s popularity has risen and fallen and risen again. In America, Prohibition led to the invention of watered-down beer, something that still exists, especially among mass-marketed beers. With a change in taste and demand for more flavors, craft beer has made serious gains in the market. They are even helping revive ancient recipes. Beer cocktails are also quickly becoming a favorite. Since beers are relatively low in alcohol content, refreshing, and available in a variety of flavors, they were never out of popularity.
New Beer's Eve timeline
The Hymn to Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer, is inscribed on a tablet.
The inventions of fermentation as Pasteur observed them, are still in use for brewing beers.
It is agreed that any place with clean, drinking water can brew its own beer.
Prohibition goes into effect and all intoxicating alcohols are banned.
The Prohibition comes to an end on December 5.
Cascade hops were developed in Corvallis, Oregon in 1956. They weren’t released to brewers until 1972, becoming the hallmark aroma of American beers.
The first microbreweries open in Europe.
New Beer's Eve FAQs
Is beer good for health?
Drinking alcoholic beverages, including beer, by healthy people seems to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Does beer make you fat?
Any alcoholic drink will make you fat if you eat food at the same time, as alcohol affects your body’s ability to metabolize calories.
Is it okay to have a beer a day?
Moderate alcohol use for healthy adults generally means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
New Beer's Eve Activities
Enjoy happy hour
Grab your friends and head out for those beer specials! It’s a good time to reconnect with friends, kick back, relax, and enjoy some brews!
Try a new craft beer
We know there are always new craft beers popping up on your grocer’s shelf. You’ve looked at them, you’ve considered purchasing them, but instead you’ve gone with a more familiar beer. Why not make this the day you try something new?
Have a party
You’ve purchased those new beers, so why not invite everyone over for a New Beer’s Eve bash? It only comes once a year, so gather your friends together and celebrate!
5 Awesome Beer Facts That'll Have You Looking For The Liquor Store
It’s good for your bones
Craft beer has plenty of silicon in it, which helps build and maintain strong bones.
India Pale Ale is everyone’s favorite
Well, maybe not everyone’s, but India Pale Ale is the most popular craft beer in America.
Presidents make their own
George Washington, Barack Obama, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all brewed their own craft beers at home—while in office.
Sometimes your cup runs out
"Cenosillicaphobia" is the fear of an empty beer glass
It's the MVD (most valuable drink)
Beer is the world's most widely-consumed alcoholic beverage
Why We Love New Beer's Eve
Bars celebrate in a big way
Every year, bars around the country celebrate New Beer’s Eve with specials, like two for one brews or dollar beers. It’s a great excuse to gather the gang together for happy hour!
New beers
In addition to specials, many brewers release new beers on this date each year. For example, Diamond Knot Brewing released four new beers last year on April 6th.
History can be fun
Often, we learn the dry, dull facts of our country, rather than the fun stuff. Picturing President Roosevelt kicking back with a beer just brings a smile to our face. Sometimes, history can be fun!
New Beer's Eve dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | April 6 | Friday |
| 2030 | April 6 | Saturday |
