The Best Beer Festivals to Attend This Year
If you're a beer lover, these are some of the global cheers-worthy events that will tap your interest.
Beverage
Calling all beer lovers! Whether you simply enjoy knocking back a cold one at the end of the day or you’re a beer aficionado who celebrates holidays like National Beer Day on April 7, these beer festivals taking place around the world are sure to wet your whistle, so be sure to mark them on your calendar.
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
No list of beer festivals is complete without Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world. Held annually in Munich, this iconic event runs from late September to early October and attracts millions of visitors from around the world. It’s not just a festival, it’s a full-on cultural experience featuring large beer tents, Bavarian music, cultural parades, and agricultural exhibitions. Festival goers can enjoy traditional Bavarian food, live music, and, of course, the classic lagers and pilsners from local breweries, all while donning lederhosen and dirndls.
The Great American Beer Festival – Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Widely regarded as the premier beer festival in North America, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is a must-attend event for beer lovers in the United States. Held in Denver, Colorado in October this year, the festival celebrates American craft beer with over 4,000 beers from more than 800 breweries. Whether you’re into IPAs, stouts, or sours, GABF has something for every palate. The event also features a competition where brewers battle it out for medals in various categories to showcase the best of America’s brewing talent.
Belgian Beer Weekend – Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is renowned for its distinctive, world-class beers, and the Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels gives visitors the chance to sample some of the best. Held in early September, the festival features hundreds of Belgian brews, ranging from ales to lambics. The festival is set in the historic Grand Place, which sets the perfect backdrop as festival-goers sip their refreshing beer and enjoy a rich cultural experience. The event also hosts beer-related workshops and tastings led by some of the country’s most renowned brewers.
Portland Beer Week – Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Portland, known for its thriving craft beer scene, celebrates all things beer with Portland Beer Week, which takes place in June. This 10-day festival is packed with events, including tastings, pub crawls, and food pairings that showcase the creativity and innovation of Portland’s beer makers. Whether you’re new to the craft beer world or a seasoned expert, Portland Beer Week offers something for everyone.
If you’re ready to discover new brews, enjoy rich, cultural vibes and delicious food, and meet fellow beer lovers, grab your glass and get ready to raise it at some of the world’s best beer festivals this year.