Mass Beer Week Celebrates Massachusetts Craft Breweries

Over 200 local breweries host special releases, tastings, and community events

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is hosting Mass Beer Week from March 7-14, 2026, with over 200 small, independent breweries across the state participating. The week-long celebration includes special beer releases, collaborative brews, tasting events, educational programming, and community fundraisers, all aimed at highlighting the vital role local breweries play in Massachusetts' economy, culture, tourism, and communities.

Why it matters

Craft breweries have become important anchors in their local communities, contributing to regional economies through manufacturing, employment, and serving as gathering spaces. The official state recognition of Mass Beer Week underscores the growing importance of supporting these small, independent businesses.

The details

Gov. Maura Healey has officially proclaimed March 7-14 as Mass Beer Week in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild says this formal recognition is an incredible honor for the brewing community, as the week showcases how Massachusetts breweries are small manufacturers, employers, and community hubs. Participating breweries will host a variety of events, from special beer releases to educational programming and fundraisers.

  • Mass Beer Week runs from March 7-14, 2026.
  • The celebration officially kicked off on Saturday, March 7.

The players

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts who officially proclaimed March 7-14 as Mass Beer Week.

Katie Stinchon

The executive director of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild.

Liz Nicol

The owner of Drawdown Brewing.

Sarah Harkness

A Massachusetts craft beer enthusiast.

Dylan Pollman-Blom

A Massachusetts craft beer enthusiast.

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What they’re saying

“From Boston to the Berkshires, our craft breweries are anchors in their communities and significant contributors to our regional economies. I'm proud to proclaim Mass Beer Week and encourage everyone to go celebrate at their local brewery safely and responsibly!”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (nbcboston.com)

“Massachusetts breweries are small manufacturers, employers, and community gathering spaces. This proclamation underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and the people behind them.”

— Katie Stinchon, Executive Director, Massachusetts Brewers Guild (nbcboston.com)

“Beer is intrinsically very community based and brings people together and the Massachusetts/New England community we're definitely kind of ride or die so it's just a great unifier.”

— Liz Nicol, Owner, Drawdown Brewing (nbcboston.com)

“I just love that it grows the craft beer community as opposed to pitting breweries against each other.”

— Sarah Harkness (nbcboston.com)

“It's such a New England thing to go to a brewery after going hiking and stuff so Boston really loves their beer.”

— Dylan Pollman-Blom (nbcboston.com)

The takeaway

Mass Beer Week showcases how Massachusetts' craft breweries have become vital community hubs, contributing to local economies and culture. The state's official recognition of this celebration underscores the importance of supporting these small, independent businesses that bring people together through a shared love of locally-made beer.