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- First Friday of August
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International Beer Day unites enthusiasts every first Friday in August to celebrate one of the world’s oldest and most beloved beverages. It’s a day to gather with friends, explore new brews, and appreciate the craft behind every pint. Grab a cold one, visit a local brewery, or host a tasting party.
Want to sponsor International Beer Day? Learn how
Expected International Beer Day Deals
As International Beer Day approaches in 2027, expect breweries and bars worldwide to roll out enticing promotions. Last year saw deals from major players like Anheuser-Busch InBev brands (Budweiser, Stella Artois) offering discounts, while craft breweries such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Stone Brewing often feature special releases and taproom events. Retailers like Total Wine & More and BevMo! typically run sales on popular domestic and imported six-packs and cases. Even restaurant chains like Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings frequently offer drink specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Beer Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalBeerDay. Share your favorite beer-tasting reactions, DIY brew guides, or creative beer cocktail recipes.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalBeerDay. Post aesthetically pleasing photos of your favorite local brewery, unique beer flights, or festive beer-themed gatherings.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalBeerDay. Share stories of your best beer memories, organize virtual cheers with friends, or highlight local pub specials.
International Beer Day Hero
Louis Pasteur
History of International Beer Day
Celebrating mankind’s common thirst for what is likely the world’s oldest and most beloved beverage is what International Beer Day is all about. Humans have been fascinated with beer since the first grains were accidentally discovered to have fermented, producing a bubbly aromatic product that someone dared to taste then drink, did not die but instead felt a lovely little buzz, smiled and said, “Wow.” Mankind has been obsessed ever since with perfecting beer recipes and brewing processes in pursuit of the next “Wow.”
Beer has been consumed by almost every culture throughout human history. The oldest evidence of man’s obsession with brewing beer dates back to ancient Babylonia and Mesopotamia. Archaeologists have unearthed recipes for beer that were written on clay tablets in 4300 B.C., and ceramic vessels from 3400 B.C. that are still sticky with beer residue. Everyone drank beer in ancient Egypt: pharaohs, peasants, priests, even children, as part of their everyday diet.
What may be the first song about beer, “Hymn to Ninkasi”—an ode to the Sumerian goddess of beer—dates back to 1800 B.C. and includes a recipe for a beer brewed by female priestesses.
By the Middle Ages, Christian monks were brewing beers, and introduced the use of hops. Until then, beers were brewed with local additives like dates and olive oils to add flavor. Today’s beers continue to be brewed with hops, herbs, or fruits that add flavor. Macro, micro, or craft, the art of brewing beer today remains a craft that employs age-old techniques carefully perfected over centuries and millennium.
Our collective love of beer is what Jesse Avshalomov no doubt had on his mind back in August of 2007 while he and a few friends enjoyed some conversation and brews in the beach community of Santa Cruz, California. Back then his reasons for founding International Beer Day were:
- Gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer
- Celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer
- Unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day
In retrospect, Jesse’s LinkedIn profile reads he “…invented International Beer Day as an experiment in virality gone horribly right.”
To you, Jesse. Cheers!
International Beer Day timeline
The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol illegal as of January 17.
On December 5, the Prohibition comes to an end, allowing breweries to legally start operating again.
President Jimmy Carter reopens the American beer market to craft brewers.
‘Duff Beer’ debuts on an episode of season one of “The Simpsons.”
There are 2,416 breweries operating in America, of which 2,360 are considered craft breweries.
The number of breweries operating in America peak at 7450.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Beer Day
Local bars, restaurants, and breweries can fully embrace International Beer Day by hosting special tap takeovers, offering discounted flights, or launching limited-edition brews. Consider organizing a trivia night focused on beer history or a food pairing event. Retailers can curate international beer selections, offer ‘build-your-own six-pack’ deals, and promote beer-making kits for homebrewers. Highlight local craft breweries to support community businesses.
International Beer Day - Survey Results
International Beer Day Traditions
Happy hours, chugging competitions, and enjoying someone’s company over a glass of beer; go “Bottoms up!” on International Beer Day. Most people unite and have a good time over servings of beer. Friends are convinced to buy a round of beer for the gang and, with some luck, a local bartender may offer some on the house. These memorable moments make their way to social media with popular hashtags for everyone to see.
Special deals and hours are set in pubs and breweries, with some places kicking it up a notch and presenting beer in custom-designed glasses. The bartenders and servers who work round the clock to provide great conversation and beer just the way we like it are appreciated and tipped generously.
International Beer Day By The Numbers
50 billion – the gallons of beer consumed every year all over the world.
8% – the percentage increase in brewing jobs 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 retail.
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.
International Beer Day FAQs
When is International Beer Day?
International Beer Day 2026 falls on Friday, August 7, inviting enthusiasts worldwide to raise a glass and celebrate. This annual observance is always held on the first Friday of August.
How much beer is consumed globally?
Globally, beer consumption is immense, with estimates suggesting over 180 billion liters (nearly 48 billion gallons) are consumed annually. This makes it the most popular alcoholic beverage by volume.
What countries drink the most beer?
The Czech Republic consistently tops the list for per capita beer consumption, with its citizens drinking an average of over 180 liters per year. Germany, Austria, and Poland also feature prominently among the highest consumers.
What are the main types of beer?
The two primary categories of beer are lagers and ales, distinguished by the type of yeast used and fermentation temperature. Lagers, like pilsners, are fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, resulting in a crisp, clean taste. Ales, including IPAs and stouts, use top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, often yielding more complex, fruity, or malty flavors.
International Beer Day Activities
Sing beer songs at Karaoke
Tune up the twang in your voice and head out to your nearest Karaoke venue to pay tribute to beer. Nobody sings about beer like American country music artists. Don’t worry about being able to carry a tune on International Beer Day. Just add a little southern drawl to that twang, and everyone will be singing along with you, celebrating your good taste in music…and beer.
Earn your wings
…with a test flight of beers, that is, at a local taproom. It’s a big beer world, so step out and try something new on International Beer Day. Better yet, why not make a day of it? Tour the brewery first to learn about the science behind brewing beer and then do some flight testing.
Be Generous
If you are a regular at your local pub, tavern or taproom, leave an extra generous tip at the bar today. Tell your bartender how much you appreciate him or her. Take their photo and post it on your social media sites with lots of kisses and hugs. And please remember to drink and post responsibly.
5 Ode To Beer Hit Country Songs
"I Like Beer"
Recorded by American country music artist Tom T. Hall and released in August 1975, this beer song peaked at #4 as a U.S. country music single.
"Pretty Good at Drinkin' Beer"
Recorded by American country music artist Billy Currington and released in May 2010, this was a #1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
"Beer in Mexico"
Written and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Chesney and released in January 2007, this beer song was a #1 hit on U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
"Drink a Beer"
Recorded by American country music artist Luke Bryan and released in November 2013, this beer song hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
"Bubbles in My Beer"
This western swing song was originally recorded by “Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys” in 1947 and has been a bar room standard performed by countless country music artists ever since.
Why We Love International Beer Day
A beer for every budget
We make no judgement when it comes to your taste in beer. Whether you pick up cheap macro brews on the way home from work, or savor craft brews at the taproom, we’re just happy there is a beer for every budget to enjoy on International Beer Day.
Memories
Beer. The adult beverage of choice at reunions, backyard cookouts, and get-togethers with friends and family for centuries. Someone always offers to bring the beer. We think today is a fine day to open a cold one and enjoy reminiscing about days gone by with a toast to those whose memories we love and cherish.
Another reason to drink beer
Oh, come on! Who doesn’t love waking up and seeing today is devoted to beer? We admit we don’t need a reason to enjoy a beer today. But knowing there are millions of beer lovers all around the world bending elbows together to enjoy a brewski makes us feel like family on International Beer Day. Remember: Drink responsibly.
International Beer Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
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