Happy National Beer Lover’s Day (tomorrow)!!! As a beer lover myself, I think I’ll take the day to celebrate my love of beer with a pint or two……or four. While thinking about beer I’ve also been reminiscing about all the beers I’ve enjoyed in my life. In the past I’ve been to brewed my own beer, breweries, beer tastings, and been to multiple beerfests! In Hawaii there are only a few beerfests and those that are available are often VERY crowded. They are also different than the ones in Oregon. I’m not sure why or how to even explain it, they just are. So I figure why not do a deep dive into beerfests!

History of Beer Festivals

Beer festivals have been around for ages! I had no idea that they started so long ago. I guess the ancients really are just like us! Here’s a brief history of beerfests throughout time.

Ancient Times and Middle Ages

The earliest records of beerfests come from ancient civilizations where beer was a central part of community gatherings and religious ceremonies. For example, ancient Mesopotamians celebrated with beer during festivals dedicated to gods like Ninkasi, the goddess of beer. Ninkasi Brewing Company gets their name from this goddess!

In medieval Europe, beer was commonly enjoyed during local fairs and festivals. These events were often associated with harvests, where local brewers showcased their brews. Sounds just like my time spent at the Oregon Brewer’s Festival.

19th and 20th Century

One of the most famous beer festivals, Oktoberfest, started in Munich, Germany. It began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 and then turned into an annual festival that celebrates Bavarian culture and beer. Today, it’s a massive event drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Stay tuned for an upcoming post discussing Oktoberfest and all of it’s amazingness.

While I was reading about the Oregon Brewer’s Festival I had no idea that there were only six microbreweries in Oregon as of 1988. Now there are almost 400! Around that time there was a surge of beer festivals with the insane rise of the craft beer movement. With an uptick in microbreweries and craft beer fans, this lead to a new wave of beer festivals celebrating innovative and fun new beers.

Modern Times (Not the brewery!)

Beer festivals have become popular everywhere, with huge events held in countries all around the world. The growth of craft beer has led to festivals focusing specifically on various beer styles, brewing techniques, and local brews.

Today’s beer festivals range from massive international events like Oktoberfest to local craft beer events, specialty beer showcases, and even virtual festivals. These events celebrate not only the variety of beers but also local cultures, food pairings, and music.

Where Can You Find Beer Festivals?

Finding a beer festival can be a fun adventure, and there are many resources you can use to locate one near you or in a location you plan to visit. The best website I found for locating and learning about Beer Fests around the world is this one. Here are some other tips on where to look.

Online Event Listings

Eventbrite lists numerous beer festivals around the world. You can search by location and date to find events that interest you. Also, local beer enthusiasts often organize festivals and events through Meetup. You can find gatherings by searching for “beer festival” or “beer tasting.”

Social Media

Many beer festivals promote through Facebook. Check out the “Events” section or follow local breweries and beer-related pages for announcements. Follow hashtags like #BeerFestival or #CraftBeerFest to discover upcoming events on Instagram and Twitter. Breweries and beer enthusiasts often post about festivals on these platforms.

Brewery Websites

Many local breweries host or participate in beer festivals. Check their websites or social media pages for information on events they’re hosting or involved in. Organizations like the Brewers Association and similar groups in other countries often list beer festivals and events.

Beer Festivals and Tourism Websites

Beer Advocate and RateBeer have a calendar of beer events, including festivals, across various regions. Check the tourism website of the city or region you’re interested in. Many tourism boards list local events, including beer festivals. While websites like Lonely Planet or TripAdvisor might also have information on annual beer festivals in various destinations.

Using these resources you should be able to find a brewfest in your local area or a location you’re thinking of visiting.

Some Popular Beerfests Around the World

• Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany): The world’s largest beer festival, held annually in late September to early October.
• Great American Beer Festival (Denver, USA): One of the largest beer festivals in the U.S., celebrating craft beer.
• Belgian Beer Weekend (Brussels, Belgium): A celebration of Belgian beer with numerous breweries and a variety of styles.

Ways to Make Sure You Have a Great Time at Beerfests

Attending a beer festival can be a fantastic experience if you plan ahead and approach it with the right frame of mine. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your beer festival experience.

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy all that a beer festival has to offer and make the most of your experience. Cheers!