Discover the Best Beer Festivals for Beer Lovers
When it comes to beer festivals, there are so many to choose from it can be overwhelming. But for true beer lovers, attending a beer festival is the ultimate experience – where else can you sample a variety of brews, meet like-minded people, and enjoy great music and food? To help guide you in your beer festival planning, we've created a list of the best beer festivals for beer lovers.
1. Great American Beer Festival - Denver, CO
If you're a serious beer enthusiast, you have to attend the Great American Beer Festival at least once in your lifetime. It's the largest beer festival in the U.S., featuring over 4,000 beers from more than 800 breweries. The festival also includes a competition where breweries compete to see who has the best beer in 116 categories. In addition to beer, there are also seminars, food pairings, and a marketplace.
2. Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the most famous beer festival in the world, and for good reason. Held in Munich, Germany every year, Oktoberfest attracts over 6 million visitors who come to drink beer, eat traditional German food, and enjoy carnival rides and live music. The festival lasts for 16 days, and there are over a dozen enormous beer tents to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere.
3. Oregon Brewers Festival - Portland, OR
The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the longest-running beer festivals in the U.S., and it's also one of the most popular. Held in Portland, Oregon, the festival features over 80 craft brewers from across the country, as well as live music, food, and beer seminars. The festival is held outdoors in a beautiful park setting, making it a great way to enjoy a summer day with friends.
4. Belgian Beer Weekend - Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is known for its high-quality, unique beers, and there's no better place to sample them than at the Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels. The festival features over 400 different types of Belgian beers, all served by the brewers themselves. In addition to beer, there's also traditional Belgian food, live music, and a marketplace where you can purchase souvenirs.
5. Asheville Beer Week - Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina has been named "Beer City USA" multiple times, so it's no surprise that they have their own beer festival. Asheville Beer Week is a 10-day celebration of the city's craft beer scene, featuring events like beer dinners, tastings, and seminars. There are over 30 breweries in Asheville, so there's no shortage of good beer to be had.
6. Great British Beer Festival - London, England
For beer lovers visiting London, the Great British Beer Festival is a must-visit. The festival features over 900 real ales, ciders, and perries (a type of pear cider), as well as food, live entertainment, and traditional pub games. The festival is held at the Olympia Exhibition Centre and attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.
7. San Diego Beer Week - San Diego, CA
San Diego has become a hub for the craft beer industry, and San Diego Beer Week is a great way to experience it all. The festival takes place over 10 days and features events like beer dinners, tastings, and brewery tours. There are over 140 breweries in San Diego County, so there's no shortage of great beer to discover.
8. Copenhagen Beer Celebration - Copenhagen, Denmark
The Copenhagen Beer Celebration is a celebration of the world's best breweries, with an emphasis on small, independent brewers. The festival features over 100 breweries from around the world, each with their own unique selection of beers. There's also great food and live music, as well as seminars on everything from beer brewing to food pairings.
9. Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines - Breckenridge, CO
For fans of big, bold beers, Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines is the perfect festival. Held in Breckenridge, Colorado, the festival features over 400 beers from around the world, including many high-alcohol and barrel-aged beers. In addition to beer, there are also seminars and food pairings, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains.
10. Sydney Craft Beer Week - Sydney, Australia
Sydney Craft Beer Week is a week-long celebration of the best craft beer Australia has to offer. The festival features events like beer tastings, brewery tours, and food pairings, as well as live music and entertainment. There are over 100 breweries in Australia, so there's plenty of great beer to discover.
In conclusion, beer festivals are an incredible way to sample a variety of brews and experience different cultures and traditions. From the Great American Beer Festival in Denver to Oktoberfest in Munich, there's a festival for every taste and preference. Whether you're a serious beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend a weekend with friends, attending a beer festival is a must-do experience. So grab your pint glass and get ready to discover some of the best beer festivals in the world.