The United States hosts some of the world’s most exciting beer festivals, celebrating craft brews and vibrant community spirit. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado, is a standout, featuring thousands of beers from hundreds of breweries, expert judging, and enthusiastic crowds. Oktoberfest celebrations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Leavenworth, Washington, bring Bavarian flair with authentic lagers, pretzels, and lively oompah bands. The Firestone Walker Invitational in Paso Robles, California, offers a unique blend of global and local breweries, gourmet food, and live music, creating an intimate yet world-class experience. These festivals, each with its own distinct atmosphere, make the U.S. a premier destination for beer lovers seeking quality, variety, and unforgettable moments.
Great American Beer Festival (Denver, CO)
The Great American Beer Festival, held September 25-27, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, is the premier craft beer event in the USA. Hosted by the Brewers Association, GABF showcases over 3,500 beers from 700+ breweries, offering tastings, brewing competitions, and the prestigious GABF awards. Beer enthusiasts flock to this iconic festival for diverse craft brews, food pairings, and educational sessions, making it a must-visit for American craft beer lovers.
Address:
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th St
Denver, CO 80202.
Website: https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com
Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest (Paso Robles, CA)
Get ready for a hop-tastic adventure at the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest, an annual craft beer extravaganza in Paso Robles, California! This world-renowned festival, held on May 31, 2025, brings together over 65 top-tier breweries from across the globe, pouring more than 300 curated beers, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs like the exclusive Wandering Don IPA, brewed with Odell Brewing Co. Attendees can savor delicious bites from 20+ local restaurants, groove to live music, and dive into “Behind the Beer” panels with legendary brewers. With a vibrant community vibe and proceeds supporting Paso Robles Pioneer Day, this fest is a must-visit for beer lovers seeking unforgettable flavors and good times
Address:
Paso Robles Event Center
2198 Riverside Ave
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Website: https://www.firestonebeer.com/invitational
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, taking place September 19-21, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the USA. Drawing over 700,000 attendees, this vibrant festival features German-style beers from local and national breweries, authentic Bavarian food like bratwurst, and fun events such as the “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race. It’s a family-friendly cultural experience perfect for beer enthusiasts.
Address:
Downtown Cincinnati
5th St & Vine St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://www.oktoberfestzinzinnati.com
San Diego Beer Week (San Diego, CA)
San Diego Beer Week, running November 7-16, 2025, transforms San Diego, California, into a craft beer paradise. With over 100 events across local breweries, this 10-day festival offers exclusive beer releases, food pairings, and brewery tours. Known for its vibrant craft beer scene, San Diego hosts tastings of rare brews and collaborations from top breweries like Stone and Ballast Point, ideal for beer aficionados.
Address:
Various locations across San Diego, CA
San Diego Brewers Guild
7986 Armour St
San Diego, CA 92111).
Website: https://www.sandiegobeerweek.com
Great Taste of the Midwest (Madison, WI)
The Great Taste of the Midwest, scheduled for August 9, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, is a beloved craft beer festival known for its lakeside setting at Olin Park. Featuring 1,200+ beers from 150 Midwest breweries, this event offers a relaxed vibe with unlimited tastings, food vendors, and brewery meet-and-greets. It’s a staple for craft beer enthusiasts celebrating regional brewing excellence.
Address:
Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct
Madison, WI 53715.
Website: https://greattaste.org
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) – Chicago, IL
The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, or FOBAB, started in the early 2000s as North America’s premier barrel-aged beer competition and festival, hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild to showcase brewing artistry. It features over 300 wood- and barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads, and perries across 13 categories, emphasizing complex flavors like oaky stouts, boozy sours, and innovative aged ales.
Address: Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Website: https://www.fobab.com/
Brewers Association of Maryland’s Oktoberfest (Timonium, MD)
The Brewers Association of Maryland’s Oktoberfest, occurring October 4, 2025, in Timonium, Maryland, celebrates the state’s thriving craft beer scene. This festival features 70+ local craft beers, German-inspired food like pretzels, and live music, combining traditional Oktoberfest vibes with Maryland’s unique brews. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts and families alike.
Address:
Maryland State Fairgrounds
2200 York Rd
Timonium, MD 21093
Website: https://www.marylandbeer.org/oktoberfest
August Schell’s Bock Fest(New Ulm, MN)
August Schell’s Bock Fest is a vibrant annual celebration held on the first Saturday of March, drawing thousands to honor the German tradition of bock beer. This lively outdoor festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic brewery, features Schell’s award-winning Caramel Bock, traditional German fare like brats and sauerkraut, and live music from the Bockfest Boys, who energize the crowd with polka and classics like “Ring of Fire.” A highlight is the Bock Medallion Hunt, where participants search for hidden wooden goat cutouts in nearby Flandrau State Park for cash and prizes, embracing the folklore that finding all seven bocks heralds an early spring. With bonfires, beer poking for caramelized flavors, and free shuttle services to downtown New Ulm, Bock Fest offers a festive, family-friendly experience steeped in German heritage and Minnesota charm.
Address:
August Schell Brewery
1860 Schell Road
New Ulm, MN 56073
Website: https://schellsbrewery.com
The Denver Rare Beer Tasting
The Denver Rare Beer Tasting, set for October 9, 2025, at Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver’s RiNo district, is a must-attend event during the Great American Beer Festival weekend. This exclusive tasting, supporting Pints for Prostates, features over 50 top U.S. craft breweries pouring rare, vintage, and experimental beers, from bold barrel-aged stouts to vibrant sours. Limited to just 350 ticket holders, the event offers unlimited samples, a buffet lunch, a collectible glass, and free men’s health screenings, including PSA tests, to promote prostate cancer awareness. With a vibrant atmosphere, unique brews, and an online auction for exclusive beer experiences, this event blends exceptional craft beer with a meaningful cause.
Address:
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
2875 Blake St
Denver, CO 80205
Website: https://www.pintsforprostates.org/
Honorable Mentions
Snallygaster – Washington, DC
Snallygaster, named after a mythical dragon-like creature from local folklore, started in the late 2000s as a small parking lot gathering before transforming into Washington DC’s largest outdoor beer festival, known for its beastly scale and family-friendly atmosphere. It features over 450 beers from more than 175 breweries, including rare imports, experimental crafts, and unique pours like hazy IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged specialties, complemented by wines, cocktails, and live music.
Address: Pennsylvania Avenue NW (near the Capitol), Washington, DC 20004
Website: https://www.snallygasterdc.com/
Barrel & Flow Fest – Pittsburgh, PA
Barrel & Flow Fest, originally founded to celebrate Black-owned breweries and promote diversity in craft beer, has grown since its inception into America’s top-rated beer festival, emphasizing cultural empowerment, collaborations, and economic impact for underrepresented communities. It showcases over 75 breweries and distilleries with exclusive collaboration beers, focusing on innovative styles from Black and Brown brewers, including bold IPAs, stouts, and experimental flavors paired with music and art.
Address: The Stacks at 3 Crossings, 2875 Railroad St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Website: https://barrelandflow.com/
Leavenworth Oktoberfest – Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth Oktoberfest, set in a Bavarian-themed mountain town, has roots in celebrating German traditions and Pacific Northwest brewing, growing into a multi-weekend immersive event with oompah bands and alpine activities. The beer lineup includes authentic German imports like Hofbräu alongside local PNW crafts from breweries such as Icicle and Dru Bru, emphasizing märzens, lagers, and seasonal ales.
Address: Downtown Leavenworth, 1001 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Website: https://leavenworth.org/oktoberfest/
Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival – Seattle, WA
The Elysian Great Pumpkin Beer Festival originated in the early 2000s from a brewer’s experimental pumpkin ale mishap, blossoming into the world’s premier pumpkin beer celebration at its original Capitol Hill pub. It pours over 60 pumpkin and seasonal beers from various breweries, including imperial pumpkin ales, spiced stouts, and gourd-infused innovations like Great Pumpkin with its blend of malts and spices.
Address: Elysian Capitol Hill, 1221 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
Website: https://www.elysianbrewing.com/gpbf
Collaboration Fest – Westminster, CO
Collaboration Fest, established in the mid-2010s by the Colorado Brewers Guild, celebrates the collaborative spirit of the industry, kicking off Colorado Craft Beer Week with unique joint creations. It debuts over 130 exclusive beers from more than 180 breweries, focusing on innovative styles like fruited sours, hazy IPAs, and barrel-aged experiments born from brewer partnerships.
Address: Westin Westminster, 10600 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020
Website: https://collaborationbeerfest.com/
Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival (Anchorage, AK)
The Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival, set for January 24-25, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, is a winter highlight for craft beer fans. Featuring 300+ beers and barleywines from Alaskan and West Coast breweries, this event offers bold, high-ABV brews in a cozy setting, showcasing Alaska’s growing craft beer scene.
Address:
William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center
555 W 5th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501.
Website: https://www.auroraproductions.net/beer-barley-wine-festival
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest – Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest, produced by Atlanta Beer Festivals since the early 2010s, has become Georgia’s largest craft beer celebration, highlighting Southern suds in a lively park setting with music and food. It offers over 100 beers from local breweries like Atlanta Brewing and out-of-town favorites, including IPAs, lagers, pilsners, and variety packs alongside meads and RTDs.
Address: The Stave Room at American Spirit Works, 199 Armour Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Website: https://www.atlantasummerbeerfestival.com/
Suwanee Beer Fest – Suwanee, GA
Suwanee Beer Fest, voted America’s best multiple times, originated in the early 2010s as Gwinnett’s largest craft event benefiting local scholarships, featuring unlimited samples and community vibes. It pours over 400 craft beers from U.S. breweries, emphasizing diverse styles like IPAs, lagers, and sours, with games, bands, and food trucks enhancing the experience.
Address: Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee, GA 30024
Website: https://suwaneebeerfest.com/
Nashville Oktoberfest – Nashville, TN
Nashville Oktoberfest, the city’s oldest and second-largest in America, traces its roots to celebrating German heritage with a family- and pet-friendly twist, including pup parades and laid-back revelry. It features German beers like Hofbräu and local crafts, focusing on märzens, lagers, and seasonal offerings paired with music, food, and community events.
Address: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Website: https://thenashvilleoktoberfest.com/
Memphis Craft Beer Festival – Memphis, TN
Memphis Craft Beer Festival, a staple since the 2010s, highlights Southern brewing at a scenic park with unlimited pours, BBQ, and live tunes, capped for an intimate feel. It showcases over 80 breweries with local favorites like Ghost River and Memphis Made, featuring styles from pilsners and IPAs to aquifer-sourced ales.
Address: Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN 38134
Website: https://www.memphisbrewfest.com/
Coastal Craft Beer Festival – Virginia Beach, VA
The Coastal Craft Beer Festival, in its tenth edition, began as a beachside showcase for East Coast brews, transforming into a vacation-friendly event with ocean views and food pairings. It pours from over 50 regional breweries, highlighting craft styles like lagers, IPAs, and ciders, with live bands and food trucks.
Address: 31st Street Park (Neptune’s Park), 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Website: https://www.neptunefestival.com/events/annual-coastal-craft-beer-festival/
Boonville Beer Festival – Boonville, CA
The Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, with roots in the early 1990s, started as a small gathering at Anderson Valley Brewing and grew into a camping-friendly West Coast hop haven raising funds for local nonprofits. It features over 50 breweries pouring styles like pilsners, IPAs, and barrel-aged beers, with live music and redwood scenery.
Address: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415
Website: https://avbc.com/boonville-beer-fest/
Wavy Days – Portland, ME
Wavy Days Beer Fest, hosted by Mast Landing since the early 2020s, is a multi-day celebration bringing together exceptional Northeast breweries for hazy IPA enthusiasts with beachy vibes and collaborations. It features pours from guests like Trillium and Bissell Brothers, emphasizing wavy hazies, sours, and innovative crafts.
Address: Thompson’s Point, 207 Thompson’s Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102
Website: https://wavydaysfest.com/
Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival – Yakima, WA
The Fresh Hop Ale Festival, founded in the early 2000s in the heart of U.S. hop country where 75% of national hops are grown, celebrates the harvest with just-picked hops and farm tours. It pours over 40 fresh hop ales from regional breweries, focusing on vibrant, aromatic IPAs and seasonal beers unique to the Yakima Valley.
Address: State Fair Park, 1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
Website: https://freshhopalefestival.com/
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest – Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, modeled after Munich’s original since the early 1970s, has a rich history of Bavarian traditions in a high-altitude alpine setting with German bands and stein contests. It features strong German beers like Spaten, Franziskaner, Warsteiner, and Konig Ludwig, alongside crafts amid lakes and pines.
Address: Big Bear Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Website: https://bigbearevents.com/