Beer festivals are a fantastic way to explore the exciting world of craft beer. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just enjoy a cold pint on the weekend, attending a beer festival is a fun and flavorful experience. These events offer the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of brews, discover new favorites, meet master brewers, and connect with fellow beer lovers from across the country. The United States is home to some of the most popular beer festivals in the world—each one offering its own unique atmosphere, regional specialties, and sudsy surprises.

If you’re planning a beer-centric getaway or looking to add a new experience to your travel bucket list, here are the top beer festivals in the U.S. worth raising a glass to:

Great American Beer Festival – Denver, Colorado

Held annually in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is the largest beer event in the country. This iconic festival draws over 60,000 attendees and features more than 4,000 beers from over 800 breweries nationwide. Beer lovers can enjoy guided tastings, food pairings, and expert-led educational seminars. It’s a must-attend for anyone serious about the craft beer scene.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, attracting more than half a million visitors each year. Modeled after Munich’s famous event, this Midwest festival showcases over 100 German and American-style beers, authentic Bavarian cuisine, live polka bands, and the ever-popular running of the wiener dogs. Prost!

Oregon Brewers Festival – Portland, Oregon

As one of the longest-running craft beer festivals in the country, the Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland celebrates the vibrant Pacific Northwest beer culture. With more than 80 breweries participating and around 70,000 visitors in attendance, this five-day event is a craft beer lover’s paradise. It also offers rare brews and unique experimental ales that are hard to find elsewhere.

San Francisco Beer Week – San Francisco, California

Spanning 10 days, San Francisco Beer Week offers hundreds of events, including tap takeovers, beer dinners, meet-the-brewer nights, and educational sessions. With over 100 participating breweries, it’s a celebration of Northern California’s diverse and innovative brewing scene.

Chicago Beer Classic – Chicago, Illinois

Set against the stunning backdrop of Soldier Field, the Chicago Beer Classic invites attendees to sample over 150 craft beers from more than 70 breweries. It’s one of the best beer festivals in the Midwest, featuring live music, games, and beautiful city views while you sip.

Great Taste of the Midwest – Madison, Wisconsin

Known for its relaxed vibe and exceptional selection, the Great Taste of the Midwest showcases over 190 regional breweries with more than 1,400 beers on tap. This event is popular for showcasing small, independent breweries and limited-edition pours.

Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival – Breckenridge, Colorado

Set in the scenic town of Breckenridge, Colorado, this upscale beer festival specializes in strong ales, rare imports, and rich barleywines. Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines features world-class seminars and guided tastings led by some of the most respected names in the brewing world.

This Beer Mug is Empty… Time to Refill!

Whether you’re traveling across the country or planning a weekend road trip, these U.S. beer festivals offer unforgettable experiences filled with flavor, culture, and camaraderie. With events running year-round, there’s always a reason to explore the exciting and ever-growing craft beer scene. So grab your favorite pint glass and make plans to attend one of these unforgettable beer festivals soon!