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The Best Beer Festival in Every State for 2022

Don't miss out on this year's best fests with rare brews, entertainment, and beer-friendly food.

If you love rare beers, or just trying new sips, your local liquor store will only take you so far. Good thing that beer festival season is upon us (when isn't it?) and there are a bevy across the country where you can drink to your heart's content (responsibly, of course!).

But not all beer fests are created equal, begging the question: Which festivals are worth your time? The rarity of the beers being poured, the quality of the breweries attending (invitationals tend to be more selective), and other entertainment like live music and beer-friendly food. Still don't know where to start? We've done the research and found the best beer festival in every state.

Be sure to check the dates, hours, and ticket information on the festival's website, as the past couple of years have led to many changes and cancellations—unfortunately, some of our favorites may be gone for good. We've only included fests that are currently confirmed for 2022, but as always, that could change! Plus, don't miss The Best Brewery in Every State.

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ALABAMA: Beer Central Festival in Birmingham

Alabama. Beer Central Festival in Birmingham
Beer Central Festival / Facebook

When: September 16-17, 2022

Expect amazing beers from the best breweries from The Midlands and beyond, like Attic, Full Circle, and Salt Beer—and a feast from the best independent kitchens in Birmingham. Beyond beer and eats, you'll also find DJs, wine, cider, and spirits.

ALASKA: Craft Beer and Barley Wine Festival in Anchorage

ALASKA Craft Beer and Barley Wine Festival in Anchorage
Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival / Facebook

When: August

With a lineup of local and visiting craft brewers, this fest is a must in Anchorage, with live music, dancing, and other entertainment.

ARIZONA: Arizona Rockin' Beer Fest in Maricopa

Arizona Arizona Rockin' Beer Fest in Maricopa
Arizona Rockin' Beer Fest / Facebook

When: November 12, 2022

Same beers from local breweries in the state, jam out to live music from local bands, enter a charity raffle, and hit up the full bar if you want a cocktail at Arizona's Rockin' Beer Fest.

ARKANSAS: All Arkansas Craft Beer Festival in Little Rock

arkansas All Arkansas Craft Beer Festival in Little Rock
Arkansas Brewers Guild / Facebook

When: November 14, 2022

Drink local at this Arkansas-only craft beer festival with beers from around the state like Gotahold, Natural State, Flyaway, and more. Held at the River Market, the event will also feature food trucks.

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CALIFORNIA: Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival in Paso Robles

CALIFORNIA Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival in Paso Robles
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. / Facebook

When: June 4, 2022

Widely considered one of the best beer festivals in the US, if not the world, this fest gathers more than 50 of the world's most hyped and in-demand brewers. Beyond the beer, food trucks abound and grub comes with the price of a ticket—assuming you can grab one before they sell out!

COLORADO: The Great American Beer Festival in Denver

COLORADO The Great American Beer Festival in Denver
Great American Beer Festival / Facebook

When: October 6-8, 2022

Colorado has been known as a great beer state for a long time, and this three-day annual event takes place every fall in Denver and is hosted by the Brewers Association. Expect to sample over 1,600 different American beers, which will be judged by judges from all over the country. This is a big festival and a good time!

CONNECTICUT: Crazy Brew Bash in Mount Southington

CONNECTICUT Crazy Brew Bash in Mount Southington
Crazy Brew Bash / Facebook

When: September 2022

Taking place in the off-season at one of Connecticut's ski resorts, this fest is a blast with hundreds of beers, live music, chair lift rides (just for fun), and a Bloody Mary contest. They usually hold a toy drive as well, to support local charities.

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DELAWARE: Odessa Brew Fest in Odessa

DELAWARE Odessa Brew Fest in Odessa
Historic Odessa Brewfest / Facebook

When: September 10, 2022

The Odessa Brewfest is an opportunity to sample some of the best regional and national craft beers, as well as locally-produced wine and spirits, accompanied by great food, great music, and great people—while raising money to preserve historic homes in the area.

FLORIDA: Orlando Beer Festival

FLORIDA Orlando Beer Festival
Courtesy of Orlando Weekly

When: November 12, 2022

Here's something fun to add to your next trip to the Mouse House: Join thousands of your fellow beer lovers to sample craft and premium beers from local breweries and around the country. The fest also offers food, games, and live music. Note: This is a 21+ fest, so plan accordingly.

GEORGIA: Atlanta Summer Beer Festival

GEORGIA Atlanta Summer Beer Festival
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest / Facebook

When: June 11, 2022

At this festival, you'll find over 150 beers – both local and national – to sample while you enjoy the day at historic Fourth Ward Park. This year, they'll have live music from Davis and the Love and DJ Qtip on the main stage, food trucks, and other beverages like seltzers, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

HAWAII: Honolulu on Tap Beer Festival in Honolulu

HAWAII Honolulu on Tap Beer Festival in Honolulu
Honolulu on Tap Beer Festival / Facebook

When: October 22, 2022

Great for tourists and locals, you can drink your way through the Neal Blaisdell Center to sample over 100 craft beer styles from 65 of America's favorite breweries. Trade your lei for a pretzel necklace and peruse local food and retail vendors while rocking out to live music!

IDAHO: Bacon, Bloodys and Brews Festival

bloody mary topped with celery and tomatoes
Bubes Brewery/Facebook

When: May 8, 2022

If there's anything better than drinking beer, it's drinking beer while sampling bacon! Throw in a few Bloody Marys and you've got the best day ever, maybe? This evening event has local businesses preparing bacon dishes and a beer garden with all your favorite pours.

ILLINOIS: Mayfest in Chicago

ILLINOIS Mayfest in Chicago
Mayfest / Facebook

When: June 2-5, 2022

A distinctly German flavored festival – Mayfest (Maifest in German) is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring. This extremely jolly event in Chicago has free admission with beer and food available for purchase. You won't want to miss the keg tapping and May Queen crowning!

INDIANA: Indiana Microbrewers Festival

INDIANA Indiana Microbrewers Festival
Brewers of Indiana Guild / Facebook

When: July 23, 2022

This year is the 25th anniversary of this fest, so you know it's going to be great. Last year's fest was held at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Fest-goers can sip from hundreds of beers brewed by 75+ Hoosier breweries and guest brewers while enjoying local food, shopping, games, and more.

IOWA: Iowa Craft Brew Festival in Des Moines

IOWA Iowa Craft Brew Festival in Des Moines
Iowa Brewers Guild / Facebook

When: June 4, 2022

This summer event, in its eighth year, includes unlimited samples of Iowa craft beer and cider, live music, local food trucks, and more, for the price of admission. This year, if you want to learn brewing, Ankeny's C&S Brew Supply plans to hold homebrew demonstrations.

KANSAS: Tap That Topeka Beer Fest in Topeka

KANSAS Tap That Topeka Beer Fest in Topeka
TAP THAT – A Capital Brew Festival / Facebook

When: June 11, 2022

This Topeka-based event claims to be the biggest beer fest in the Midwest and offers all-you-can-drink beer, ciders, and seltzers as part of general admission. You'll also find food trucks and live DJs.

KENTUCKY: Kentucky Craft Bash in Louisville

KENTUCKY Kentucky Craft Bash in Louisville
Courtesy of Kentucky Craft Bash

When: June 11, 2022

While Kentucky may be bourbon country, they don't mess around with their beer either. Head to Louisville's Waterfront Park for Kentucky's only craft beer festival by brewers, for brewers. Experimental beers and collaborations that don't go into widespread distribution and are rarely found outside of a brewery's taproom will also be available to sample.

LOUISIANA: Cap City Beer Fest in Baton Rouge

LOUISIANA Cap City Beer Fest in Baton Rouge
Cap City Beer Fest / Facebook

When: November 2, 2022

For seven years running this fest has supported the Companion Animal League of Baton Rouge, and is a dog-friendly event held in downtown Baton Rouge and in the past offered beers from over 15 local breweries.

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MAINE: Mast Landing's Wavy Days Beer Fest in Scarborough

MAINE Mast Landing's Wavy Days Beer Fest in Scarborough
@wavydaysfest / Twitter

When: July 21-24, 2022

This multi-day festival showcases brewers from across the country with tap takeovers, a booze cruise, and an all-day festival that will be hosted in the infield of the former Scarborough Downs Racetrack, where all attending breweries will pour a variety of amazing beers for festival-goers.

MARYLAND: Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick

MARYLAND Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick
Brewers Association of Maryland / Facebook

When: May 14, 2022

This festival includes beer samples from dozens of local breweries – often including a few not yet available to the public—pouring more than 200 unique beers—all brewed in Maryland. Additionally, the fest will offer food and craft vendors and live music.

MASSACHUSETTS: Power Beer Fest in Boston

MASSACHUSETTS Power Beer Fest in Boston
Courtesy of Beer Fests

When: May 14, 2022

This popular beer fest returns to Boston, with juice bombs, sours, and stouts, you'll find every kind of beer at this event. The fundraiser and beer tasting will feature 40 local breweries like Lord Hobo, Mayflower, Castle Island, Jack's Abby, and more.

MICHIGAN: Summer Beer Festival at Ypsilanti's Riverside Park

Michigan Brewers Guild Festival
Courtesy Michigan Brewers Guild

When: Summer 2022

Drink and sweat outside in the summer sun at a Ypsilanti's Riverside Park in the middle of July? Why not?! Drawing thousands of people each year to sample hundreds of local beers from some of Michigan's top breweries, festival-goers will be treated to live music, performances, delicious food, and plenty of walking grounds in the peak of summertime.

MINNESOTA: Bock Fest in New Ulm

MINNESOTA Bock Fest in New Ulm
Schell's Brewery / Facebook

When: March 5, 2022

Held in early spring since 1987, this fest is probably the chilliest of the beer festivals on the list, but also one of the most fun. You'll find Schell's beer, brats, live music, and warm fires. The brewery also hosts a popular Oktoberfest.

MISSISSIPPI: Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival in Hattiesburg

MISSISSIPPI: Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival / Facebook

When: June 18, 2022

Heading into its eighth year, this festival is part of FestivalSouth, Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival, setting it apart from other beer festivals as they showcase the art and artists behind craft beer.

MISSOURI: KC Summer Beer Fest in Kansas City

MISSOURI KC Summer Beer Fest in Kansas City
Kansas City Brew Fest / Facebook

When: May 7, 2022

This massive fest takes place at Arrowhead Stadium, where the local pro football team plays, and features over 50 beers, food vendors, and access to the football field. It's a great time for beer and football lovers!

MONTANA: Brewers Summer Rendezvous in Helena

MONTANA Brewers Summer Rendezvous in Helena
Montana Brewers Association / Facebook

When: August 6, 2022

Enjoy summer day drinking while celebrating Montana craft beers at this beloved event in Helena. Live music, a collectible glass, and samples of Montana craft beer are all included with your ticket. Great news, no waiting in line to buy beer tokens at this brewfest!

NEBRASKA: Omaha Beer Fest in Omaha

NEBRASKA Omaha Beer Fest in Omaha
Omaha Beer Fest / Facebook

When: July 16, 2022

With over twenty brewers pouring their best new brews and a bartender competition, there should be plenty to drink and see at this fun event.

NEVADA: Downtown Brew Fest in Las Vegas

NEVADA Downtown Brew Fest in Las Vegas
Great Vegas Festival of Beer / Facebook

When: April 22 & 23, 2022

The annual Downtown Brew Festival is Las Vegas' iconic outdoor craft beer, music, and culinary festival under the stars with 60 breweries pouring over 200 craft beers in downtown Las Vegas. The festival promises local cuisine, live music, and interactive experiences.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE: Kingston Brew Fest in Kingston

NEW HAMPSHIRE Kingston Brew Fest in Kingston
Kingston Brew Fest / Facebook

When: June 25, 2022

Benefiting the Kingston volunteer fire association, this fest features pours from 30 local breweries, lots of food truck options, drinking games, and live music.

NEW JERSEY: Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival in Atlantic City

NEW JERSEY Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival in Atlantic City
The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival / Facebook

When: June 4-5, 2022

Celebrate beer and the people who brew it seaside at Bader Field in AC, where you'll find live music from Alkaline Trio and New Found Glory, a morning 5k, and over 30 breweries (to date) pouring local and national beers

NEW MEXICO: The Great New Mexico Beer Festival in Albuquerque

NEW MEXICO The Great New Mexico Beer Festival in Albuquerque
Food Truck Festivals of America / Facebook

When: June 17-18, 2022

This festival, featuring over 30 breweries from New Mexico, claims to directly support local breweries. The fest offers a lot to do while drinking, like beer and food panels, free movies and mini-golf, craft vendors, and lawn games.

NEW YORK: TAP New York Craft Beer & Food Festival in Bethel

NEW YORK TAP New York Craft Beer & Food Festival in Bethel
TAP New York Craft Beer & Food Festival / Facebook

When: May 21-22, 2022

Sadly, many of our favorite New York brewfests didn't survive the last two years, but this Hudson Valley event is always a winner. A two-day fest showcasing over 200 hand-crafted beers, which is known as one of the best in the country, returns for the 23rd year, and will also offer a food court.

NORTH CAROLINA: Bears, Bees and Brews in Asheville

NORTH CAROLINA Bears, Bees and Brews in Asheville
Bears Bees + Brews / Facebook

When: October 9, 2022

With Asheville's Beer City Fest on hold this year, we're going with this fall event that serves drinks and a party to celebrate wildlife and wilderness in the area – what's better than that? This family-friendly event raises money for the Center for Honeybee Research with beers, live music, and educational activities for the kids!

NORTH DAKOTA: Brew at the Zoo in Bismarck

NORTH DAKOTA Brew at the Zoo in Bismarck
Dakota Zoo / Facebook

When: August 18, 2022

This fest includes wild animals alongside a variety of beers to sample from local distributors and craft brewers will be in the house as well with Laughing Sun, Buffalo Commons, Bismarck Brewing, Black Leg Brewery, Gideon's Brewing and more. This is an adults-only evening, so leave the kids at home while you get wild.

OHIO: Grand Slam Beer Fest in Cleveland

OHIO Grand Slam Beer Fest in Cleveland
Cleveland Beerfest / Facebook

When: July 9, 2022

Head to Progressive Field and enjoy a day on the field with hundreds of craft brews to sample and ballpark food to keep you going—the only outside food allowed in is your handy pretzel necklace.

OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival / Facebook

When: May 14, 2022

Since 2011, this fest has been pouring craft brews (they started out with just three breweries!) for thirsty beer lovers. This year, they've partnered with over 60 different breweries from all over the United States including many local breweries. The event will be held in the pavilion building at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and will feature a beer competition.

OREGON: Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland

OREGON Oregon Brewers Festival in Portland
Oregon Brewers Festival / Facebook

When: July 28-30, 2022

Billed as Oregon's original craft brew celebration, this festival has been running since 1988. Taking place in July, this outdoor festival has food trucks, a beautiful view of Mt. Hood, and brews from hundreds of breweries to sample.

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PENNSYLVANIA: Mifflinburg Oktoberfest

PENNSYLVANIA Mifflinburg Oktoberfest
Mifflinburg Oktoberfest / Facebook

When: September 30 & October 1, 2022

The state's rich German tradition is on display in Mifflinburg at the annual Oktoberfest, where thirst attendees will find activities like the keg toss and beer lift, plenty of dancing, and commemorative beer steins for all the beers they'll sample.

RHODE ISLAND: Newport Beer Festival

RHODE ISLAND Newport Beer Festival
Newport Beer Festival / Facebook

When: April 2023

For ten years running, this fest brings with it a day full of craft beer taste-testing, live music, and local flavors from over 40 craft brewers. This fest features breweries big and small, from RI's oldest brewery, Narragansett Brewery, to a brand new microbrewery in Bristol, Pivotal Brewing.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston Beer Fest in Charleston

SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston Beer Fest in Charleston
Charleston Beer Fest / Facebook

When: October 22, 2022

Head to Riverfront Park for a day of beers, games, and food trucks in the sun. This year the fest promises more beers and bigger acts, and the day is all for a great cause, raising funds for Palmetto Community Care.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Deadwood's Craft Beer Fest: Hops and Hogs in Deadwood

SOUTH DAKOTA Deadwood's Craft Beer Fest
HISTORIC DEADWOOD / Facebook

When: September 23-24, 2022

In 1876, the Wild West town of Deadwood was born when prospectors came across a gulch full of dead trees and a creek full of gold. It's still a destination for locals and tourists, and this event combines local history and craft brews. You'll get an open container cup, tasting card, and a great time with old west vibes.

TENNESSEE: Music City Brewers Festival in Nashville

TENNESSEE Music City Brewers Festival in Nashville
Music City Brewers Festival / Facebook

When: July 23, 2022

Held at Walk of Fame Park for the past 20 years, this music-packed brew fest features beers from around the country, local spirits, dancing and lots of yummy food trucks to keep you going all day long.

TEXAS: Texas Craft Brewers Festival in East Austin

TEXAS Texas Craft Brewers Festival in East Austin
Texas Craft Brewers Festival

When: October 1, 2022

In a state where they do everything big, you know the biggest beer fest, held in Fiesta Park, is going to exceed all expectations. In the past, this fest focused on small and independent Texas brewers, with 200 independent craft beers in past years, as well as live music and onsite food options.

UTAH: Snowbird Oktoberfest in Snowbird

UTAH Snowbird Oktoberfest in Snowbird
Catherine Z. / Yelp

When: August 16 – October 17, 2022, Sat. & Sun

This ski resort has over 60,000 visitors each year for its Oktoberfest, making it one of the largest festivals in Utah. Hosting German-style beer, craft beer, and domestic beer, no wonder it's so popular. The fest is known for great German food and for supporting local artists by showcasing their work.

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VERMONT: Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington

VERMONT Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington
Vermont Brewers Association / Facebook

When: July 21-23, 2022

Since 1991, this beer fest has been a favorite of craft beer lovers across the country, as Vermont has become a respected beer destination. You'll find unique food trucks and a beautiful scene on the edge of Lake Champlain, plus you'll get 15 pours with your ticket.

VIRGINIA: Go With the Flow Brewfest in Fries

VIRGINIA Go With the Flow Brewfest in Fries
Go With The Flow Music & Brewfest / Facebook

When: June 25, 2022

There's so much going on at this brew fest! Try a new craft beer from local and national brewers, eat delicious food, enjoy live music, axe throwing, vendors, a 5K race, and more!

WASHINGTON: Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima

WASHINGTON Fresh Hop Ale Festival in Yakima
Fresh Hop Ale Festival / Facebook

When: October 8, 2022

This festival attracts beer lovers from all over the world to celebrate hops at the home of the largest producer of hops in the US. The beers at the fest have to be brewed with fresh hops from the Valley and can only be produced at this time of year, and will be judged. Expect music, crowds and good food too!

WEST VIRGINIA: Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling

WEST VIRGINIA Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling
Mountaineer Brewfest / Facebook

When: August 20, 2022

Held in downtown Wheeling along the Ohio River, this outdoor fest offers a good mix of West Virginia and out-of-state brews. The festival also offers lots of food options and musical entertainment all evening.

WISCONSIN: Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison

WISCONSIN Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison
Great Taste of the Midwest (SM) / Facebook

When: August 12, 2022

This homegrown fest is an entirely volunteer-planned and run event by The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild, and they promise over 1,400 beers will be available for sampling. The local homebrewing club aims to support Midwest breweries and support several local charities with the proceeds from this fun festival.

WYOMING: Wyoming Brewers Fest in Cheyenne

WYOMING Wyoming Brewers Fest in Cheyenne
Wyoming Brewers Festival, Presented by Midas / Facebook

When: June 17-18, 2022

An annual fundraising event to preserve the Union Pacific Depot in Cheyenne for the past 26 years, this fest has over 30 participating breweries, including many that are local to Wyoming. Past years have included live music from local bands, yoga, and food trucks.

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Tanya Edwards
Tanya Edwards is a seasoned food and health journalist, who has held roles at Yahoo Health as Managing Editor and at Food Network as Programming Director. Read more about Tanya