Do you have a beer festival bucket list? They are a great way to discover new beers and meet up with your beer buddies. They are also an awesome excuse to explore new places, and can be an excellent focal point to explore UK and overseas destinations. Obviously one of the beer festival heavyweights is Oktoberfest, which we covered in issue 9 (read it online at www.mashed.beer), but there are many other amazing contenders. We asked our community for their best beer fest experiences. Here are some of their recommendations.

TOP BEER FESTIVAL TIP 

There can be lot of beer choices at these events, so take the pressure away from on-the-spot ordering by looking at the festival beer list before the event or when you get there. Tick the ones you’re keen to try, and start with the brew you’re most excited about before they sell out. Unless, of course, it’s a 12% pastry stout, in which case maybe give your palate a chance to enjoy your less intense beers first. Also, if you’re kicking off with a load of 12 percenters you might end up being ‘that’ person slumped in the corner by 3.15 pm. Especially if your festival ticket includes unlimited pours. Hey, not trying to shame anyone here, but it’s a pity to peak too soon. You might miss out on the best beer you’ve ever had. Because beer festivals are such a great place to explore the brews you might not find in your local boozer or craft beer bar. “It’s not so much about the festival itself, in my opinion”, says MASHED Homebrew Champ 2024 David Clough, “rather the memories of the truly great beers discovered and experienced. For instance, the most memorable beer I’ve ever had, called ’Deceitful Rose’, from now defunct Pontefract Brewery, was at a beer festival.” 

Beer Festival News

The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) have recently announced that the festival is moving from London to NEC Birmingham. Next year’s festival is on 5 - 9 August. Also new is the onsite campsite, so if you have a caravan, motorhome, roof tent or campervan you can camp overnight right there at the NEC. Read more and book tickets: greatbritishbeerfestival.co.uk â– 

What’s your favourite beer festival?

“The first ever Beavertown Extravaganza before they got bought out by Heineken, think it was 2018 maybe?” - Ben R. 

“Mine, at home and it cost next to nothing. I’m having one tonight” - Michael Stockbridge.

La Fira del Poblenou, Barcelona

An epic craft beer party near the beach in Barcelona? Yes, please! La Fira del Poblenou celebrates with 65 breweries, food trucks, DJs and more. The 2024 event was held in July, so keep an eye on their website and socials for news of the next one.

www.lafiradelpoblenou.com 

Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels

Head to the historic Grand-Place in Brussels during the first weekend of September and you’ll discover over 500 unique beers from 50+ renowned breweries. Plus live music and parades. Entrance into the festival itself is free.

www.belgianbeerweekend.be 

St Malo Craft Beer Expo, Brittany, France

At this 3 day event for brewers and craft beer fans you can discover great beers from Brittany and beyond, learn and participate in workshops and talks, or how about entering the BJCP Amateur Brewing Competition? Next event: March 2025. For info and tickets visit: saintmalocraftbeerexpo.com  

Hat Tip: Simon S

Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival

Said to be one of the largest and most prestigious festivals of its kind in the world, the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival attracts enthusiasts, industry professionals and producers from all across the globe. If you’re looking for high quality beer, whiskies and spirits in a very cool city, this is the event for you. 

www.stockholmbeer.se  

Dark & Wild, Northern Monk Refectory, Leeds

Northern Monk presents around 30 of their favourite breweries from around the world - perfect if you’re looking for top drawer dark and wild beers. Next event: 2 November 2024

www.northernmonk.com 

Celtic Beer Festival Cornwall

Experience Cornwall’s biggest beer festival with over 100 beers from some of the best brewers in the business, from the South West and beyond. Next event: 25 November 2024. 

staustellbrewery.co.uk

The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival

Here’s another long-running annual favourite! This festival offers 600 beers and 120 ciders, plus live music across 2 stages. You’ll also find plenty of food options and gins, prosecco and country wines for those who don’t fancy a beer.

beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org 

Leeds International Beer Festival 

This popular annual 4 day festival has been serving up epic brews at Kirkstall Abbey since 2012. As well as tasty beers from the UK and overseas, you can enjoy street food, live music, DJs and other great beery things.

www.leedsbeer.com

Hat Tip: Steve Horsfall