USA TODAY 10Best
Celebrate brews and good times at the 10 best beer festivals in the US
Best Beer Festival (2024)
Beer festivals not only offer attendees the chance to sample numerous brews (sometimes even rare and one-off pours), but also allow beer fans to get to know their favorite brewmasters, sample paired foods, and learn all about beer and brewing.
To find the best fests, we asked a panel of beer experts to nominate their top picks, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best beer festivals in the United States.
- Great Taste of the Midwest - Madison, Wisconsin
- Lumberjack Day by 3 Sons Brewing Co. - Dania Beach, Florida
- Historic New Castle Belgian Beer Festival - New Castle, Delaware
- Fresh Hop Ale Festival - Yakima, Washington
- Tailspin Ale Fest - Louisville, Kentucky
- Brave Brews Festival - Auburn, New York
- Kill The Lights - Knoxville, Tennessee
- Great American Beer Festival - Denver, Colorado
- Suwanee Beer Fest - Suwanee, Georgia
- Barrel & Flow Fest - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of Scott Mauer
No. 10:
One of the longest-running beer events in North America, this craft beer festival brings around 200 of the Midwest’s finest craft brewers to Madison each year. Attendees can taste some 1,400 beers, attend beer-centric seminars, and sample foods from local vendors — all while strolling through a beautiful park overlooking Lake Monona.
Photo courtesy of 3 Sons Brewing Co
No. 9:
3 Sons Brewing Co. hosts the super-fun Lumberjack Day, a 5-hour craft beer drinking festival that features 50 of the world's best breweries. You'll need to get an advance VIP pass or general admission ticket to be part of the fun, but in return, you'll get unlimited pours, enjoy digital art, food trucks, and even ax throwing and chainsaw sculpting events.
Photo courtesy of Terry Gormley
No. 8:
This new festival showcases both the charms of Delaware's historic New Castle as well as newly imported Belgian beers. Started in 2022, the festival features 30 different Belgian beers being served for the first time in Delaware. The event is held in beautiful Battery Park, set on the banks of the Delaware River.
No. 7:
The Fresh Hop Ale Festival pays reverence to the Yakima Valley's abundant hops (which account for 75% of U.S. hop acreage), and at the same time supports the Yakima County-based arts and science organizations. This is an immensely popular festival, with over 70 breweries, wineries, and cideries taking part. You can camp out at this week-long extravaganza, and for many, getting to sample a fresh hop brew can be life-changing.
Photo courtesy of Tailspin Ale Fest
No. 6:
Tailspin Ale Fest in Louisville is all about beer and planes — and it's a great way to warm up in the dead of winter. Beer enthusiasts and flight fanatics gather amid a display of World War II-era aircraft at Bowman Field to sample 250-plus craft beers from more than 50 breweries. Attendees also enjoy live music and the best of Louisville food trucks.
Photo courtesy of Christopher Molloy
No. 5:
Brave Brews Festival in Auburn, New York, celebrates women and non-binary individuals in the craft beer industry, inspired by the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day, an annual ritual at Prison City that kicks off and honors Women's History Month. Not only can you sample some of the top crafts created by women and non-binary individuals in the New York beer industry, you'll be able to check out Prison City's fantastic Fire & Ice Festival, where tons of ice gets carved into sculptures, drink luges, and courtyard games. Literally and figuratively, it's the coolest event in town.
No. 4:
If you like your beer festivals big, head for Knoxville, where XUL Beer Company invites some of the top-tier brewers from around the country for the new Kill The Lights fest. Started in 2022, this event brings more than 60 different breweries to one spot, with tents set up in the parking lot and warehouse. XUL also provides music, food, and all the beery cheer necessary to make this one of the premier events for serious beer geeks seeking to sip the best of the best.
Photo courtesy of Brewers Association
No. 3:
For more than 40 years, Denver has hosted the Great American Beer Festival, bringing together hundreds of breweries for beer education, awareness of beer trends, networking, research, the chance to sample from the largest annual U.S. beer selection, and pure fun. The festival is also a competition, with medals being awarded in more than 90 categories.
Photo courtesy of Big South Productions
No. 2:
This St. Patrick’s Day party in Georgia doubles as one of the state’s biggest and best craft beer festivals. Suwanee Beer Fest at Town Center Park features more than 400 craft beers from across the U.S., unlimited tastings, live music, games, food trucks, and a home brew contest.
Photo courtesy of Epicast
No. 1:
During Pittsburgh's Barrel & Flow Fest, some 3,000 craft beer industry professionals and enthusiasts come together for a weekend celebrating Black-owned breweries, with collaborations with Black artists and entrepreneurs from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Alexis Dickie
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who... Read More
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who has visited over 1,275 breweries in 36 states and 34 countries. As a Michigan native Alexis was introduced to the craft beer scene early via Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon before visiting her first taproom, Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta. She immediately fell in love with the brewery atmosphere and her passion for craft beer was formed. 10+ years later, Alexis and her pup Mosaic are residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes about craft beer and creates beer and travel itineraries on her blog Adventures & Ales while documenting her journeys on Instagram at @adventures.and.ales.
Alexis Dickie
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who has visited over 1,275 breweries in 36 states and 34 countries. As a Michigan native Alexis was introduced to the craft beer scene early via Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon before visiting her first taproom, Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta. She immediately fell in love with the brewery atmosphere and her passion for craft beer was formed. 10+ years later, Alexis and her pup Mosaic are residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes about craft beer and creates beer and travel itineraries on her blog Adventures & Ales while documenting her journeys on Instagram at @adventures.and.ales.
Beth Demmon
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author,... Read More
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author, and podcast host specializing in covering the craft beer and cider industries. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur Magazine, PUNCH, Good Beer Hunting, San Diego Magazine, and many more. She is a Certified BJCP beer judge, a Certified Cider Professional through the American Cider Association, and member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, will be on shelves on September 12, 2023. She lives in San Diego, California. Learn more at bethdemmon.com, follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or subscribe to her free newsletter on Substack, Prohibitchin'.
Beth Demmon
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author, and podcast host specializing in covering the craft beer and cider industries. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur Magazine, PUNCH, Good Beer Hunting, San Diego Magazine, and many more. She is a Certified BJCP beer judge, a Certified Cider Professional through the American Cider Association, and member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, will be on shelves on September 12, 2023. She lives in San Diego, California. Learn more at bethdemmon.com, follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or subscribe to her free newsletter on Substack, Prohibitchin'.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who... Read More
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Jackie Dodd Mallory
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and... Read More
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and photographer based in Seattle. She is the author of three best-selling cooking with beer cookbooks and the owner of craftbeerphotography.com you can find her on social media @TheBeeroness.
Jackie Dodd Mallory
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and photographer based in Seattle. She is the author of three best-selling cooking with beer cookbooks and the owner of craftbeerphotography.com you can find her on social media @TheBeeroness.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home... Read More
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Kendall Jones
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and... Read More
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and longtime beer writer. For the past 15 years, he has produced the Washington Beer Blog and also worked as a freelance beer writer, event producer, beer judge, and border collie ball-tosser. He is also the editor-in-chief of The Taster Tray, a craft-focused weekly newsletter. You can keep up with Kendall on Instagram @beerblog, Threads @beerblog, or Facebook @washingtonbeerblog.
Kendall Jones
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and longtime beer writer. For the past 15 years, he has produced the Washington Beer Blog and also worked as a freelance beer writer, event producer, beer judge, and border collie ball-tosser. He is also the editor-in-chief of The Taster Tray, a craft-focused weekly newsletter. You can keep up with Kendall on Instagram @beerblog, Threads @beerblog, or Facebook @washingtonbeerblog.
Ruth Berman
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer... Read More
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts, Ruth was recently knighted in Belgium by the Knighthood of the Brewers Mash Staff for her contributions to spreading the world about Belgian beer culture. Bon Beer Voyage offers high quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) both in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind-experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, world class beer, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. She is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server, as well as a member of the Pink Boots Society and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. She has served on the panel of beer experts for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards since 2014. While traveling, Ruth enjoys sketching and painting watercolors of the breweries she visits.
Ruth Berman
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts, Ruth was recently knighted in Belgium by the Knighthood of the Brewers Mash Staff for her contributions to spreading the world about Belgian beer culture. Bon Beer Voyage offers high quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) both in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind-experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, world class beer, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. She is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server, as well as a member of the Pink Boots Society and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. She has served on the panel of beer experts for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards since 2014. While traveling, Ruth enjoys sketching and painting watercolors of the breweries she visits.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
