International Beer Day

International Beer Day History

International Beer Day is a global celebration dedicated to the appreciation of beer, diverse brewing traditions, and the bond that this popular beverage builds among friends and strangers alike. Honoring the craft of beer-making, this observance encourages beer lovers to explore different beer styles and flavors from various regions and countries around the world. Additionally, International Beer Day serves as an opportunity to thank the dedicated individuals who brew, distribute, and serve beer.

Founded in 2007 by Jesse Avshalomov in Santa Cruz, California, International Beer Day has since transformed into a worldwide event that resonates with millions of beer enthusiasts in over 200 cities across 80 countries. Apart from promoting the universal love for beer, this observance also highlights the booming US craft brewing industry. In recent years, the United States has witnessed a remarkable growth in microbreweries, becoming a leading hub for innovative and award-winning brews that embody the essence of American creativity, ingenuity, and passion for high-quality beer.

In America, International Beer Day is observed by organizing various beer-themed events such as tastings, food pairings, brewery tours, and special promotions at bars and restaurants. These events aim to foster a sense of camaraderie among beer lovers, while supporting local businesses and showcasing the best of American brews. It is an excellent opportunity for Americans to discover the rich and diverse world of beer in their own nation. International Beer Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of August, making it an eagerly anticipated occasion for beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Top 10 Facts for International Beer Day in 2026

• Here are 10 key facts and pieces of information regarding International Beer Day:
  
  * International Beer Day encourages enthusiasts to step outside their comfort zones by sampling brews from cultures other than their own, fostering a sense of global unity through a shared appreciation for the beverage.
• The observance is officially guided by three core purposes: gathering with friends to enjoy beer, honoring those who brew and serve it, and uniting the world under the common banner of beer.
• Founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, by Jesse Avshalomov, the holiday has expanded from a local event into a worldwide phenomenon observed in over 200 cities, 80 countries, and across six continents.
• The date for the observance is set for the first Friday in August to take advantage of favorable summer weather and to ensure it remains distinct from other beer-related celebrations throughout the year.
• Participants traditionally celebrate by gifting one another beer, attending brewery tours, participating in trivia nights, and expressing gratitude to bartenders and beer technicians.
• Beer stands as one of the world’s oldest beverages, with archaeological evidence of production dating back approximately 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia.
• Globally, beer is recognized as the third most popular drink, trailing only water and tea in total consumption.
• The academic study of fermentation in brewing is formally known as zymurgy, a field that has helped advance the consistency and quality of beer production.
• While beer styles vary widely, the most common type produced and consumed globally is lager, which accounts for a significant share of the international market.
• The United States is consistently ranked as one of the top beer-producing countries in the world, alongside nations like China and Germany.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Beer Day

Top things to do in the US for International Beer Day

• Visit your local watering hole and try a new beer that you have never had.
• Try an international award-winning beer. The International Brewing Awards are recognize outstanding achievements in the brewing industry. The winners for 2015 include:
  1. Champion Dark Beer - Black Butte Porter, Deschutes Brewery Inc., Oregon, USA
  2. Champion Strong Beer - Brugse Zot Dubbel, Brouwerij De Halve Maan, Bruges, Belgium
  3. Champion Specialty Beer - Red Chair NWPA, Deschutes Brewery Inc., Oregon, USA
  4. Champion Keg Ale - Revisionist Rye Pale Ale, Marston’s PLC, Wolverhampton, UK
• Visit a local craft brewery in your state. Here are our top US picks a visit to:
  1) Dogfish Head, Milton, Del.
  2) Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, Calif.
  3) Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, Mich.
  4) Oskar Blues, Lyons, Colo. and
  5) Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, Calif.
• Watch a flick that pays tribute to Beer. Our top picks: Oktoberfest (1987), Beer Wars (2009), Strange Brew (1983), Beerfest (2006)