Top 2026 New Jersey Vibrant Beer Festivals You'll Love
Experience the best of the Garden State’s craft scene with our guide to the top New Jersey beer festivals.
From lively pour-fests on the Atlantic City Boardwalk to scenic farm-to-glass celebrations in North Jersey, these beer festivals have been selected as vibrant events that offer more than just a tasting—they deliver an immersive atmosphere of live music, local gourmet eats, and exclusive seasonal brews.
Whether you’re a dedicated hophead or a casual fan of local lagers, discover the must-attend NJ beer festivals that define Jersey’s soaring craft culture.
Last Updated May 4, 2026
The Top 2026 Beer Festivals in New Jersey
Meadowlands Beer Fest
May 16, 2026: 5 pm – 9 pm
The Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
Festival highlights include beers from across the U.S., live music from DJ ALX, live horse racing beginning at 6:20 PM, and a simulcast of The Belmont Stakes. All attendees will have access to tastings, pairings, educational seminars, and additional activities throughout the evening.
Cost: $15 – $70
Rhythm and Brews
Saturday, May 16, 2026: 3 - 9pm
Station and Atlantic Ave.,
Downtown Haddon Heights
This event features craft beers, live music, Food Trucks, and more. A stage will be set for Music and additional music will be placed along the avenue. Look for libations - Live performances- and a day where you can eat sip walk and enjoy up and down town.
Cost: Free.
Lions, Tigers and Beers
Saturday, Sunday, June 6, 7, 2026 (Saturday: 4PM - 8PM Sunday: 12PM - 4PM)
Popcorn Park,
1 Humane Way,
Forked River, NJ
This age 21+ event features beer with animals. Expect to have some pilsner with the peacocks, a lager with the lions, or a belgian with the bears
Cost: GA $55, VIP $75, Designate driver $20
Asbury Fest
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Bradley Park (across from Convention Hall),
101-199 Fifth Avenue,
Asbury Park, NJ
This three day fest features beer, wine and spirits with live music, food, and games. The Fest will feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost: $5 (Free for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders. Children 6 and under)
Hopsauce Festival
Saturday, June 13, 2026: 11am
Taylor Ave Waterfront,
325 Taylor Avenue,
Beach Haven, NJ
HopSauce festival is a celebration of hot sauces from sweet to hot, and for lovers of craft beer. Attendeees can sample 50+ brews ranging from IPA's to Stouts to Ciders. You can pair your craft beer and hot sauce with a delicious selection of food and snacks from local restaurants and shops --- and with over five hours of music by new, notable and original music artists on the Main Stage. A portion of the proceeds are earmarked for community initiatives via the Jetty Rock Foundation.
Cost: GA $25, Craft beer samplings $70,
VIP tickets sold in blocks of 50 with each block increasing in price ($150, $160, and $175
NJ Beer & Food Festival
June 20, 2026
Crystal Springs Resort, Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ
This popular festival on the grounds of New Jersey's most upscale resort features selections from over 200 beers, ciders & hard seltzers along with an unlimited buffet, live music, and fun activities with goat races, axe throwing, laser clay shooting, hippity-hop races, lawn games, giant beer pong & more.
Cost: GA $110, VIP $150, Designated driver $65
Brew at the Zoo
June 27, 2026; 6pm-9pm
Turtle Back Zoo,
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ
Thios event features more than 50 New Jersey beers, with non-alcoholic drinks, food, live entertainment, animal visits, and and more.
Cost: Not published as of April 22, 2026
Flemington's Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2026; 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Main Street,
Flemington, NJ
Celebrating the peak flavors of Jersey summer with sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, and craft beer at the center of the fun. The street fills with farm fresh tastings, local restaurant specials, live music, family activities, and a lineup of New Jersey breweries pouring seasonal favorites. It's a lively, open air community festival that blends small town charm with great food and a relaxed summer vibe, making it an easy, family friendly day out in historic downtown Flemington.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
September 5, 6, 7, 2026: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack,
Oceanport Avenue,
Oceanport, NJ
This Labor Day weekend features three days of delicious BBQ and a great selection of brews in their NJ Craft Beer Garden. The Craft Beer Garden will feature over 40 NJ craft beers to choose from. Enjoy live music all three days! Free Family Fun Day activities take place from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday featuring pony rides, clowns, face painters and a bounce house.
Cost:
$24, includes 10 2-oz craft beer samples, a $2 betting voucher, commemorative sampling pilsner glass & General Admission. Parking is Free!
Brew By the Bay Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026; 12pm - 5pm
Seafarer,
1 Atlantic St.,
Highlands, NJ
This event features a tasting takes on the picturesque waterfront. Visitors will get to enjoy seven 4oz. tastings, There will be live music, and food to purchase.
Event Cost: $45 (Includes eight 4oz. tastings, and a pint of craft beer)
Harvest Brew Fest
September 19, 2026: 10 am – 5 pm
The Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
This event features craft beers and and celebration of South Jersey during this all-day festival that celebrates all things local! Enjoy local food vendors, local artisans, local craft beers and local musical talent.
Cost: Free
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Beer Festivals in 2026
How were the best beer festivals in New Jersey for 2026 selected?
The picks on this page are based on factors readers actually care about, including brewery lineup, event size, beer quality, location, past attendance, ticket value, and the overall experience. Timing also matters, because some festivals are better for fresh seasonal releases, while others stand out for variety or strong local brewery turnout. When details for 2026 aren't fully posted yet, the selection leans on each event's track record and how consistently it delivers.
What should I look for before buying tickets to a New Jersey beer festival?
Start with the brewery list, session length, pour size, and whether food is included or sold separately. You'll also want to check if the event is indoors or outdoors, because weather can change the whole day. In addition, look at parking, public transit access, and refund rules, especially for high-demand festivals that sell out early.
The best-value ticket isn't always the cheapest one. A slightly higher price can be worth it if the brewery list is stronger and the event is better run.
When do the top New Jersey beer festivals usually happen?
Most happen from spring through fall, when outdoor venues and larger crowds are easier to manage. Still, winter events can be strong if you're after darker styles, barrel-aged pours, or indoor tasting sessions. Because dates can shift from year to year, it's smart to check official event pages early in 2026.
What can first-time attendees expect at a beer festival in New Jersey?
Expect tasting pours rather than full pints, plus lines at the most popular brewery booths during peak hours. Many events also include food vendors, live music, lawn games, or VIP entry windows, so the day feels more like a full outing than a simple tasting. Bring your ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pace yourself, because even small pours add up fast.
Are New Jersey beer festivals good for casual drinkers, or are they mostly for beer enthusiasts?
They're usually good for both, as long as the event has a broad beer list and a manageable layout. Casual drinkers often enjoy festivals with local breweries, easy-to-try styles, and enough food and seating, while more serious fans may want rare releases or brewer meet-and-greets. If you don't want a crowded, high-energy scene, look for smaller events or early-entry sessions.
