Top 2026 New Jersey Vibrant Beer Festivals You'll Love

What Sets New Jersey Beer Festivals Apart?

New Jersey beer festivals and local breweries have a character all their own, shaped by close-knit communities, inventive brewing, and the state's unique regulations:

Local support plays a huge role. Many NJ craft breweries share strong ties with their towns, creating a friendly, familiar feel where brewers and visitors often know each other.

Small-batch creativity is everywhere. Breweries offer everything from fruited sours and pastry stouts to juicy IPAs and mixed styles, not just typical lagers and ales.

State laws keep most breweries food-free, so festivals often feature food trucks and local vendors. The result feels more like a lively block party than a corporate event.

Whether you’re at the Shore, in the city, or out in the countryside, breweries reflect their neighborhoods. Shore spots tend to favor crisp fruit ales and light beers, while city breweries in places like Jersey City highlight bold, global influences.

These events deliver more than beer. Enjoy live music, unique foods, friendly crowds, games, and exclusive releases that rarely hit store shelves.

Being close to New York and Philadelphia puts NJ breweries near lots of experienced beer fans, but local breweries keep things independent and never lose their small-town charm.

Popular Beers and Breweries at NJ Craft Beer Events

The top choices at beer festivals in New Jersey change seasonally, but some favorites stand out every year. Hazy and juicy IPAs draw big crowds, and releases from Kane, Carton, Icarus, and The Seed usually sell fast. Fruited sours are popular in the warmer months and offer something fresh for those after more than just hop-forward beers.

Classic crisp lagers and pilsners from breweries like Cape May Brewing Co. are great choices, especially for those hot festival afternoons. During fall and winter, watch for barrel-aged stouts and special small-batch pours. Check the event map and look for the booths with strong reputations—they often bring their best and newest brews to NJ craft beer events.

The top choices at beer festivals in New Jersey change seasonally, but some favorites stand out every year. Hazy and juicy IPAs draw big crowds, and releases from Kane, Carton, Icarus, and The Seed usually sell fast. Fruited sours are popular in the warmer months and offer something fresh for those after more than just hop-forward beers.

Classic crisp lagers and pilsners from breweries like Cape May Brewing Co. are great choices, especially for those hot festival afternoons. During fall and winter, watch for barrel-aged stouts and special small-batch pours. Check the event map and look for the booths with strong reputations—they often bring their best and newest brews to NJ craft beer events.

The Top 2026 Beer Festivals in New Jersey 

16th Annual Beef and Brew

February 1, 2026, 3 pm – 7 pm
Proving Ground, 56 Shrewsbury Ave., Highlands, NJ
Cost: $50
Proving Ground will host the 2026 Beef & Brew St. Patrick's Day Parade Fundraiser. Tickets include buffet dinner & 2 beer tickets. There will be a gift auction, Irish dancers, and a pipe band to entertain. All proceeds to benefit the 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The 2026 Grand Marshal, Mayor Carolyn Broullon, will be presented with her sash!

Taste of the Towns

February 7th, 2026
Our Lady of Peace Parish Cente, 1730 Route 130, North Brunswick, NJ
This event features a delightful evening of delicious food, fine wines, craft beers and live music. Sip, sample and support local restaurants and vote for "Best Appetizer", "Best Entree" and "Best Dessert." All proceeds support North Brunswick Annual Heritage Day.

The Big Brew Beer Festival

Saturday, March 7, 2026,
The Morristown Armory , 430 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ
The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 150 unique tastings it's a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. Enjoy great food, vendors & live music. Live entertainment by Mr LoveJoy.
Free shuttle to and from the Morristown Train Station

13th Annual Guinness Run

March 7, 2026: 1 pm
Off the Hook, 1 Navesink Ave., Highlands, NJ
Cost: $50, 21+
This event features fun race where contestants will fill their cup and race to Grand Tour and back to the finish line at Off the Hook. The contestant with the most liquid in their cup at the finish line wins the 1st Place trophy and $100, 2nd Place winner will receive $50. Fun runners are encouraged to wear their best Irish green!

Red, White & Brew Fest

Saturday, March 7th, 2026
CURE Insurance Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, NJ
The Beer Fest is Coming! The Beer Fest is Coming! Grab your steins and rally your crew. George Washington once brewed his own "small beer" back in the 1750s. In 2026, They are taking that revolutionary pint to the next level with over 50 craft beers, wines, and spirits to sample from some of the best local and regional makers. Join in for a day that's sure to make history, featuring music, interactive games & contests, and more.

Brewsology Beer Fest

Saturday, March 14,2026: 7 pm – 11 pm
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $65 – $80
The Brewsology Beer Fest is the boozy hybrid of your middle school museum field trip. Taking over the Liberty Science Center after hours, the event will feature dozens of local craft breweries and cideries and will give attendees access throughout the museum including exhibits, science demonstrations and access to brewery reps.

Jersey City Craft Beer Fest

March 21, 2026: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ
This event, in the spirit of Oktoberfest, features a traditional German celebration of beer and countrymen with over 100 styles of craft beer, fantastic music, delicious food & wonderful vendors.

Atlantic City Beer Fest

April 11, 2026
Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd , Atlantic City, NJ
This event features a celebration with over 5,000 beer and music lovers storming through the festival gates to sip, savor and sing.
There will be two sessions of craft beer, music, food, education, mayhem, weirdness, and that signature AC Beer Fest chaos you’ve come to love. Attendees will explore breweries, compare classics, discover new releases, and connect directly with the brew teams who helped build both the region’s beer culture and this festival’s legacy.

The Beer Run

April 25, 2026: 12 noon
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ
At this event, its where your running buddies are your drinking buddies. Run (or walk) a 5K through a historic 1800's village and natural trails to cross the finish line into a craft beer festival featuring some of the best beer and eats NJ has to offer. Your ticket includes race registration, 12 small beer tastings, a souvenir glass, and admission to the festival with live music, games, and a variety of food trucks. For those who prefer not to run, festival-only tickets are available. Special designated driver tickets are also offered for those abstaining from alcohol. The event supports local breweries by exclusively purchasing beer from participating establishments and is committed to reducing environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastic.

MudHen Brewing Co. IPA 5K and Little Hen Mile

April 25, 2026
The MudHen Brewing Co, 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ
Get ready to run, sip, and celebrate at the most exciting race of the year! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just in it for the fun, this unique event combines fitness and flavor at the shore! The event offers a flat and fast course with breathtaking views of the ocean. Participants can enjoy the unique experience of running 'down the Shore' while savoring world-class beer. The event promises outstanding customer service, fresh air, and open space, along with a unique, closed, and safe course. Runners can expect swag and numerous awards.
Little Hen Mile: Register the whole family! Bring your Kiddos for our first ever kid's mile (Ages 12 and under). Race will begin at 10:00 AM after IPA 5K awards ceremony.

Skylands Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

May 2, 2026: 12 pm – 7 pm (Rain or shine)
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $5, Children 38 Tall and Shorter are Free
This event has entertainment for all ages. Enjoy a day of 100+ craft beers, live music, and games delicious food, desserts, drinks, and much more. The festival has activities and entertainment for all ages, so bring the entire family!

Meadowlands Beer Fest

May 16, 2026: 5 pm – 9 pm
The Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: $15 – $70
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.

NJ Beer & Food Festival

June 20, 2026
Crystal Springs Resort, Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ
T his popular festival on the grounds of New Jersey's most luxiourious resort features selections from over 200 beers, ciders & hard seltzers along with an unlimited buffet, live music, and fun activiies with goat races, axe throwing, laser clay shooting, hippity-hop races, lawn games, giant beer pong & more.

Harvest Brew Fest

September 19, 2026: 10 am – 5 pm
The Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Weekend in NJ—Festivals, Shows, Food, and Family Adventures