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.
Your first visit to a New Jersey beer festival is exciting and welcoming. After checking in, you usually get a tasting glass, often around 5oz. Move from booth to booth and sample small pours (2-3oz) from dozens of breweries. No need to finish every pour if you don’t love it—dump stations are provided for anything you want to pass on.
Festivals are fun and busy, with live bands, games, and food trucks everywhere. To make your day great:
Drink water often, matching one water for every two beer samples. Most festivals have free water stations.
Take it slow and grab food from local vendors, especially between heavy or strong beers.
Make a plan for how you’ll get home. Always use a designated driver, rideshare, or a festival shuttle if available.
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.
Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
August 30, 31, 2025 | 11:00am–5:00pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport, NJ
Parking is free. Spend Labor Day weekend sampling 40+ local beers in the NJ Craft Beer Garden, paired with delicious barbecue and live music from noon to 4pm daily. Fun for families too: pony rides, face painters, and more on both Saturday and Sunday.
Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
September 1, 2025 | 11:00am–5:00pm
Same great food, craft brews, and family activities at Monmouth Park. Enjoy every day of this three-day bash.
Beer & Garden Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton, NJ
Sustainable Princeton hosts local beer from Triumph Brewery, live bands, free sustainable gardening workshops, and fun gardening activities. Borrow tools, build a leaf corral, and make seed bombs while you sip and listen to music.
Boonton Brewfest
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Canalside Park, Boonton, NJ
Tickets start at $23.18. Expect over 30 nearby breweries, live music, yard games like cornhole and giant Jenga, food trucks, and local vendors.
Annual Fall Boo Brew By The Bay
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 12pm–5pm (Rain date: Sept 8)
The Seafarer, Highlands, NJ
Sip by the Shrewsbury River. Tickets are $40 and include seven tastings plus a commemorative glass. Live bands, fire pits, and tasty food available for purchase.
Burlington Hops & Rocks Festival
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Colonial Burlington Foundation, Burlington, NJ
Taste beer from 20+ breweries, eat from food trucks, and enjoy live music. The optional 5k run/walk raises money for local causes.
Harvest Brew Fest
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Cape May, NJ
Free entry (pay for food and tastings). Celebrate South Jersey’s best beers, local food, artisan vendors, and music from area performers.
Freedom on Tap Beerfest
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Delran, NJ
A great mix of craft beer, food trucks, music, and local makers. All proceeds support local veterans and their families.
Highlands Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12:00–7:00pm (Rain date: Sept 27)
Veterans Park, Highlands, NJ
Experience authentic German beer, classic food, traditional music, and lots of dancing.
South Orange Downtown Beer Fest
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange, NJ
Sample craft beers from some of NJ’s favorites. Expect a welcoming vibe for beer geeks and first-time tasters alike.
Central Jersey Beer Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12pm
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, West Windsor, NJ
Taste more than 175 beers, seltzers, and spirits from across the region. Enjoy live music and pack a blanket to spread out with friends. Proceeds help local non-profits.
Glassboro Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12pm–5pm
Glassboro Town Hall, Glassboro, NJ
Over 100 samplings from 50+ breweries, string of food trucks, and headlining local band Goodman Fiske.
North Jersey Craft Beer & Wine Fest
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Veterans Community Park, Randolph, NJ
Enjoy handpicked regional beers, boutique wines, and gourmet snacks under the stars. This open-air tasting features live bands and artisan food vendors.
Boo & Brews
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 11:30am–5:30pm
Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, NJ
Grab a $10 sampler ticket for a souvenir glass or a $5 entry. There’s live music and a variety of craft beers from local breweries.
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Firemans Field, Rockaway, NJ
Over 30 breweries serve three unique beers each, with at least one rare or exclusive beer per brewery. Enjoy award-winning BBQ and bacon, live bands, and friendly competitions. All food and beer are served up under tents, so rain can't spoil your fun.
Question
How many breweries are there in New Jersey?
Answer
New Jersey is home to over 140 breweries, offering a wide range of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers. The number continues to grow as the craft beer scene thrives.
Question
What are the must-visit breweries in New Jersey?
Answer
Some popular breweries include Cape May Brewing Co., Flying Fish Brewing Co., Kane Brewing Company, and Carton Brewing. Each offers unique beers and a distinctive atmosphere.
Question
Are there brewery tours available in New Jersey?
Answer
Yes, many breweries offer tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample beers. Be sure to check individual brewery websites for schedules and reservations.
Question
Can I bring my kids or pets to breweries in New Jersey?
Answer
Many breweries are family- and pet-friendly, but policies vary. Check with the brewery beforehand for specific rules.
Question
Are beer festivals in New Jersey ticketed events?
Answer
Yes, most festivals require tickets, which can be purchased in advance online. Some events offer early-bird pricing or VIP packages with perks like exclusive tastings.
Question
Can I attend a beer festival if I don’t drink alcohol?
Answer
Absolutely! Many festivals offer non-alcoholic beverages, food vendors, live music, and activities that non-drinkers can enjoy.
Question
Are beer festivals family-friendly?
Answer
While some festivals are 21+ only, others are family-friendly with designated areas for kids and activities. Check the event details for specific policies.
Question
What is unique about New Jersey craft beer?
Answer
New Jersey breweries often incorporate local ingredients like Jersey blueberries, cranberries, and honey into their beers. The state also has a strong commitment to small-batch, innovative brewing.
Question
Are there any beer trails in New Jersey?
Answer
Yes, the New Jersey Craft Beer Association offers a "Beer Trail Passport," allowing beer lovers to explore breweries across the state and earn rewards for visiting.
Question
How can I get around to visit multiple breweries?
Answer
Ride-sharing services, designated drivers, and brewery shuttle services are great options. Some beer trails offer guided tours with transportation.
Question
Are there accommodations near major breweries or festival locations?
Answer
Many breweries and festivals are located near hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or campgrounds. Check lodging options in advance, especially during festival seasons.
Question
What is the legal drinking age in New Jersey?
Answer
The legal drinking age is 21. Valid photo identification is required at breweries and festivals.
Question
Are there any rules about consuming beer in public in New Jersey?
Answer
Open container laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places outside designated areas. Be sure to drink responsibly and within the law.