
Beer Festivals 2025: Top Events & Dates | Hops&Pops
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Beer Festivals in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
Festival | Date | Location | Why Go? |
---|---|---|---|
SF Beer Week | Feb 21 - Mar 2 | San Francisco, CA | Tons of events, new fest at park |
Oktoberfest | Sep 20 - Oct 5 | Munich, Germany | Huge tents, parades, tradition |
Firestone Walker | Summer (TBA) | Paso Robles, CA | Top breweries picked by pros |
Beervana | Aug 22-23 | Wellington, NZ | Oldest NZ beer fest |
Alright, let’s get into it—2025 is shaping up to be a killer year for beer festivals. Whether you’re chasing IPAs or sipping lagers in a tent, there’s somethin’ for everyone. I’ve been to a few of these myself, and trust me, they’re worth the trip. Got your hoodie ready? Maybe snag a Beer Calling hoodie from Hops&Pops to wear while you’re at it.
Top Beer Festivals You Can’t Miss in 2025
What’s the best beer fest in 2025? Where they at? How do I even pick one? Well, I gotchu. This year’s got a mix of big names and hidden gems. You got SF Beer Week kickin’ off in February, Oktoberfest goin’ hard in September, and a buncha others scattered in between. Some are all about craft brews, others stick to old-school vibes. Me, I love the ones where you can chat with brewers—makes it feel real.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- SF Beer Week: Feb 21 to Mar 2, San Francisco. Hundreds of events.
- Firestone Walker Invitational: Summer, Paso Robles. Elite breweries only.
- Oktoberfest: Sep 20 to Oct 5, Munich. Biggest beer party on earth.
- Beervana: Aug 22-23, New Zealand. Kiwi classic.
Wear somethin’ comfy like this Beer Calling hoodie to keep the vibes right.
SF Beer Week 2025: Bay Area Brew Bliss
SF Beer Week hits February 21 to March 2 in the San Francisco Bay Area. What’s it like? Busy as hell but fun. They’re doin’ hundreds of events—tastings, tap takeovers, you name it. This year they’re addin’ a big fest at Salesforce Park on Feb 22. First time they’ve done that, so it’s gonna be nuts. I went once and ended up tryin’ a sour that changed my life—true story.
- Dates: Feb 21 - Mar 2.
- Location: All over the Bay Area.
- Big Deal: Salesforce Park fest.
Rock a Beer Fairy T-Shirt from Hops&Pops while you’re there—fits the chill Cali vibe.
Firestone Walker Invitational: A Summer Gem
When’s this one? Summer 2025, exact date’s still TBA. Where at? Paso Robles, CA. Why go? Brewmaster Matt Brynildson handpicks the breweries—only the best make it. Think of it like a VIP party for beer nerds. I’ve tasted stuff there you can’t get anywhere else—barrel-aged stouts that hit different. It’s chill, sunny, and all about quality brews.
- Who’s there: Top breweries from everywhere.
- Vibe: Laid-back but exclusive.
- Pro Tip: Bring a hat—sun’s no joke.
Grab a Beergetarian Hoodie from Hops&Pops for that summer night chill.
Oktoberfest 2025: Munich’s Big Bash
Oktoberfest runs September 20 to October 5 in Munich, Germany. What’s the deal? It’s the world’s biggest beer fest—190 years old this time. You got nearly 40 tents, six Munich breweries pourin’, and over 100 rides. Parades kick off on day one, and there’s a gun salute to close it. I’ve been—it’s loud, crowded, and awesome. The beer’s served in giant mugs, and you’ll smell pretzels everywhere.
Key events:
- Parade of Landlords - Sep 20.
- First keg tap - Sep 20.
- Costume Parade - Sep 21.
- Open-Air Concert - Sep 28.
- Gun salute - Oct 5.
Wear a Beer Removal Service Hoodie from Hops&Pops—perfect for the mess.
Irie Jungle & Dark Embrace: Florida’s Finest
Florida’s got two bangers. Irie Jungle’s on April 19 at Tripping Animals Brewing in Doral. Dark Embrace hits March 8 at Angry Chair Brewing in Tampa. What’s up with ‘em? Irie’s got 50 breweries, food pop-ups, and artsy stuff. Dark Embrace teams up Angry Chair, Cycle, and Ology—50 top brewers too. I hit Irie once—humid but the beers were cold and the tacos were fire.
- Irie Jungle: 50 breweries, artsy vibe.
- Dark Embrace: Collab of big names.
- Tip: Wear shorts—it’s Florida.
Throw on a Beer Fear Hoodie from Hops&Pops for the night.
Beervana & Marchfest: New Zealand’s Beer Scene
Beervana’s August 22-23 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, NZ. Marchfest is March 29-30 at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson. Why these? Beervana’s the oldest beer fest in NZ—huge deal. Marchfest has beers brewed just for it, nowhere else. I tried a hazy IPA at Beervana once—cleanest brew I’ve ever had. Both got that chill Kiwi feel.
- Beervana: Big, bold, classic.
- Marchfest: Exclusive brews only.
- Heads-up: Book flights early—NZ ain’t close.
Sport a Don’t Worry Beer Happy Hoodie from Hops&Pops for the trip.
Wavy Days & Mighty Fine: Summer Beer Vibes
Wavy Days is June 28 at Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME. Mighty Fine’s June 21 in Duluth, GA. What’s the scoop? Wavy’s got 60 breweries—Trillium, Bissell Brothers, Foam. Mighty Fine’s all about West Coast IPAs, 50 brewers strong. I hit Wavy Days last year—IPAs were crisp, crowd was chill. Perfect summer day.
- Wavy Days: 60 breweries, Maine coast.
- Mighty Fine: IPA heaven, Georgia heat.
- Pro Tip: Hydrate—IPAs sneak up on ya.
Rock a Beergetarian T-Shirt from Hops&Pops—light and easy.
Hop City & FyneFest: UK Beer Adventures
Hop City’s May 16-17 at Northern Monk Refractory in Leeds, UK. FyneFest runs May 30 to June 1 at Fyne Ales Brewery in Cairndow, Scotland. What’s up? Hop City’s all about hoppy beers—best from everywhere. FyneFest’s a camping fest—beer, nature, good times. I camped at FyneFest once—woke up to sheep and stout. Unreal.
- Hop City: Hoppy beer showcase.
- FyneFest: Beer plus camping.
- Tip: Pack a tent for FyneFest.
Wear a Hold My Beer Hoodie from Hops&Pops—fits the UK weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the biggest beer festival in 2025?
Oktoberfest in Munich. It’s massive—millions show up, 40 tents, tons of beer.
Are there beer fests outside the US?
Yup! Beervana in New Zealand, Hop City in the UK, and Oktoberfest in Germany are huge.
Which fest is best for craft beer?
Firestone Walker Invitational or Wavy Days. Both bring top craft brewers.
Can I get gear for these events?
Sure thing—check Hops&Pops for hoodies and tees like the Beer Calling Hoodie.
When should I plan for Oktoberfest?
Book now—it’s Sep 20 to Oct 5, and Munich gets packed fast.