Memorial Day weekend is here, and it can only mean one thing for beer drinkers and connoisseurs. It is the beginning of the 2017 Summer Beer Festivals and Events. New Jersey beer festivals play host to a well over 50 major breweries and microbreweries with many brewmasters and staff available to provide information on over 250 beers and ales.
The state of New Jersey has made a mark in the beer brewing history of the United States. During the late 19th century, New Jersey was considered to be the nation’s hub of breweries and was home to some of the largest breweries in the United States. With a large German immigrant population, there were many brewmasters and owners who preserved the style of beer from their homelands. During the 1880s, there were no less than six breweries in Newark, NJ alone.
In 1935, the G. Krueger Brewing Company of Newark, New Jersey became the first brewer to market beer in steel cans. In that year, only about 25 percent of beer was packaged in bottles and cans — the rest was kegged. Today, however, about 90 percent of America’s beer production is consumed from bottles and cans.
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Annual Hop Sauce Festival
June 3, 2017 (rain or shine)
Taylor Ave,
Beach Haven, NJ
https://www.hopsaucefest.com/
This family-friendly event features good food, sampling hot sauces, beer. live band entertainment, and plenty of fun activities for kids. The main activity of the festival is to pair local fare with a sampling of twenty delicious micro, craft, domestic & imported beers from our area of the country, As Jetty’s largest event, always on the Saturday after Memorial Day, the focus on brew and hot sauce is also paired with local fare, original music, and cultural vendors. A portion of the proceeds are always earmarked for Jetty’s nonprofit arm, the Jetty Rock Foundation, which uses funds for youth initiatives, for those in need, and to enhance the community. This growing shoulder season event also aims to improve business and tourism during the traditionally slow period after the holiday weekend.
Harborside Craft Brew Fest
June 3, 2017; 2 Sessions: (Session ) 12-4PM; (Session2) 5:30-9:30PM
Harborside
3 Atrium
Jersey City, NJ
http://www.jerseycitybeerfest.com/
This event will feature a local variety of fermented beer and cider in all styles combining the best elements of a Beer Garden with a wide variety of choices found only at a Craft Beer Festival. Attendees will enjoy unlimited craft beer samples for the entire evening paired with live entertainment, Food, and Interactive Games.
The 2017 Sea Isle City Beer Fest
June 3, 2017; 2pm
Kix McNutley’s
Corner of 63rd and Landis Ave.
Sea Isle City, NJ
http://www.seaislecitybeer.com/
This event features over 80 plus craft beers and ciders, including some local favorites, along with food vendors, live music, reestaurantscrafters, games, and more.
South Jersey Craft Beer, Food and Music Festival
Saturday, June 3, 2017
On the campus of Atlantic Cape Community College
5100 Horse Pike (Rt 322)
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-jersey-craft-beer-food-and-music-festival-tickets-33490628371?aff=efbneb
There will be two sessions held, the first will occur from 12-4pm and the second from 6-10pm. This event features 10 breweries, 20 beers. Great food, culinary demonstrations, home brew beer competition, live music by local musicians, and much more.
Art on Tap: A Beer and Food Tasting Event
June 4, 2017; 2pm to 5pm
Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St
Clinton, NJ
http://hunterdonartmuseum.org/events/
This event features a sampling of beers and food from some restaurants in the area. Proceeds from the beer-and-food tasting fundraiser help support the Museum’s free education programs including its class for adults with disabilities; the “HAM in the Schools” program; and ArtZone, a free space in the Museum where children can make art, said Marjorie Frankel Nathanson, executive director of the Museum. Hunterdon Brewing Company will supply 15 diverse beers for three tasting tables.
Wildwood Beer Fest
June 10, 2017; 2 Sessions;12 pm – 4 pm, and 6 pm – 10 pm.
Fox Park
E. Burk & E. Montgomery Avenues
Wildwood, NJ
https://wildwoodbeerfest.com/
This beer tasting event celebrates the art of locally brewed craft beer will be equally exciting for the brew aficionado and novice alike. A ticket into this event grants you access 100+ brews, a commemorative tasting cup, live music, delicious food, craft vendors and special exhibits. Beer sampling is unlimited with your ticket.
New Jersey Beer and Food Festival
Saturday, June 17th, 2017; 3pm – 7pm
The Festival Field at Grand Cascades Lodge
Crystal Springs Resort
3 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ
855-452-1845
http://www.crystalgolfresort.com/dine/beer-fest/
This event features a day full of tasty food, a variety of craft beer, cider and traditional drafts! Attendees will get to enjoy their favorite brews and sample a variety of new flavorful beers, great locally-sourced food, and live music by Lima Bean Riot! For the full experience, check out their Brews & Birdies Golf Tournament which includes access to the NJ Beer & Food Festival in the afternoon
Somerville Craft Beer Festival
Saturday June 17, Sunday June 18th, 2017; Saturday, 12 pm – 9 pm & Sunday, 12 pm – 8 pm
Main street, in between Bridge and Grove
Downtown Somerville, NJ
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tapastre-project-pub-present-the-somerville-craft-beer-fest-2017-tickets-33265221172
Come celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with live music on stage , good food from local downtown restaurants, great beer. There will be a cash bar to pay as you go, no credit cards.
Battleship New Jersey Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, June 24 2017; 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
100 Clinton St
Camden, NJ
https://newjerseybeer.ticketleap.com/battleship-new-jersey-craft-beer-festival/
This event features beer tasting, live entertainment, and a free self-guided tour of the nation’s most decorated ship. You will have a chance to sample over 30 NJ Breweries while being entertained by the Cabin Dogs. Food available for purchase. Ticket includes a collectible sample glass and 15 4 oz. samples with the option to purchase more. VIP tickets get in one hour early and allow you to try a range of special beers that may run out before main session starts.
Brew at the Zoo
June 24, 2017; 6pm to 9pm
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave
West Orange, NJ
http://www.tbzoobrew.com/
The festival will feature live entertainment, 50 nifty brewers with a selection of 100 craft beers and more fabulous food trucks. Many of the zoo’s exhibits will be open to the public, so one can browse during this event.
Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival
Saturday, August 5, 2017: 11am-6pm (Food served 11am-6pm)
The Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington St.
Cape May, NJ
https://www.capemaymac.org/cape-may-craft-beer-crab-festival
This family event features live entertainment, some favorite NJ summer foods, craft beers, and some fun for the kids. All-day music on outdoor stage. An old-fashioned Victorian circus with jugglers and acrobats from the The Give & Take Jugglers Little Circus Crafts and collectibles show Craft beers and other spirits Admission to the grounds is free. There will be a charge for food, beverages and some activities. Commemorative T-shirts will be available.
Allaire Bacon, Bikes & Brews
September 2, 3, 2017; 11am to 5pm
Allaire Village
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale, NJ
732-747-4449
https://allairevillage.org/event/bacon-and-brew-festival/
This Labor Day weekend family event features a celebration with good beer with a beer tent and garden, food trucks, live bands. kids activities, and historic tours and exhibits including displays of historic bikes and motorcycles.
Monmouth Park Labor Day Weekend BBQ & Craft Beer Festival
September 2, 3, 4, 2017; 11:30am to 5:30pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport, NJ
http://www.monmouthpark.com/index.aspx?id=10821
The Monmouth Park Racetrack will be hosting their Annual Labor Day Weekend Festival filled with horse races, beer tasting, great barbecued food, and fun for the entire family. some of the Garden State’s best BBQ joints. Cool off with a cold one in the beer garden with some live music, and have a great time.