Cheers to These Amazing New Jersey Beer Festivals!

Best NJ Beer Festivals, craft beer, music, food trucks

The Top Must-Attend 2025 Beer Festivals in New Jersey

New Jersey has a storied history in American beer brewing, once hailed as the nation’s brewing hub in the late 19th century. With a significant German immigrant population, skilled brewmasters brought their traditional beer styles to the Garden State, helping shape its brewing legacy.

By the 1880s, Newark alone boasted six thriving breweries, a testament to New Jersey’s rich beer culture. The state also made history in 1935 when Newark’s G. Krueger Brewing Company became the first to market beer in steel cans. At the time, only 25% of beer was sold in bottles or cans, with the majority kegged—a stark contrast to today’s market, where 90% of beer is consumed from bottles and cans.

New Jersey’s vibrant brewing tradition lives on through its incredible beer festivals, where history, innovation, and craft come together. Don’t miss these must-attend events celebrating the state’s enduring love for beer.

2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

February 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

The Heldrich Craft Beer & Spirit Festival
Saturday, February 1, 2025
The Heldrich Hotel
10 Livingston Ave
New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $75-$90
This event features a night filled with delicious food, drinks, live music from the Blaire Reinhard Band, raffle prizes, and more, The price of admission includes: samples from over 20+ local craft beer and spirit vendors, A commemorative tasting glass, All-you-can-eat snacks and food. Proceeds from this event benefit Elijah's Promise!

15th Annual Beef & Brew
Sunday,February 2nd, 2025; 3pm until 7pm
Proving Ground
56 Shrewsbury Ave.
Highlands, NJ
Event Cost: $45.00
This event wil feature a buffet dinner, beer tickets, live entertainment by Irish dancers and Pipe bands, and a gift austion.
All proceeds to benefit the 2025 St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Red, White & Brew Fest
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
CURE Insurance Arena
81 Hamilton Ave
Trenton, NJ
This President's Day holiday weekend beer festival features over 50 styles of craft beers, wines, and spirits.
There will be free samples, live music from Nine Deeez Nite, Interactive Games, Contests and more.

March 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

The Big Brew Beer Festival
Saturday, March 1, 2025
The Morristown Armory
430 Western Ave.
Morristown, NJ
Cost: $60 - $80
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.

Jersey City Brewsology
Saturday, March 1, 2025; General admission 8pm to 11pm with Early admission @ 7pm to 11pm
Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $65 - $80
The Brewsology Beer Festival will take place at the Liberty Science Center for a one of a kind experience -- a night at the museum! The event will feature dozens of local and domestic breweries, sampling over 150 beers. Attendees will have access throughout the museum including exhibits, science demonstrations and access to brewery reps.

Jersey City Craft Brew Fest
Saturday, March 22, 2025: 6 - 9:30pm
Harborside Atrium
210 Hudson St
Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $15-$70
This event festures a traditional style German celebation of beer and countrymen sampling over 100 styles of craft beers.

Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Atlantic City Convention Center
1 Convention Blv'd
Atlantic City, NJ
Tickets are $80 plus applicable taxes and fees. Tickets increase to $90 the week of the festival..
This event features a celebration with over 5,000 beer and music lovers storming through the festival gates to sip, savor and sing.

April 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

The Beer Run 5K Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, April 26, 2025: 12 - 4pm
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Avenue
Wall Township, NJ
Cost: from $20-$60
This event features a Run (or walk) 5K through a historic 1800's village and natural trails, followed by a craft beer festival with 15+ breweries offering some top rated beer, lawn games, food, and mote. Non-runners can also attend the craft beer festival.

June 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

Meadowlands Racetrack's Beer Fest
Saturday, June 7, 2025: 5 PM - 9PM ( rain or shine)
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
1 Racetrack Dr.
East Rutherford, NJ
This event features Beers from around the country with DJ, Live horse racing, Live horse racing beginning 6:20pm with The Belmont Stakes Simulcast.

Hopsauce Festival
Saturday, June 14, 2025: @11am
Veterans Memorial Park
198 Engleside 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.

August 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

Edison's Food Wine & Beer Festival
Saturday, August 16, 2025; 4 PM - 10 PM
926 Amboy Avenue (under the Tent)
Edison, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids under 10 are Free
This annual family event features Wine & Craft Brewers including Edison's Cypress Brewery, face painting and activities for the kids, live entertainment, local vendors, artists, and more.

September 2025 New Jersey Beer Festivals

Central Jersey Beer Festival
Saturday, September 27th, 2025; 12pm (Rain or Shine, Tents will be used in case of inclement weather!)
Mercer County Park Festival Grounds. 
1665 Mercerville-Edinburg Rd
West Windsor, NJ
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
This event features a beer tasting festival with over 175 Beers, Seltzers, Wines, and Spirits, live music, and food,
There are no alcoholic beverages for purchases inside the festival, Only as a SAMPLING of many brands to taste, educate, and expand your palate of new beverages.
Bring a picnic blanket or chairs and friends and spread out on the grass in the park.
Portion of funds support Local 501C3 Non-profit charities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.