As the impact of the pandemic still lingers heading into the New Year many businesses and industries are still left wondering what the future holds. While 2022 saw a resurgence for many companies and economic sectors some operations still had to remain on hiatus due to a variety of hurdles still left behind by the coronavirus outbreak. One such group of events that still found themselves in somewhat disarray in 2022 were the various craft beer and brewery festivals and conferences that once thrived all over the world.
Often held with large gatherings of people in a close social setting these once vibrant and bustling meetups of craft beer and brewery enthusiasts were put to a screeching halt due to a plethora of reasons brought on by new pandemic-driven business rules and guidelines. As 2023 begins, things are looking up overall regarding restriction removals and many craft beer and brewery festivals are finally returning to their full glory after having to pause productions or adjust plans for multiple years in a row.
As people are eager to get back to attending entertaining live events and finding camaraderie in person with friends, family, and like-minded individuals craft beer festivals and conferences are finding a significant increase in demand for the New Year. Now with the resources, knowledge, and approval to produce more live events happening all over the globe, it looks like 2023 might be the revival year for these types of social gatherings. Just looking at the landscape of the upcoming 2023 craft beer festival and conference calendar it becomes evident that many big alcohol events are coming back to life in a major way.
Finally able to schedule vendors, secure spaces, and attract crowds safely the craft beer festival and conference operators are excited to get back to doing what they know and love most. So will there still be a “thirst” for these types of celebrations and occasions? To gain a better insight into just how successful these entertainment and educational attractions may turn out to be in 2023 let’s take a look at an East coast, a West coast, and a Canadian craft beer festival all making a move in hopes of getting an idea of just how promising the popularity of craft beer will be in the New Year and for the foreseeable future.
West Coast Craft Beer Festival Comeback #1 (3-year hiatus): Bay Area Brew Festival
What Makes The Bay Area Brew Festival Return Special?
The Bay Area Brew Festival is coming back from a three-year layoff to feature over 50 breweries, 100’s of beers, food trucks, music DJ, games, and much more. This Northern California craft beer fest staple is finally back and with VIP tickets under $100, this is a must-attend event for any California or west coast craft beer lover.
Date: January 28th, 2023
Location: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason 2 Marina blvd suite 260, San Francisco, CA 94123
East Coast Craft Beer Festival Comeback #1 (2nd Year): Craft Beer Adventure Festival
What Makes The Craft Beer Adventure Festival Return Special?
The Craft Beer Adventure Festival is coming back after high demand for its inaugural event last year in 2022. It’s an adults-only event on the Richardson Adventure Farm and features 50+ craft beers, wines, and spirits to sample, games, cornhole competitions, a giant slide, a tower, music, and so much more! This event is presented in conjunction with the Richmond-Spring Grove Area Rotary Club so it also supports a great cause!.
Date: June 24th, 2023
Location: Richardson Adventure Farm 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Canadian Craft Beer Festival Comeback #1 (back indoors): The Okanagan Fest of Ale
What Makes The Okanagan Fest of Ale Return Special?
The Okanagan Fest of Ale is coming back indoors finally and has been bringing together craft beer lovers and craft brewers since 1996! This two-day craft beer event features great entertainment, fabulous food, and more. Operating as a non-profit society, organizers are committed to supporting and promoting quality brewery products, local tourism, and Canadian charitable organizations. Since its inception, over $700,000 in net proceeds has been gifted back to qualifying registered charities!
Date: April 14th and 15th, 2023
Location: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre 273 Power St, Penticton, BC V2A 7K9, Canada
As you can see from the three craft beer festival examples above that represent different regions from all over the world it is clear 2023 looks to be a promising year for the craft beer market. Regardless if it is a completely brand new craft beer event, a craft beer festival that is returning from a long hiatus, one that is trying out its second year, or one that can finally return to the indoors companies, businesses, brands, breweries, and people are excited to participate in craft beer social gatherings. From 2019 to 2022 the pandemic caused serious disruption in social gatherings and 2023 might be the first year in a while where all options are open for the craft beer festival event industry. With hundreds of craft beer festivals and conferences happening all over the planet in 2023, it will be interesting to watch just how big the revival will be. Are you planning to attend any craft beer events in 2023?
If you want to stay updated on when the next craft beer festival will be just check out our new event tracker and database. If you have a craft beer event you want added or think we might be a good addition as a vendor or participant just email us or call us!
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