August 7Food & Drink

International Beer Day

Name: International Beer Day
Start: 2026-08-07
End: 2026-08-07

The world's oldest brewed beverage — raising a glass to 10,000 years of human ingenuity.

About

International Beer Day on the first Friday of August — most commonly falling on August 7 — celebrates beer as one of humanity's oldest and most culturally diverse beverages. Beer predates recorded history: archaeological evidence of brewing dates to around 7000 BCE in China and 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Today, beer is produced in virtually every country, from mass-produced lagers to artisanal ales, stouts, sours, and lambics that reflect local ingredients, traditions, and craftsmanship. The global beer market is worth over $800 billion annually, supporting millions of jobs from barley farming to hospitality. The day also celebrates the social dimension of beer — the pub, the bar, the street stall — as a space for community and conversation. Craft beer culture has experienced a global renaissance, with small independent breweries in South Korea, Japan, the UK, and the US creating a new era of beer diversity and quality. International Beer Day encourages appreciation, moderation, and the stories behind what's in the glass.

History

International Beer Day was founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, by Jesse Avshalomov. It was initially a local celebration but spread globally through social media and the craft beer community. The day is celebrated in over 200 cities across 50+ countries. The first Friday of August was chosen as the designated date — a practical choice to maximise social gatherings heading into the weekend.

Where It's Observed

Global — grassroots beer culture tradition

Cultural Context

US United States

The US craft beer industry has exploded since the 1990s, with over 9,000 active breweries. International Beer Day is widely observed in brew pubs, craft beer festivals, and home brewing communities. American craft brewers have been instrumental in building the global craft beer movement.

KR South Korea

South Korea's beer market has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Historically dominated by light lager brands like Hite and Cass, Korea now has a thriving craft beer scene with hundreds of independent breweries producing IPAs, stouts, and experimental styles. International Beer Day has found enthusiastic adoption.

JP Japan

Japan has a sophisticated beer culture built around precision and craft. Brands like Sapporo, Asahi, and Kirin are globally respected, and Japan's craft beer movement has produced internationally recognised breweries. Beer in Japan is also deeply associated with the culture of after-work socialising (nomikai).

How to Participate

01Visit a local craft brewery or beer bar and try something new
02Learn about the brewing process — from grain to glass
03Cook a dish that uses beer as an ingredient
04Share a drink with a friend and take a moment to appreciate the craft in your glass

Frequently asked questions

When is International Beer Day?+

International Beer Day is observed annually on August 7. The date is fixed each year — August 7 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.

What is International Beer Day?+

Is International Beer Day a public holiday?+

International Beer Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.

How can I participate in International Beer Day?+

Visit a local craft brewery or beer bar and try something new Learn about the brewing process — from grain to glass Cook a dish that uses beer as an ingredient These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.

Which countries observe International Beer Day?+

Global — grassroots beer culture tradition.