Top Five Beer Festivals in the World
There's something wonderfully unifying about a great beer festival. Whether you're a seasoned taster or simply someone who appreciates a well-poured pint in fine company, these events bring together the best brews, the warmest crowds, and traditions worth crossing continents for. We've rounded up five of the finest beer festivals on the planet, each with its own character and each deserving of a spot on your bucket list. Grab a glass, and let's raise a toast to the world's most memorable beer celebrations.
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
The one that started it all. Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival, drawing more than six million visitors to Munich every autumn since 1810. Enormous beer tents, each seating thousands, serve frothy litre steins of specially brewed Oktoberfest lager while brass bands play and lederhosen-clad revellers sway along. It's loud, joyful, and steeped in Bavarian tradition, right down to the roast chicken and giant pretzels. For sheer scale and atmosphere, nothing else comes close.
Great British Beer Festival, London, UK
If cask ale is your passion, this is your spiritual home. Run by CAMRA, the Great British Beer Festival gathers hundreds of real ales, ciders, and perries under one roof, with a friendly, unpretentious buzz that celebrates the craft of traditional British brewing. You'll find everything from delicate golden ales to rich, dark stouts, plus the coveted Champion Beer of Britain awards. It's the perfect place to discover a new favourite and chat with the brewers who made it.
Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels, Belgium
Belgium takes its beer seriously, and this September celebration in Brussels proves exactly why. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand-Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares, Belgian Beer Weekend showcases hundreds of beers from the country's finest breweries. Sample everything from Trappist ales and fruity lambics to golden strong ales, all served with genuine Belgian pride. Add a ceremonial parade of the Knighthood of the Brewers' Mash Staff, and you have a festival dripping with heritage.
Great American Beer Festival, Denver, USA
For a taste of the craft beer revolution, look no further than Denver. The Great American Beer Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the United States, pouring thousands of beers from breweries across all 50 states. The variety is staggering, from hazy IPAs and barrel-aged imperial stouts to experimental brews you won't find anywhere else. Its prestigious medal competition sets the standard for American brewing, making it essential for anyone keen to see where the industry is heading.
Mondial de la Bière, Montreal, Canada
North America's premier beer festival brings an international flavour to Montreal each summer. Mondial de la Bière welcomes brewers from across the globe, offering hundreds of beers alongside ciders, meads, and spirits in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The atmosphere is refreshingly convivial, with tasting sessions, expert-led talks, and food pairings that turn a simple sample into a genuine culinary adventure. It's a wonderful way to explore world brewing without leaving one lively city.
From Munich's roaring tents to Montreal's global gathering, these five festivals offer beer lovers a world of flavour and celebration. Pick your favourite, pack your bags, and drink in the very best the world has to offer.
Top tips for the responsible traveller
Wherever your next Travel Counsellors’ trip will take you, we hope you’re looking forward to the amazing memories you’re sure to create. To help ensure that you tread a little lighter and enrich the places you visit along the way, we’ve gathered some top tips for responsible travelling that we’ve assembled with support from our sustainable tourism charity partner, The Travel Foundation.
4 of Europe's best high-altitude ski destinations
When you're planning a ski holiday, good snow conditions can make all the difference. High-altitude resorts offer some of the most reliable skiing in Europe, making them a great choice whether you're travelling at the start of the season in December or squeezing in a final trip before spring arrives. From vast linked ski areas to traditional mountain villages and spectacular Alpine views, these destinations combine excellent snow records with memorable experiences on and off the slopes.
