April 7 National Beer Day

April 7 isn’t just another spring day — it’s a day of celebration, nostalgia, and camaraderie. It’s National Beer Day, a time when beer lovers across the United States raise a glass to one of the most widely enjoyed beverages in the world. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a casual drinker, or someone who just enjoys the rich history behind a good brew, this day is for you.

But what exactly is National Beer Day? Why do we celebrate it on April 7th? And how can you make the most of it? Let’s pop the top off this historic and hop-filled holiday.

🍺 Why April 7?

To understand why National Beer Day is celebrated on April 7, we need to rewind nearly a century, back to a time when beer was banned.

From 1920 to 1933, the United States endured the Prohibition era — a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It was a dry, dreary time for beer lovers and breweries alike. Speakeasies and bootlegging filled the void, but it wasn’t quite the same.

Everything changed when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act on March 22, 1933, which allowed the sale of beer with up to 3.2% alcohol by weight (approximately 4% ABV). That law went into effect on April 7, 1933 — a day that would go down in history. Millions of Americans gathered at taverns and breweries to enjoy their first legal beer in over 13 years.

Roosevelt even famously remarked: “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” And so it was.

🍻 The Birth of National Beer Day

While April 7, 1933, was clearly an iconic moment, National Beer Day wasn’t officially recognized until much later. In 2009, beer enthusiast Justin Smith from Richmond, Virginia, along with his friend Mike Connolly, launched a grassroots movement to commemorate this day annually. Thanks to the power of social media and a passionate beer community, National Beer Day gained traction nationwide and is now observed widely each year.

Though not a federally recognized holiday, it is officially noted in various calendars and even has its own Untappd badge (for the beer app users out there). It’s a perfect example of a holiday created by the people, for the people — and for the love of beer.

🍺 A Celebration of Culture and Craftsmanship

Beer isn’t just a drink — it’s a culture, an art form, and a bridge between generations. Brewing dates back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. Over time, beer has become deeply intertwined with many societies, evolving into the diverse, dynamic beverage we know today.

In the United States, the craft beer movement has exploded over the last few decades. With more than 9,500 breweries currently operating, Americans are spoilt for choice when it comes to flavors, styles, and creative brews. From hoppy IPAs and smooth stouts to crisp pilsners and funky sours, there’s truly a beer for everyone.

National Beer Day is a celebration of that diversity and craftsmanship — of brewers who experiment with flavors, farmers who grow the barley and hops, and communities who gather over pints to connect and celebrate life.

🍻 How to Celebrate National Beer Day

There’s no “right” way to celebrate National Beer Day, but here are a few ideas to make the most of April 7:

1. Visit a Local Brewery

Show some love to your local taproom. Many breweries host events, offer tastings, or release special brews just for the occasion.

2. Try Something New

Challenge your taste buds by sampling a beer you’ve never tried. Maybe it’s a bold barleywine, a smoked porter, or a fruity gose — step out of your usual rotation.

3. Host a Beer Tasting

Gather friends for a casual at-home beer tasting. Create a lineup of different styles, rate them, pair them with snacks, and enjoy some good conversation.

4. Pair Beer with Food

Beer isn’t just for sipping — it’s great with food, too. Try pairing a hoppy IPA with spicy tacos, a malty brown ale with grilled meats, or a hefeweizen with citrusy seafood.

5. Learn the History

Use this day to dive deeper into the history of beer. Watch a documentary, read about the brewing process, or visit a beer museum (yes, they exist!).

🍺 More Than Just a Drink

What makes National Beer Day special is not just the beer — it’s the togetherness that comes with it. Whether it’s catching up with friends at a pub, toasting with family at dinner, or bonding with strangers over a shared favorite brew, beer has a unique way of bringing people together.

It’s a drink of celebration, storytelling, and tradition. And April 7 is a day to recognize not just its flavors, but its legacy.

🍻 Final Toast

As the sun sets on April 7, whether you’re sipping a local craft brew, cracking open a can at home, or reminiscing over beer’s storied past — take a moment to raise your glass.

Here’s to freedom. Here’s to history. Here’s to hops and barley. Here’s to good beer and good company.