Norfolk is a true haven for beer lovers, with it thriving brewing scene and long tradition of real ale. It’s no wonder that the county hosts some of the best beer festivals in the country.
If you’re a beer enthusiast looking for a fun day out, join us on a hoppy adventure through some of the best beer festivals in Norfolk.
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Best Beer Festivals in Norfolk
The Beer Festivals in Norfolk are a fun and exciting way to explore new brews and meet like-minded people. Not only can you discover new and exciting flavours, but you can also learn more about the brewing process and the stories behind each beer.
Plus, with live music, delicious food vendors, and other forms of entertainment, there’s never a dull moment at these beer festivals! And the best part? Many of these events support great causes, so you can feel good knowing that you’re contributing to a worthy effort.
Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, don’t worry – there’s something for everyone at these Norfolk Beer Festivals, so why not come along and see what all the buzz is about?
If you are interested in learning more about the local beers, you would enjoy doing a brewery tour in Norfolk.
Valentine Beer Festival at Trafford Arms
When: February
You don’t want to miss out on the Valentine Beer Festival at the Trafford Arms in Norwich! This awesome event has been running for more than 25 years, and they know how to celebrate.
Over the course of the week, they’ll be serving up a huge selection of different real ales for you to try out, including plenty of local brews. If you get hungry, not to worry – they’ve got local vendors on hand (at certain times) to serve up some tasty grub to complement your brew of choice. To top it all off, there will be live music on some evenings to keep the good vibes flowing.
Get more information on their Facebook page here.
Acle Winter Beer Festival
When: February
With over 20 different breweries showcasing their best brews, this festival is a beer-lover’s dream come true. But it’s not just beer on offer – you’ll also find ciders, gin, wine, and soft drinks available for those looking for an alternative beverage.
Of course, a festival isn’t complete without food, and the Acle Winter Beer Festival doesn’t disappoint in that department either. Whether you’re in the mood for something hot or cold, there will be plenty of options to choose from.
Live music is also a big draw for this festival. With a variety of acts taking to the stage, you can enjoy a great atmosphere while sipping on your favourite drink.
But it’s not all about having fun – the festival also supports local causes. Profits from the event go towards charitable organizations, making it an excellent opportunity to give back to the community while having a good time.
Get more information on their Facebook page here.
Fakenham Gin & Beer Festival
When: March
The Fakenham Gin & Beer Festival has been around for more than 10 years, and it’s not to be missed! This festival offers a great opportunity to sample a variety of beers, ciders, and spirits, all while supporting local causes.
With more than 20 beers and ciders on offer, there’s something for every taste. But it’s not just about the beer – the festival also features gin and spirits, perfect for those looking for a different kind of drink.
Food is also available at the festival, so you can grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the drinks and live music. Speaking of music, the festival features live performances from talented musicians, creating a great atmosphere for all attendees.
Not only is the festival a fun event, but it also supports local organizations. Profits from the festival go towards Fakenham Community Centre and First Focus, helping to make a difference in the community.
Get more information here.
Great Yarmouth Beer and Circus Festival
When: May
The Beer and Circus Festival celebrates great beer and fantastic entertainment. All the fun takes place at the Drill House on York Road in the centre of Great Yarmouth.
This festival features breweries from across the region will be showcasing their best beers and ciders. In addition to local favourites, there will also be a special international selection of beers so you can sample brews from around the world.
But that’s not all – the festival also features live entertainment included in the entry fee of just £3! You’ll be treated to fantastic performances from circus acts and other entertainers, creating an exciting atmosphere that you won’t forget.
Get more information here.
Hainford Beer Festival
When: 9 -11 June
The Hainford Beer Festival takes place at the charming Chequers Hainford. The weekend will be full of live music, street food, and lots of beer.
Get more information here.
Harleston Beer Festival
When: June
The Harleston Round Table and Harleston Ladies Circle put on the Harleston Beer Festival which is a fantastic celebration of local beers, ciders, delicious food, and live music acts.
Get more information here.
Morley Beer, Music, and Family Festival
When: June
The Morley Beer, Music, and Family Festival is a fun-filled beer festival that the whole family can enjoy! Located near Wymondham at NR18 9SU, this festival offers a variety of entertainment options that will appeal to both kids and adults.
At the Morley Beer, Music, and Family Festival, you can enjoy live music from talented musicians, watch amazing circus shows, and participate in family-friendly activities like inflatable bouncy castles and a paint fight. You can also indulge in delicious street food, sample a range of refreshing drinks, including real ale, cider, and cocktails.
As this event has sold-out in the past, it’s best to secure your spot in advance. Limited on-site parking is available, so pre-booking a taxi from either the Wymondham or Attleborough stations is a smart idea.
Get more information and purchase tickets here. All profits go to Norfolk charities.
Kelling Heath Beer & Gin Festival
When: June and September
The Kelling Heath Holiday Park hosts not one, but two Beer & Gin Festivals – one in June, and the other in September. The weekends promise to be a delightful celebration of Norfolk’s finest breweries and distilleries, accompanied by a selection of dining options from the Terrace restaurant and takeaway pizzeria, as well as a variety of local food pop-ups.
In addition to the delicious drinks and food, visitors will also be treated to live music performances in the Village Square throughout the weekend. If you’re looking to make a weekend out of it, be sure to book a campsite in advance.
Get more information here.
Upton White Horse Beer Festival
When: July
The White Horse Upton hosts a beer festival with live music, a wide selection of real ales, a sizzling BBQ, an outdoor bar, exciting prize raffles, and best of all, free entry!
Get more information here.
North Walsham Beer Festival
When: August
The North Walsham Beer Festival offers an opportunity for beer and cider enthusiasts to come together for a day of sampling and fun while supporting a good cause. It is an annual event organized by a team of volunteers from the Round Table with all funds raised during the festival go towards benefiting the local community.
In 2022, the festival was held at the North Walsham Memorial Park for the first time, and attendees were able enjoyed an expanded selection of beer and cider. Where possible they use the best local producers of real ale and cider. They also have live music to keep everyone entertained.
Get more details here.
Mid-Norfolk Railway Beer Festival Weekend
When: August
The Mid-Norfolk Railway holds a beer festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Beer and cider enthusiasts can look forward to sampling real ales and ciders from all around the country, as well as locally brewed varieties.
Train services will be running all weekend with late night services and on-board real ale bars, making it easy to hop from station to station to explore the festival offerings. A special timetable will be in operation, with details to be released just before the festival takes place.
Dereham Station will have a selection of food available in the station cafe, while Thuxton Station will offer a small real ale bar each day. Wymondham Abbey’s Signal Box Tavern will have a real ale and cider bar open each day as well.
Only day and weekend rover tickets are available for this event. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance online, or at the ticket office on the day, subject to availability.
Get more details here.
RELATED: Discover Norfolk Steam Railways
Fecken’ Beer Fest
When: August
For 12 fantastic years, the “Fecken’ Beer Fest” has been a staple of the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Feckenham’s Rose and Crown. This long weekend extravaganza is all about enjoying 14 exceptional beers and ciders from both local and distant sources. Every year, the selection changes.
The beer tent, nestled in the delightful garden, is where the magic happens. Beers flow smoothly from handpulls, guaranteeing a frothy, top-notch pint every time. And don’t leave the kids behind! As a family-friendly pub, they welcome children with open arms. Our garden games ensure everyone has a blast, and the selection of delicious food and refreshing soft drinks keep all taste buds satisfied. They will also have live music.
Get more information here.
Oktoberfest in Norfolk
When: End of September – Early October
While the main Oktoberfest might take place in Munich, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate it here in Norfolk. The festivities may not be as big as the ones in Munich, but there is still a lot of fun to be had. You can expect lots of beer, music, and traditional German foods.
Some events are free, while others you will need to buy a ticket. There are also some Oktoberfest events that are family-friendly, where you can bring the kids.
Find out about the Oktoberfest events in Norfolk.
Norwich Beer Festival
When: October
You won’t want to miss the Norwich Beer Festival as it is the largest in Norfolk. Organized by the Norwich District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), this festival takes place each October at The Halls and is a highlight on the calendar of many beer lovers.
With hundreds of cask-conditioned real ales from Britain’s independent brewers, as well as a selection of draught and bottled beers from continental Europe, you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of brews. The festival is a celebration of real ale, and you’re sure to find a beer that will satisfy your taste buds.
But it’s not just about the beer – the festival also boasts over lots of varieties of traditional ciders and perries, many of which are sourced from East Anglia. Whether you’re a cider lover or just curious to try something new, there will be plenty of options to choose from.
And let’s not forget about the food! To keep you fuelled throughout the festival, you’ll find a variety of food options available. From traditional pub fare to international cuisine, there will be something to satisfy every craving.
Get more information here.
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