Groningen: International Craft Beer Festival

If you’re a beer enthusiast or curious explorer looking to experience something uniquely local and internationally flavored, the Groningen International Craft Beer Festival offers a fantastic day out. Set in a fascinating abandoned sugar factory just outside the city, this one-day event combines a broad selection of over 150 beers from around the world, lively live music, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates craftsmanship and camaraderie. For around €87.50, you get a ticket that grants access to an authentic Dutch festival, complete with a keepsake glass, tasting tokens, and plenty of entertainment.

What makes this experience stand out are two key features. First, the chance to sample such a diverse collection of beers, from local brews to international favorites, all in a dramatically cool setting inside a converted industrial space. Second, the local flavor — the festival is hosted by local brewery Baxbier and powered by Just in Beer, giving it an authentic community vibe that you don’t get at generic beer fests.

However, a possible consideration is transportation — while the venue is reachable by bike, bus, or foot from Groningen’s city center, you might want to plan ahead if you prefer driving or need easier access. Also, food isn’t included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget for those delicious food trucks you’ll find on-site.

This festival suits travelers who love craft beer, are interested in international varieties, and enjoy live music and a social atmosphere. It’s also a great choice if you prefer a local event with a community feel, rather than a large, commercial festival.

Key Points

• Diverse Beer Selection: Over 150 beers from 22 breweries worldwide.
• Authentic Setting: Held in a historic, industrial sugar factory outside Groningen.
• Inclusive Experience: Ticket includes a tasting glass, two tokens, a booklet, and water.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by emerging local bands.
• Community Focus: Powered by local breweries and beer shops.
• Accessibility: Suitable for those on foot, bike, or bus, with no included food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Location and Setting

The festival takes place in an abandoned sugar factory just outside Groningen’s bustling city center. This industrial venue provides a visually captivating backdrop—large brick walls, high ceilings, and a raw, open feel—perfect for a craft beer celebration. As we wandered through the space, you could feel its history, now transformed into a lively gathering spot. The location is reachable by bike, bus, or on foot, making it a convenient outing without the need for parking fuss.

The atmosphere here is relaxed but lively, with different breweries setting up stations around the vast space. It’s a bit like stepping into a hidden gem that reveals itself through great beer and good company. The indoor setting means you’re protected from Dutch weather, which can be unpredictable even in June.

The Beer Experience

The core of this event is the beer tasting. With over 150 different options, there’s something for all—whether your taste runs to hoppy IPAs, complex stouts, fruity sours, or light lagers. The booklet provided with your ticket lists every beer available, helping you make informed choices.

Each ticket includes two drink tokens, which you can exchange for your chosen brews. Additional tokens are available for purchase if you want to sample more varieties. The glass you keep is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to remember this beer adventure long after the festival ends.

From review snippets, we know “it was a great event,” and the diversity of beers was a highlight for many visitors. The fact that the festival features international top breweries ensures you’ll encounter new favorites and expand your beer palate.

The quality of the beers and the knowledgeable staff behind each station contribute to a positive tasting experience. Plus, being able to try local favorites like Baxbier adds a sense of community pride to the event.

Live Music and Food Trucks

Music is a running thread throughout the day, with emerging local bands providing a vibrant soundtrack. The live performances add a social, festival vibe, making it more than just a beer tasting—it’s a celebration of local culture and creativity.

Food trucks are scattered around the venue, offering a range of delicious food options. While food isn’t included in the ticket price, many visitors find that grabbing a bite from these trucks enhances the experience. Think hearty burgers, vegetarian options, and snacks that pair well with craft beers.

The combination of live music, great food, and craft beer creates an inviting atmosphere, encouraging mingling and making new friends. If you’re someone who enjoys multisensory experiences, this setup will appeal.

Practicalities and Tips

The ticket price of €87.50 might seem a bit steep at first glance, but considering it includes access, a keepsake glass, two tokens, a booklet, and water, the value is quite reasonable. Additional tokens can be bought if you wish to taste more beers.

Since food isn’t included, plan to budget for meals or snacks. The venue’s location outside the city means you might want to arrive equipped with transportation plans. The festival is wheelchair accessible, and hosts speak Dutch, English, and German, making it accessible for most visitors.

Timing-wise, the event runs for one day only—make sure to check the specific starting times when you book your tickets. The meeting point is straightforward: head up the red stairs to get your tickets scanned, and you’ll be ready to explore the craft beer paradise.

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Authenticity and Local Flavor

Many visitors praise the local involvement—the festival is powered by local brewery Baxbier and Just in Beer, adding a community-driven feel. The small-scale nature of the event means you’ll get a closer look at craftsmanship and personalized service than at larger, commercial festivals.

The stunning industrial environment offers a unique vibe that elevates the tasting experience. As one reviewer put it, “it was a great event,” and the setting was a big part of that enjoyment.

Who Will Love This Festival?

If you’re someone who appreciates craft beer and enjoys tasting international varieties, this event offers incredible value. It’s perfect for beer lovers who want to explore a broad range of flavors without the hassle of traveling far. The live music and food trucks make it an ideal social outing, whether with friends or solo travelers eager to meet new people.

The manageable size and community vibe mean it’s suitable for those who prefer a less commercial experience. Plus, if you like a cool industrial setting, you’ll find the venue itself is a highlight.

The Sum Up

The Groningen International Craft Beer Festival is an authentic, well-curated event that combines international beer diversity, local passion, and a lively atmosphere inside a stunning industrial space. It’s a great value for beer aficionados and curious explorers alike, offering a chance to taste over 150 beers from around the world, all with the convenience of a single ticket.

The live music, food trucks, and community vibe make it more than just a beer tasting—it’s a festival of craftsmanship and culture in the heart of Groningen. If you’re seeking a fun, authentic experience that combines good drinks with good company, this event is well worth your time.

FAQ

Is transportation to the venue included?
No, transportation isn’t included. The festival is reachable by bike, bus, or foot from the city center.

Does the ticket price include food?
No, food is not included, but there are food trucks on-site where you can buy meals and snacks.

How many beers can I taste with the ticket?
Your ticket includes two drink tokens, which can be exchanged for beers. Additional tokens are available for purchase if you’d like to try more.

Is there a limit on how many beers I can sample?
You can sample as many beers as you like, provided you have tokens. The event is designed for tasting, not full-volume drinking.

Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options?
While specific dietary options aren’t detailed, the wide variety of beers and food trucks suggests there should be some options to suit different preferences.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the festival is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience.

What’s the best way to get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in advance online; check availability for specific starting times.

How long does the event last?
It’s a one-day event. Times vary depending on the specific session, so check the schedule when booking.

Can I keep the tasting glass after the event?
Yes, the tasting glass is yours to keep as a souvenir.

What language do hosts speak?
Hosts speak Dutch, English, and German, making communication easy for most visitors.

If you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day exploring international craft beers in a unique industrial setting, the Groningen International Craft Beer Festival offers a memorable experience that balances quality, community, and local charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: