Manchester has a well-deserved reputation for being a city where it’s easy to find a decent pint, and so it’s no surprise there’s a wide range of beer festivals taking place throughout the year. Here’s a look at what to expect in the coming months.
Shebeen Festival
Much more than a traditional beer festival, Shebeen Festival will bring together food and drink, art, comedy and music across three venues – including two breweries. Hosted by Shebeen Events, Grub and Blackjack Brewery, the programme includes music curated by the likes of Hey! Manchester and So Flute, street food traders and a Barcelona-style wine and tapas bar.
Saturday May 2, 12noon – 11pm. Green Quarter, city centre.
Oldham Beer Festival
Returning for its 27th year, Oldham Beer Festival promises real ale, traditional ciders and perries and bottled beers from across the globe. There will also be live bands during the evening.
Friday May 1 – Saturday May 2, 12noon – 10.30pm. Queen Elizabeth Hall, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL.
Withington Beer Festival
After its inaugural event last year, the Withington Beer Festival returns offering up a range of local cask ales, ciders and German beers. Food will be served from a barbecue and there will also be live music.
Saturday May 2, 12noon – 10pm. Withington Bowling Club, Birthacre Grove, M14 6UX.
Forever Bury
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the Forever Bury Beer Festival takes place at the Bury FC social club and will offering up real ales for just £2 a pint. There will also be cider and bottle bars.
Thursday May 14 – Saturday May 16. Bury FC social club, Gigg Lane, Bury, BL9 9HR.
Stockport Beer and Cider Festival
Taking over an entire football ground, the event is one of the largest CAMRA-organised festivals in the north. Expect about 150 British cask and bottled beers as well as a range of ciders and perries and some options further afield. And with the stands open for use by visitors, there’s always enough seating!
Thursday May 28 – Saturday May 30. Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, Stockport, SK3 9DD.
Chorlton Beer Festival
A church might not be an obvious location for a beer festival, but this annual event is always a popular occasion in the Chorlton calendar. This year will feature four bars – two for real ale (one of which will exclusively feature Greater Manchester breweries), one for cider and perry, and a new world beers bar featured bottles from across the globe. Street food and live music will also be on offer.
Thursday July 2 – Saturday July 4. St Clement's Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton, M21 9AE.
Indy Man Beer Con
The highlight of Manchester’s beer calendar returns to the stunning Victoria Baths again this year. Organised by the team behind Port Street Beer House, Common and The Beagle, the festival showcases the most innovative breweries from across the UK, Europe and US. Expect much more than just beer – think pop-up talks, secret tastings and street food. It’s a true beer extravaganza set within one of the city’s hidden gems. Tickets go on sale Monday June 1.
Thursday October 8 – Sunday October 11. Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, M13 0FE.
The Independent Salford Beer Festival
After a successful first event in 2014, this small but perfectly formed festival will be coming back to Saint Sebastian’s Community Centre later this year. Although the details are still being finalised, the plan is to focus on new breweries and beers from both sides of the Pennines.
Friday October 30 – Saturday November 1. Saint Sebastian’s Community Centre, 1 Douglas Green, Salford, M6 6ES.
See Time Out's guide to Manchester's best pubs.