Dates: July 13-20, 2025
Locations: Various breweries across New Jersey
New Jersey’s craft beer scene is bubbling with excitement as the state gears up for its first-ever New Jersey Craft Beer Week, taking place from July 13–20, 2025. This week-long celebration promises to showcase the creativity, resilience, and innovation of the state’s thriving brewery community. From special beer releases to exclusive events, it’s the perfect opportunity for craft beer lovers to explore the diverse offerings of the Garden State.
A Golden Year for New Jersey Breweries
New Jersey’s craft beer industry continues to impress, as four local breweries clinched gold medals at the prestigious 2024 World Beer Cup. These world-class breweries—Kane Brewing Co. from Ocean, Ship Bottom Brewery in Beach Haven, Bonesaw Brewing Co. from Glassboro, and MudHen Brewing Co. of Wildwood—have elevated the state’s reputation on the global stage. Their victories are a testament to the talent and craftsmanship that have become synonymous with New Jersey brewing.
But it’s not just about the awards. The state’s craft beer industry has proven remarkably resilient, overcoming challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some breweries faced closures, many transformed, merged, or even expanded. Despite these challenges, New Jersey now boasts a robust network of independent breweries that continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving tastes of beer drinkers.
Local “Beer Destinations” Are on the Rise
New Jersey is seeing the emergence of local beer destinations, with breweries clustering in specific regions to create vibrant beer hubs. These beer destinations offer more than just a chance to sample local brews—they foster a sense of community and make it easier for craft beer enthusiasts to hop from one brewery to the next. Whether it’s the shores of Long Beach Island or the bustling streets of Newark, the Garden State is becoming an epicenter of craft beer innovation.
As breweries work together in these local “beer hubs,” beer lovers can embark on their own craft beer tours, tasting a wide range of flavors, styles, and brewing techniques. It’s an exciting time for both newcomers and seasoned beer connoisseurs to explore the diversity that New Jersey breweries have to offer.
Exciting New Openings and Expansions
In addition to the inaugural Craft Beer Week, the New Jersey beer scene has seen several new openings and expansions that are sure to excite beer lovers in 2025:
- Magnify Brewing opened its second location in Medford, with a grand opening on July 19th. Known for their bold and flavorful beers, Magnify Brewing is already a beloved name in New Jersey, and this new location only adds to their growing reputation.
- Tall Oaks Brewing recently opened in Farmingdale, bringing new flavors to this growing area. The brewery offers a variety of seasonal and year-round options, allowing beer enthusiasts to enjoy everything from hop-forward IPAs to smooth stouts.
- Newark Local Beer has made its home in the historic Walker House, a beautifully restored Art Deco building in Newark. This brewery is quickly becoming a must-visit spot for those looking to explore the best of the city’s craft beer scene.
- Ship Bottom Brewery is expanding its footprint on Long Beach Island, opening a new taproom and planning further expansions in the coming years. The new space promises to be the perfect spot for beachgoers to relax with a cold, locally brewed beer.
Local Ingredients, Global Challenges
As the global supply chain faces challenges, some New Jersey breweries are focusing on sourcing ingredients locally. While this shift towards local sourcing offers sustainability benefits, it’s not without its hurdles. The limited supply of local hops, barley, and other key ingredients means that breweries must get creative to meet the growing demand for craft beer while maintaining the high-quality standards that beer drinkers have come to expect.
Nevertheless, local sourcing is part of a broader trend where New Jersey’s breweries are looking to strengthen ties with local farmers and suppliers. It’s all about creating a sustainable, community-driven beer ecosystem that supports New Jersey’s economy and ensures a steady supply of craft beer for years to come.
Events to Watch During New Jersey Craft Beer Week
Throughout the week, New Jersey beer lovers can look forward to a range of events and special releases. Some of the highlights include:
- Craft Beer Thursdays at Oaklyn Manor (Thursday, July 17, 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM) – A weekly celebration of craft beer with rotating taps and special deals.
- Petrock’s Beer Tasting (Saturday, July 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) – Sample some of the best local brews at Petrock’s Bar & Grille.
- NJCB Membership Printing Night (Wednesday, July 16, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – A great chance to sign up for the New Jersey Craft Beer Guild membership and get access to exclusive deals.
- Bingo at Capital Craft Grille (Tuesday, July 15, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Try your luck with some friendly competition while enjoying local beers.
- Trivia Revolution at Hops Beer Bar (Tuesday, July 15, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM) – Show off your knowledge while sipping on the best craft beers in Morristown.
- Happy Hour at Hackensack Brewing (Tuesday, July 15, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM) – Enjoy $5 20oz pours and a dollar off every other beer at this Hackensack hotspot.
These events are just the tip of the iceberg during the New Jersey Craft Beer Week, and beer enthusiasts are encouraged to check out local breweries for even more special events and limited-time releases.
A Future of Flavor and Community
New Jersey’s craft beer industry continues to thrive, with new breweries, events, and innovative brews emerging all the time. The 2025 New Jersey Craft Beer Week is a perfect example of how the state’s beer culture is growing and evolving. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of craft beer or a newcomer eager to explore, this week offers something for everyone.
As the state continues to expand its craft beer scene, we can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come. From beer destinations to local sourcing initiatives, New Jersey’s craft beer community is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of brewing.
For more information on the best breweries and beer events in New Jersey, be sure to check out our New Jersey Beer & Breweries Guide.
Cheers to 30 years of brewing success, community spirit, and unforgettable flavors!