As the new year begins, New Jersey’s craft beer landscape is entering a period of transformation. January 2026 brings both bittersweet news for longtime beer fans and exciting opportunities for those looking to explore new flavors and taproom experiences across the Garden State. From major industry closures to emerging breweries and evolving laws, the state’s beer scene remains dynamic and vibrant.

Major Industry Closures Shake Newark
One of the most significant announcements for New Jersey beer enthusiasts is the planned closure of the iconic Anheuser-Busch brewery in Newark. Opened in 1951 along Routes 1 and 9, the facility has been a staple of the local brewing industry for decades. Early 2026 will mark its final days, as the property was sold to the Goodman Group for industrial and logistics purposes. Approximately 475 employees are affected, with the company offering options for transfers or severance packages. This closure represents the end of an era for New Jersey’s historic beer production, leaving many residents reflecting on the brewery’s long-standing community presence.

New Breweries Prepare to Make Their Mark
While Newark sees the end of a chapter, several new breweries are preparing to open or expand, promising fresh experiences for beer aficionados across the state.

• Emberside Brewery (Berkeley Heights): Located in “The District at The Park,” construction is scheduled to finish in 2026. The brewery will host a preview “Tap Takeover” at Grain & Cane on January 21, offering an early taste of what locals can expect from this new addition to northern New Jersey’s craft scene.
• Wander Back (Vineland): Founded by former Cape May Brewing staffers, this brewery is slated to open in spring 2026 inside Vineland’s renovated convention center. The team promises a mix of classic styles and innovative brews, aiming to attract both longtime craft fans and newcomers.
• Invertase Brewing (Lambertville): Already a beloved name in Phillipsburg, Invertase plans to open a second location early this year, expanding its reach and providing more residents access to its signature beers.
• Yale Terrace Brewery (Cranford): Taking advantage of recent legislative changes, the brewery has launched The Morning Roast, a coffee shop operating in the brewery space starting at 5:30 a.m., providing residents with both early-morning coffee and craft beer experiences later in the day.

Legislative and Regulatory Changes Shape the Industry
New Jersey lawmakers are also making moves that will influence the way breweries operate. December 2025 saw the passage of a Craft Promotion Bill, which establishes programs to support New Jersey-made craft beverages and the retailers selling them. This new legislation is expected to increase visibility for small and mid-sized breweries and enhance the state’s identity as a hub for craft beer production.

At the same time, regulatory tensions remain. While the 2024 laws eased certain restrictions—removing requirements like mandatory tours and food bans—the Brewers Guild of New Jersey has expressed concerns about new proposed Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulations that could raise administrative fees and increase paperwork for breweries.

In addition, the state has modernized alcohol licensing for MetLife Stadium, ensuring smooth service during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. This update is a major step in accommodating large-scale events while keeping craft beverage service efficient and compliant.

Exciting January 2026 Events Across the Garden State
Beer enthusiasts can look forward to an array of events this month that celebrate both local brews and community gatherings:

• January 3: Hott Carl’s Pizza pop-up at Bakes Brewing Co in Belmar.
• January 9: Live performance by “The Big Trip” at Farm Truck Brewing in Medford.
• January 10: Music and performance series at Autodidact Beer (Morris Plains), live sets at Conclave Brewing (Flemington), and Czig Meister (Hackettstown).
• January 21: Emberside Brewery Tap Takeover at Grain & Cane in Berkeley Heights.
• January 22: Sensory experience “Inside the Glass” at Readington Brewery.
• Ongoing: Double Tap Brewing in Whippany hosts trivia nights every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., offering prizes for the top three winners and 10% off merchandise for NJCB members.
• MudHen Brewing Company today, January 1, 2026, in Wildwood, NJ. –
  
  Today’s Events at Mudhen (January 1, 2026)
  
• New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch: This event is taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Station House at MudHen Brewing Co. It features comfort foods and a special offer: those who attended the New Year’s Eve celebration at an associated venue can get a 10% discount on their bill.
• Live Music by Rachel & Ty: The acoustic duo Rachel & Ty will be performing live during brunch hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. 

Upcoming Events in January 2026

• January 2: Live music by the Megan Knight Band from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m..
• January 3: Live music by Animal House from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., covering various party dance songs.
• January 6: Triple Points Tuesday (all day) where you can earn triple points on menu items, plus live music by Jack Mangene from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..
• January 7: Dining For Dollars fundraiser for the Cape May Tech Class Of 2028 (all day).
• January 15: A Comedy Show with “Next Stop Comedy”. 

For more details and a full list of events, you can check the MudHen Brewing Company events page.

These events provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to sample a range of craft beers, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the social side of New Jersey’s beer culture.

For those looking to explore more of the state’s breweries, Explore New Jersey’s brewery listings provide detailed guides, event information, and insights into the growing craft beer industry. With new openings, evolving laws, and unique local experiences, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth and excitement for New Jersey’s beer scene.