Vermont Brewers Festival 2026 Brings 200+ Beers, VIP Perks, and Lakeside Tastings to Burlington

Lovers of craft beer will have lots to be excited about as the Vermont Brewers Festival returns with more for attendees to explore, and an expanded beer list. This year’s festival combines tradition with new treats, including the introduction of a VIP option and enhanced accommodations for designated drivers. Taking place along a scenic waterfront, the event still celebrates local talent while also embracing cross-border brewing connections.

A press release from the Vermont Brewers Association (the organizers of the festival) revealed that the 2026 edition will take place on July 17-18, 2026 featuring three tasting sessions, 40 world-class breweries and more than 200 specialty offerings — all against the backdrop of Lake Champlain.

This will be the 33rd edition of the festival.

For the first time, the festival is introducing an exclusive VIP Experience Ticket ($115) for Session 1 on Friday, July 17. This limited-capacity experience includes:

• Early Entry: Access to the festival grounds at 4:30 p.m., one hour before the general public
• Exclusive Access: Entry to the VIP Lounge with private shaded seating and light food pairings
• Specialty Offerings: Access to rare and limited-edition pours found only in the VIP tent
• Extra Tastings: Five additional tasting tickets on top of the standard 15

Inclusion & Discovery

The 2026 festival is expanding the Designated Driver (DD) experience. For $22, DD tickets now include unlimited non-alcoholic beer from participating brewer tents, including Switchback NA, Green State Zero, and Conehead Zero, and a new dedicated map of NA products provided at check-in. For the first time, DD tickets are available for purchase in advance. 

A Welcome for Canadian Neighbors 

Reflecting the festival’s deep-rooted connection to the Québec brewing community, the Vermont Brewers Association will continue to offer “at-par” ticket pricing for Canadian residents ($60 CAD advance / $65 CAD day-of). Note: Attendees must present a valid Canadian driver’s license or passport at ticket pickup. If a valid ID is not presented, attendees will be required to pay the currency difference at the Box Office.

The 2026 lineup features Canadian partners Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! (Montreal, QC) and Messorem (Montreal, QC). “For over twenty years, we at Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! have been exporting our craft beers to the United States—a market that continues to be important to us,” said Claudia Thuot, Coordonnatrice événements & partenariats at Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!. “We’ve always held deep respect for the expertise of our American brewing peers, and over the years, many of these professional relationships have grown into lasting friendships, including our collaboration with John Kimmich of The Alchemist to create our flagship beer, Moralité. For us, this event represents far more than a commercial showcase—it’s a gesture of solidarity with the North American brewing community, and a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the cultural bridges that connect Quebec and Vermont.”

The Brewery Lineup

 The festival offers a rare opportunity to discover Vermont’s most celebrated brewers and beer worth finding in one place. This year’s roster includes a mix of industry leaders, local favorites, and breweries new to the festival, including Hill Farmstead, Other Half, Foam Brewers, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Lost Marble Brewing, Kingdom Brewing, and Valley Craft Ales. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a vast range of styles and meet the teams behind the labels. Additionally, the Fermentation Tent returns as a $15 add-on experience, offering 30-minute panels led by Seven Days writer Jordan Barry featuring local brewers and food producers.

“The Vermont Brewers Festival is a homecoming for our brewing community and the fans who support us,” said Emma Arian, Executive Director of the Vermont Brewers Association. “This year, we are especially excited to introduce new ways to experience the waterfront, from our first-ever VIP session to a reimagined experience for our designated drivers. It’s about making sure every guest feels the unique spirit of Vermont craft.”

Ticket Information & Session Schedule

Tickets go on sale May 1 at 11:00 a.m. EST at vtbrewfest.com. All general admission tickets ($60 advance / $65 day-of) include 15 tasting tabs and souvenir festival glassware.

• Session 1: Friday, July 17 | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Doors 5:00 / VIP Entry 4:30)
• Session 2: Saturday, July 18 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Doors 11:30)
• Session 3: Saturday, July 18 | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Doors 5:00)

About The Vermont Brewers Association 

The The Vermont Brewers Association is a 501c6 non profit organization that promotes and strengthens the culture of craft brewing in Vermont through marketing, education, and advocacy for Vermont-made beer. With over 55 brewery members, the association ensures that Vermont continues to be recognized as a leading destination for craft beer lovers.