November 1st Marks the Very First “Minnesota Beer Day"

Hamm's Bear holding the proclamation

Starting this year, Minnesota Beer Day will officially be celebrated across the state on November 1, following resolutions signed by the Minnesota Legislature and a proclamation from the Governor. The celebration has been Resolved as an annual event moving forward.

“What we want to drive home is the importance of beer to the state of Minnesota. We were making beer 10 years before Minnesota was even a state!” says Bob Galligan, the Director of Government and Industry Relations at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. “MN Beer Day offers an opportunity for camaraderie across the industry and the state—a day for beer lovers everywhere to go out, celebrate, and support their local taproom, brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.”

As part of the celebration, the Guild has coordinated the release of a special pint glass for purchase, which will be sold across the state. Many Guild members are participating by offering special discounts, events, or even unique brews. A map detailing all participants and their deals is available on the Guild’s website at https://www.mncraftbrew.org/events/mn-beer-day/.MN Beer Day was established as an opportunity to celebrate the history of Minnesota beer and how the culture has transformed over the years. November 1st was chosen to honor the state’s most historic brand, Grain Belt, whose story began on November 1, 1850, when John Orth founded the second brewery in the territory. Grain Belt is currently brewed by the oldest brewery in the state and a Guild member, Schell’s Brewery. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, which represents more than 170 of the state’s craft breweries, worked with Senator Howe (13, R) and Representative Isa Perez-Vega (65B, DFL) in their respective chambers to pass resolutions officially declaring the celebration. The date for 2024 was also proclaimed by the Governor's office.

Galligan added, “It’s amazing to see what beer has become in Minnesota. But I think it’s also important to remember the lineage from which we craft brewers come. And the immense ecosystem we are a part of. We celebrate this day with others we have disagreed with in the past because, for one day, we hope we can all remember the purpose of beer: to sustain and to connect. After 176 years, we think it’s time to celebrate the beverage that built the North Star State. In recognition of everyone from farmers to bartenders, we’re asking all beer-drinking Minnesotans to get out and responsibly enjoy a brew on November 1. We’ll be the ones filling your glass and showing you the true meaning of being a Minnesotan - hospitality.”