Top 10 Biggest Beverage Tradeshows & Festivals in the U.S. for 2025

As beverage culture continues to expand in the United States, from craft beers and artisan spirits to coffee and premium wines, beverage tradeshows and festivals are on the rise. These events not only connect industry professionals and connoisseurs but also celebrate innovative trends like sustainable production, zero-proof beverages, and cutting-edge mixology. In 2025, the biggest beverage tradeshows and festivals across the U.S. are expected to draw thousands of enthusiasts and experts eager to taste, learn, and network.

Here’s why each of these top events is a must-attend for anyone passionate about beverages.

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Biggest Beverage Tradeshows & Festivals in the U.S

1. Great American Beer Festival – Denver, Colorado

Great American Beer Festival – Denver, Colorado

Dates and Location: October 9-11, 2025, Colorado Convention Center, Denver

Main Attractions: Featuring over 4,000 craft beers, spotlighting regional breweries and emerging trends in the industry.

As the largest beer festival in the U.S., the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is a true pilgrimage for beer lovers, showcasing the diversity of American brews. In 2025, GABF will feature a record-breaking selection of over 4,000 beers, inviting breweries from across the country to showcase everything from lagers and IPAs to experimental flavors. Attendees can enjoy the wide array of flavors while participating in tasting sessions, educational panels, and home-brewing workshops.

2025 Highlights: This year, GABF will emphasize eco-friendly and low-alcohol options, providing attendees with sustainable brews and non-alcoholic alternatives that cater to a wider audience. Beyond tastings, the festival’s renowned beer competitions, judged by industry experts, will crown the top beers of the year across multiple categories.

2. San Francisco World Spirits Competition & Festival – San Francisco, California

Dates and Location: May 3-5, 2025, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

Focus: The festival features a variety of spirits, from single malt whiskeys to craft gins and artisanal liqueurs.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most prestigious events in the spirits industry, known for its rigorous judging and high industry standards. Held annually, this event brings together master distillers, mixologists, and spirit lovers from around the globe. Attendees can taste award-winning spirits and discover new releases from around the world while learning about the craft behind each spirit.

2025 Trends: With a growing demand for sustainability, the festival will showcase more artisanal spirits produced using eco-friendly methods, along with a strong presence of non-alcoholic distilled options. Master classes led by renowned distillers will explore these trends, offering an exclusive look into the future of the spirits industry.

3. New York Coffee Festival – New York City, New York

Dates and Location: October 18-20, 2025, Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC

Focus: Specialty coffee, cold brews, coffee-based cocktails, and eco-conscious coffee brands.

Coffee lovers and professionals alike flock to the New York Coffee Festival for an in-depth look at the latest in coffee culture. As one of the largest coffee festivals in the U.S., it’s a hub for tasting sessions, workshops, and discussions led by top baristas, roasters, and coffee entrepreneurs. The event also brings a strong focus on sustainability, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly practices in coffee production and packaging.

2025 Emphasis: This year, attendees can expect even more innovations in non-dairy milk options and ethically-sourced coffee beans, as well as a spotlight on single-origin roasts. Exciting activities include latte art battles, interactive tasting labs, and workshops that provide insights into brewing techniques and coffee origins.

4. Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience – New York City, New York

Dates and Location: October 16-18, 2025, Marriott Marquis, Times Square, NYC

Primary Focus: Premium wine tastings and exclusive collector’s events featuring the world’s best wines.

The New York Wine Experience is a high-end event known for gathering some of the finest wines and renowned vintners. Hosted by Wine Spectator, it provides attendees with access to rare vintages and exclusive tastings of top-scoring wines from around the world. For wine collectors and sommeliers, this event is a chance to learn about industry trends, attend grand tastings, and meet the people behind the wines.

2025 Highlights: The event will showcase more biodynamic and organic wines, aligning with the trend toward natural winemaking. Additionally, limited-edition releases and private collector dinners offer a luxurious and exclusive experience, making this one of the top events for serious wine lovers.

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5. Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Bardstown, Kentucky

Dates and Location: September 16-20, 2025, Bardstown, Kentucky

Focus: Celebrating bourbon through tastings, food pairings, and Kentucky’s rich whiskey heritage.

In the heart of bourbon country, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is an annual celebration of America’s native spirit. Each year, Bardstown becomes the focal point for whiskey enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience that includes tastings, distillery tours, and barrel-aging workshops. Known for its Southern hospitality, the festival also features food pairings that highlight bourbon’s versatility.

2025 Trends: With the rise of artisanal production, attendees can expect to find unique varieties and barrel-aged innovations. Master distiller meet-and-greet sessions and special bourbon pairing dinners make this event a must-attend for whiskey lovers seeking a deeper connection with Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

6. American Craft Spirits Association Convention & Expo – Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates and Location: March 9-11, 2025, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

Main Focus: Artisanal and small-batch spirits, with a focus on innovation and craft techniques.

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) Convention & Expo is one of the leading trade events for craft distillers, bringing together industry experts, investors, and suppliers. Known for showcasing small-batch production and artisanal spirits, the event offers workshops, seminars, and industry panels covering topics from distillation methods to market trends.

2025 Innovations: As demand for eco-friendly and organic spirits grows, this year’s event will feature new advancements in organic spirits and low-impact production methods. The expo provides a valuable platform for professionals to network and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of craft distillation.

Biggest Beverage Tradeshows & Festivals in the U.S

7. Los Angeles Cocktail Classic – Los Angeles, California

Dates and Location: April 25-27, 2025, Downtown Los Angeles

Highlights: Craft cocktails, mixology showcases, and bar industry innovations.

A stylish event in the heart of Los Angeles, the Cocktail Classic is where the world of mixology shines. Attendees can expect innovative cocktails, mixology showcases, and hands-on workshops from some of the industry’s top bartenders. Known for its trendy setting and lively atmosphere, the event attracts cocktail lovers and hospitality professionals alike.

2025 Spotlight: This year, eco-conscious cocktails, plant-based spirits, and zero-proof options will be front and center. Bartender competitions and tasting lounges provide a dynamic space for sampling the latest in cocktail trends, making this festival a go-to for cocktail aficionados.

8. SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience – Washington, D.C.

SAVOR - An American Craft Beer

Dates and Location: June 6-7, 2025, Anthem DC, Washington, D.C.

Focus: Craft beer paired with gourmet food, emphasizing regional ingredients and sustainable practices.

SAVOR is a unique festival that celebrates the pairing of craft beer with gourmet cuisine. Each year, it brings together top brewers and chefs who collaborate to create beer-paired dishes that highlight the versatility of craft beer in fine dining. Known for its emphasis on sustainability and local ingredients, the event provides a refined experience tailored to foodies and beer enthusiasts.

2025 Theme: The “Farm-to-Table” concept will be a highlight, featuring regional and organic ingredients that align with the festival’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Guided pairing sessions and brewery-hosted tastings round out this sophisticated beer experience.

9. Tales of the Cocktail – New Orleans, Louisiana

Dates and Location: July 14-19, 2025, Various venues in New Orleans

Main Focus: Mixology, cocktail innovation, and bar industry trends from around the world.

Held in New Orleans, Tales of the Cocktail is an influential event in the global cocktail industry. Known for its lively atmosphere and international flair, the festival brings together bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail enthusiasts to celebrate and explore the art of mixology. Signature events include the Spirited Awards, mixology competitions, and tasting rooms showcasing global cocktail trends.

2025 Highlights: With a growing interest in sustainability, this year’s workshops will include sessions on eco-friendly ingredients and alcohol-free cocktail recipes. As an industry event, Tales of the Cocktail offers unique networking opportunities and insight into emerging trends for professionals in the bar and hospitality industry.

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10. Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dates and Location: May 5-8, 2025, Minneapolis Convention Center

Focus: The largest brewing conference in the U.S., focusing on new brewing technologies, market insights, and innovations.

The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is the premier gathering for brewers, suppliers, and industry professionals. Known for its extensive exhibit hall and educational sessions, CBC is the go-to event for those involved in the craft brewing industry. With seminars on topics ranging from fermentation techniques to sustainable practices, the conference provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions.

2025 Trends: This year, the CBC will emphasize sustainable brewing methods, non-alcoholic craft beers, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The event also offers invaluable networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest in brewing technology.

Conclusion

Each of these top beverage tradeshows and festivals in the U.S. for 2025 provides a unique opportunity to experience the best of the beverage industry. From the art of craft brewing to the precision of high-end mixology, these events cover every major trend and innovation. For anyone passionate about beverages, these festivals promise an immersive experience filled with tastings, education, and inspiration. Mark your calendar and prepare to sip, savor, and learn from the very best in the industry.

FAQs About Beverage Tradeshows and Festivals in the U.S. for 2025

1. Do I need to buy tickets in advance for these beverage festivals?

Yes, most of these festivals and tradeshows, especially popular ones like the Great American Beer Festival and Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, encourage purchasing tickets in advance. Many offer early-bird discounts, and some events, particularly VIP sessions, sell out quickly. Always check the event's official website for ticket information.

2. Are these events suitable for beginners or only for industry professionals?

While some tradeshows, such as the Craft Brewers Conference, cater primarily to industry professionals, many events are open to beginners and enthusiasts. Festivals like Tales of the Cocktail, New York Coffee Festival, and Kentucky Bourbon Festival offer experiences, tastings, and workshops accessible to anyone interested in learning more about beverages.

3. Are there non-alcoholic options available at these festivals?

Yes, in 2025, many beverage festivals are highlighting non-alcoholic options, following the growing trend toward alcohol-free beverages. Expect to find alcohol-free beers at the Great American Beer Festival, zero-proof cocktails at Tales of the Cocktail, and non-alcoholic spirits at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition & Festival.

4. What should I bring to a beverage festival?

Bringing essentials such as a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen (for outdoor events) is recommended. Many events also provide maps, guides, or event apps for easy navigation, so having a smartphone is helpful. Some festivals may have cash-only vendors, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash along as well.

5. Can I attend these events if I’m under 21?

Most beverage tradeshows and festivals involving alcohol require attendees to be at least 21 years old. However, some events, such as the New York Coffee Festival, welcome attendees of all ages. Always check the specific event's age requirements on their official website.

6. Are there accommodations near these events?

Yes, these festivals often take place in major cities with a variety of nearby accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. For popular events, it’s advisable to book your accommodations early, as nearby hotels can fill up quickly, especially for high-demand festivals in destinations like New York City or Denver.

7. Do these festivals offer food options, or are they beverage-only?

Most festivals provide a variety of food options, often with a focus on local or paired cuisine. For example, SAVOR in Washington, D.C., pairs craft beers with gourmet dishes, while the Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers bourbon-paired dinners. Additionally, festivals in cities known for their food culture, like New Orleans and San Francisco, often have a strong culinary presence.

8. Can I meet industry experts and professionals at these festivals?

Yes, many of these events, such as the American Craft Spirits Association Expo and Tales of the Cocktail, provide opportunities to meet distillers, brewers, sommeliers, and mixologists. Attendees can engage in Q&A sessions, attend workshops, or simply mingle with professionals, making these festivals ideal for networking.

9. Are there volunteer opportunities at beverage festivals?

Yes, many festivals offer volunteer programs where you can assist with event operations in exchange for admission or perks. Volunteering can be a great way to participate in the event, meet people, and learn about the industry. Check the official websites of festivals like the Great American Beer Festival or Tales of the Cocktail for volunteer information.

10. How can I stay updated on the latest information about these events?

Following the official websites and social media accounts of each festival is the best way to stay informed about ticket sales, event schedules, and any last-minute changes. Many events also offer newsletters or mailing lists, which provide regular updates and exclusive announcements.

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