Mass Beer Week is almost here with exclusive glassware, events, and more
Since the MBG began sponsoring Massachusetts Beer Week in the spring of 2017, the number of craft breweries operating in the Bay State has increased exponentially—and the annual celebration of them all is keeping pace.
Mass Beer Week is back March 4-11 with live events happening across the Commonwealth. From a festive introduction to some of the coolest new breweries to a stacked lineup of in-person events, there’s plenty to drink, see, and savor during Massachusetts Beer Week.
Here are the highlights:
Meet the Brewers Freshman Class 2023
Mass Beer Week kicks off on Saturday, March 4, with the return of the MBG’s Meet the Brewers Freshman Class: 2023. This roundtable tasting event hasn’t happened in-person since 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet more than 20 new breweries have launched in Massachusetts every year. Seven 2023 newcomers will converge at Lookout Farm in Natick for this year’s Meet the Brewers Freshman Class:
Get to know some of these persevering entrepreneurs and hear about their challenges and triumphs during the afternoon networking event. Representatives from each brewery will share their beers—and their insights about launching a craft beer business during one of the most uncertain times the industry has ever seen. Tickets are $50 and include a 12-minute meet-and-greet with each brewer, plus two beer samples from each table, a souvenir tasting glass, and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Mass Brewers Guild, the state’s trade association to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the state.
Meet the Brewers Freshman Class 2023, Saturday, March 4, noon-3 p.m., Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant Street South, Natick.
Get your limited edition glassware
As craft beer lovers, we know you can never have too much glassware—and of course Mass Beer Week comes with an exclusive pint.
The stylish Willi Becher glass is available throughout Mass Beer Week to buy for $6 at dozens of craft breweries across the Commonwealth. The pint includes this year’s Mass Beer Week dates and hashtags, and features a whimsical, 360-degree landscape designed by local artist and craft beer lover Shawnna Lyons-Dambeck, complete with landmarks from the Boston skyline and the sun shining down on a flourishing farm.
“While every brewery in every region is so different – they all care so much about their communities, sustainability, and supporting farmers,” says Lyons-Dambeck, who won a contest sponsored by the Mass Brewers Guild to design this year’s commemorative glass.
Events all week long
From taproom trivia nights and food pop-ups to polar plunges and ice-skating extravaganzas, there are myriad ways to celebrate Mass Beer Week all across the state. Check out the full lineup of events via the Mass Beer Week Facebook page or head over to MassBeerWeek.org. Keep checking back all week long. The calendar will be updated through March 11.
Whenever and wherever you get out there for Mass Beer Week, make sure to take a pic! The Mass Beer Week Photo Contest is back with cool prizes. The first-place winner will receive two tickets to the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Fest in Boston on April 29; second place earns a $50 gift card to the Mass. brewery of your choice; and third place will get MBG swag including a cooler, hat, and glassware. To enter, simply post pictures of anything Mass. craft beer-related to social media between March 4-11, using hashtag #massbeerweek2023 and tagging @massbeerweek and the brewery or breweries pictured. Photo contest winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 14.
However you celebrate Mass Beer Week, just remember: #DrinkMassMadeBeer. Cheers!