Hello Beer Friends,

As 2026 SF Beer Week comes to a close, we want to begin with two simple words:

Thank you.

Because of your curiosity, your enthusiasm, your willingness to explore new neighborhoods, new breweries, new small businesses, and, of course, new beers, this year’s Beer Week was truly special.

Our community showed up in a big way, supporting 358 events at 182 locations across the Bay Area. We saw packed taprooms, intimate educational events, and a slew of activities that used our world-class local beer scene to energize and enable everything from speed dating to live professional wrestling, cooking competitions, and even a 5K. Whether Beer Week put you in a museum or a dim sum hall, had you riding a ferry cruise, or hopping on SF MUNI, the energy was real and inspiring.

At a time when headlines are full of talk about “craft beer’s decline” and shifting drinking habits, you helped tell a different story—the accurate story that too often gets overlooked: that beer in the Bay Area has never been of higher quality, or easier to find in brewery-fresh condition.

You proved that when independent beer is presented with care, creativity, and intention, people respond. You helped us show that community still matters and prove that this culture is still alive and worth investing in.

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about younger generations drinking less, spending differently, and facing new economic pressures. And while those conversations may have some validity, Beer Week reminded us of something far more important: when people receive a compelling invite into something meaningful, they show up.

One of our member-brewery owners has a saying:

“If you tell people something is important, they will believe you.”

This year, our member breweries and host venues weren’t just telling folks how much this culture means to them; they were showing it. The Bay Area’s beer people poured their hearts into their Beer Week activations. Through thoughtful programming, collaborations, hospitality, and storytelling, they cut through broader social and economic challenges to demonstrate why we all came to love local beer in the first place.

And you all met that effort with curiosity, generosity, and a ton of support. For that, we are deeply grateful. And now, as we look ahead, we want to hear from you.

We’ve put together a short survey to learn what you loved, what surprised you, and how we can make Beer Week even better in the future. The BABG exists to support small, independent breweries and make the Bay Area home to the savviest community of beer consumers anywhere in the country. Your feedback helps shape how we do that.

👉 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/t9mSer125qwu91bA7

If you have a friend who is not a Brew Deck subscriber, but who attended Beer Week events, please feel free to share the survey with them. It only takes a few minutes, and it truly makes a difference.

From all of us: thank you for showing up. Thank you for supporting small breweries. Thank you for helping prove once again that Bay Area beer is not just surviving, but thriving.

We’re proud of what we built together this year. And we’re excited about what comes next.

With deep gratitude,

The Bay Area Brewers Guild and our 71 member-breweries

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🍻 Upcoming Events Featuring Our Member Breweries

🎉 Public Events This Week!

Friday 3/6—Speed Dating at Alameda Brewing
(Alameda, CA| 6:30 PM)
Great beer. Quick conversations, and maybe your new favorite person!
Ages 44+ @ 6:30 - Ages 24-39 @ 8:15
Tickets & More Info –> Speed Dating In Alameda!

Saturday 3/7—13th Anniversary Celebration at Discretion Brewing
(Soquel, CA| Noon-9 PM)
Celebrate 13 years of Discretion on Saturday with live music throughout the day, celebratory beer releases including their 2026 Anniversary beer, and a Meyer Lemon and Sea Salt IPA brewed to support the work of Save Our Shores.
More Info –> Anniversary Celebration In Soquel!

Saturday 3/7—Taplands 10th Anniversary Celebration
(Santa Clara, CA| Noon-8 PM)
Taplands is celebrating a decade of excellent craft beer with live music, cajun food, and special beer releases.
VIP-Early-Entry-Tickets & More Info –> Anniversary Celebration In Santa Clara!

Tuesday, 3/10—Loteria Night 2nd Anniversary at Drakes Barrel House
(San Leandro, CA| 7 PM)
The 2nd Anniversary celebration of San Leandro's only monthly drag show!
More Info –> Drag In San Leandro!

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📅 Save the Dates

Friday, 3/13—English Pub Night at Steel Bonnet
(Scotts Valley, CA| 5:30 PM)
British & Scottish style ales, authentic fish & chips, and live stand-up comedy!
More Info –> British Pub Night in Scotts Valley!

Friday, 3/20—Hit Elite x Match Point Brewing Tennis Clinic at Memorial Park Tennis Courts
(Albany, CA| 6:30-8 PM)
Level up your game with Coach Adi’s Hit Elite intensive Tennis Clinic, followed by a well-earned pint at the Match Point Brewing taproom. 🍻🎾
Tickets & More Info –> Tennis & Beer in Albany!

Saturday, 3/21—Golden Hour Social at Drakes Dealership
(Oakland, CA| 5-9 PM)
Sunset vibes supplied by DJ Malachi, plus caviar and oysters to close out Oakland Restaurant Week!
More Info –> Golden Hour in Oakland!

Sunday, 3/22—Record Fair at Other Brother Beer Co.
(Seaside, CA| 3-8 PM)
OB's Annual Record Fair is the place to find (or vend) vinyl treasures
Vendor Sign-Up –> Sell Your Records in Seaside!