On June 13 of this year, Cesis will once again become the capital of Latvian beer culture — after more than a twenty-year break, the Beer Festival returns to the city, bringing together industry professionals and gourmets from all over Latvia.
In the 1990s, the Beer Festival in honor of Latvia's national drink — beer — was one of the largest celebrations in Latvia and the most ambitious event in the brewing industry. The revival of the Festival is a tribute to the city's traditions and its important role in the development of Latvian beer culture, as well as the creation of a modern and high-quality event format for a new generation.
The main event of the Beer Festival will be a competition in which the masterpieces of Latvian brewers will be evaluated in several categories. In collaboration with promoters of beer culture from the Latvian Winemakers Association, the winners will be determined by a competent jury consisting of certified beer sommeliers and industry experts. In turn, the winner of the "Beer King" nomination will be determined based on the votes of the jury and festival visitors, allowing for the recognition of both the most professionally crafted beer varieties and the most popular ones among beer lovers.
The Festival will feature an extensive tasting area, showcasing both well-known breweries and small craft ones. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore various beer flavors, learn more about brewing traditions, and meet the brewers themselves.
The festive atmosphere will be created by a diverse entertainment program — stories about Latvian breweries, performances by musicians, contests, master classes, an exhibition in the old Cesis brewery, and other events. There will also be a food court area at the festival site with specially selected dishes that will complement and highlight the nuances of beer flavor, as well as a craft fair.
