Lagerfests

Lagerfest is a festival dedicated to lager-style beers. The term is used in German and English-speaking contexts to describe events organized by breweries, beer clubs, or venues that showcase lagers, including Pilsner, Helles, Munich Dunkel, Märzen, Bock, and modern craft lagers. While the concept centers on lager varieties, many events also feature educational components, such as tasting notes or brewing demonstrations.

Lager originates from lagering, a storage-and-fermentation tradition using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures. The modern use of the term Lagerfest reflects a celebration of this beer style and its range, from pale, crisp lagers to darker, malt-forward examples.

In practice, Lagerfests vary by region. In German-speaking areas, such events may be part of village fairs or brewery open houses and emphasize local productions. In North America and elsewhere, Lagerfests are often organized by craft breweries or beer clubs as tasting forums, with flights, food pairings, and sometimes homebrewing demonstrations. Some events curate all-lager lineups to contrast with ales, while others mix lagers with other beer styles to broaden education.

The festival is seen as a way to highlight the technical aspects of lager fermentation, aging, and consistency, as well as the cultural heritage of lager-centric brewing. Critics note that quality depends on proper storage and serving temperatures; attendees are advised to check event specifics for eligibility of age and ticketing.