The Brewers Association has announced that the 15th annual American Craft Beer Week will be held May 10-16, 2021. As COVID-19 restrictions ease and breweries across the country reopen their doors, the week-long holiday encourages beer lovers to visit their local taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries to purchase beer and food—whether for on-premise enjoyment, to-go, or delivery.
Following a tumultuous year, this year’s holiday honors the creativity, community, and resiliency of America’s small and independent craft breweries. As loyal community supporters, many craft breweries responded quickly to the pandemic by producing hand sanitizer for local first responders and collaborating to raise funds for frontline, restaurant, and hospitality workers. U.S. craft breweries are community gathering places and job creators as well – providing more than 138,000 direct full and part-time jobs 1 in 2020.
“America’s small and independent craft breweries have faced many hardships over the past year,” said Ann Obenchain, marketing director of the Brewers Association said in a press release. “When COVID-19 hit, many breweries were forced to change their entire business models overnight. Fast forward to 2021, and we are finally able to envision gathering with friends and family at local breweries again, now or in the near future. This year’s American Craft Beer Week, more than ever, is about more than just delicious craft beer; it’s about community and showing support for hometown taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries.”
See the full press release here.