Just as eagerly awaited as Warsaw’s golden autumn, the Warsaw Beer Festival returns, promising a showcase of the rewards of craft brewing experimentation and a sensory feast for an unforgettable weekend.

Just as eagerly awaited as Warsaw’s golden autumn, the Warsaw Beer Festival returns, promising a showcase of the rewards of craft brewing experimentation and a sensory feast for an unforgettable weekend.
The 18th edition of the Warsaw Beer Festival comes with a fresh new concept that’s sure to catch your eye. If you’ve noticed posters around town that remind you of Pink Floyd’s iconic Dark Side of the Moon album cover, you’re not alone. It is not clear if they’ve drawn inspiration from the idea of a prism breaking light into a spectrum. It’s not just clever art they use in this years motto —it’s a perfect metaphor for honoring traditional brewing styles while embracing experimentation to shape a bright future for craft beer. This year’s festival focuses on these new trends, offering a glimpse into what’s next for the industry. It’s a bold step forward, one that not only celebrates creativity but also aims to attract a younger generation of beer enthusiasts, ensuring that innovation continues to flow from Poland’s most daring brewers for years to come.
When we sat down with Paweł Łeszczyński, one of the brains behind the Warsaw Beer Festival, he gave us a glimpse into what sets Poland’s craft beer scene apart. “Every half a year, new trends sweep through the world of craft beer,” he explained. “Here in Poland, we’re known for mastering two very unique styles—smooth Baltic Porters and low-percentage, smoked Grodziskie beer. These flavors are exclusive to Poland and highlight our brewing creativity.” From smoked malts and traditional hops to glitter, pickled cucumbers, and spices, Polish brewers are never afraid to experiment. “Sometimes it’s stupid, sometimes it’s funny, and sometimes it just works—but we love pushing the boundaries,” Paweł added with a grin.
But beer is just the start of the festival’s experience. Paweł shared that the event goes beyond the taps with a packed lineup of activities to enjoy. Foodies will be in heaven with Gastrofaza (Munchies), featuring 18 food trucks serving up some of Poland’s best street food. For thrill-seekers, there’s a brand-new addition this year: a drone race, where high-speed drones zip through the air at up to 160 km/h. And if you’re craving a bit of relaxation, you can even hop into an on-site sauna. For music lovers, the DJ stage will keep things lively all weekend, with “Drinks on Me” spinning drum and bass to keep the energy high. Between table football tournaments, pinball machines, lectures, tastings, and lively discussions, there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained. “Most people don’t just come for the beer,” Paweł said with a laugh, “they come for the atmosphere—and usually stay the whole weekend.”
Preparing such a diverse event furthering drone races, music, games and live cooking wouldn’t be possible without the support of the festival (and a Polish craft beer) patrons: breweries Bałtów, Bury and Sady, so don’t forget to thank them by trying their beers. We highlighted some for you sharing their unique stories – with the festival glass you’ll get 1 zł discount!
When: October 17-19, 2024
Where: Warsaw Legia Stadium, Łazienkowska 3
More Information: warsawbeerfestival.com