Gov. Josh Stein signs the 2026 NC Beer Month Proclamation at the Executive Mansion, joined by NC Craft Brewers Guild Board President Rick Benfield (left) and Executive Director Lisa Parker (right).
Raleigh, NC—Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed October 2026 as North Carolina Beer Month during a signing ceremony at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Hosted by the Governor for the second year, the event brought together breweries and North Carolina legislators to recognize the economic and cultural contributions of the state’s independent craft beer industry. Seventeen North Carolina breweries donated beer for the evening’s celebration.
North Carolina is home to nearly 400 breweries and brewpubs, the most of any state in the American South, earning it the title “The State of Southern Beer.”
“There are many reasons why it is great to be a North Carolinian. We’ve got great basketball, great barbecue, and of course great beer,” said Governor Stein. “Breweries create community in towns across the state. They are spaces where people gather outside home and work. Often in renovated old buildings, they drive tourism to our small towns.”
The Governor noted that North Carolina’s brewers compete at a global level. At the 2026 World Beer Cup, which drew thousands of entries from 50 countries, North Carolina breweries earned 11 medals. “These folks know how to deliver a high-quality product,” said Stein.
Lisa Parker, Executive Director of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, emphasized the role breweries play as gathering places in every corner of the state. “From Currituck to Cherokee, North Carolina’s craft breweries and taprooms are in every corner of our state,” said Parker. "These businesses are the living rooms of our neighborhoods, a third space offering connection and social activity. We are an industry built around small family businesses, and those businesses, making our communities better, provide North Carolina with over 16,000 jobs."
Parker thanked the Governor for his longstanding support, including his presence in western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. "Governor Stein, you have been a friend to our industry for years, even prior to your time as governor," she said. "Today's proclamation is especially important as it signifies North Carolina's recognition of our industry's contributions."
Rick Benfield, President of the Guild’s Board of Directors, highlighted the industry’s collaborative spirit and deep supply chain within the state. Our breweries buy malt from North Carolina malt houses that source the grain from local farmers, and brewing yeast is manufactured within the state at White Labs in Asheville. Benfield also acknowledged the challenges breweries face, including shifting consumer habits, rising costs for raw materials like aluminum, and higher rents in some markets.
"Despite those challenges, we remain optimistic because we know breweries make it better," said Benfield. "That's why Governor Stein's proclamation recognizing October as North Carolina Beer Month is more than a ceremonial gesture. It brings valuable attention to an industry that strengthens North Carolina's economy, agriculture, communities, and culture. Our hope is that this recognition encourages North Carolinians to purchase locally made beer, visit taprooms, attend events, and experience firsthand what makes this industry special."
Ways to Celebrate #NCBeerMonth
Throughout October, breweries and taprooms across North Carolina host special events, beer releases, brewery tours, and collaborations. Residents and visitors can find information at drinkncbeer.org/nc-beer-month-events and join the celebration in several ways:
Try award-winning beers. The NC Brewers’ Cup is the largest craft beer competition in North Carolina. This year’s winning beers are listed at drinkncbeer.org/2026-brewers-cup-results.
Visit the NC Public House at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25. Located in the heart of the fairgrounds (JS Dorton Arena), the NC Public House showcases dozens of North Carolina breweries, with daily beer and wine offerings to pair with fair food favorites. Beer and wine ticket packages are available through Etix
Enter the NC Beer Month Passport Sweepstakes on Untappd. Each limited-edition NC Beer Month Passport badge unlocked in the Untappd app earns an entry to win a vacation for two in Charlotte, including a two-night stay, brewery gift cards and tickets to a Charlotte Checkers hockey game.
Take a trip on the Ale Trail by Rail. Experience the perfect blend of convenience and adventure with NC By Train. Journey through the Carolina piedmont for a day trip, an overnight getaway, or a week-long whistle-stop crawl, as this unique excursion lets you explore local breweries and the vibrant communities they’re in. New stops added in Rocky Mount and Wilson! Learn more at drinkncbeer.org/nc-ale-trail-by-rail
Shop the “Breweries Make It Better” merch line. Breweries anchor main streets, hire neighbors, host fundraisers and turn empty buildings into gathering places. A new line of “Breweries Make It Better” t-shirts, hats and more is available at drinkncbeer.myshopify.com, and every purchase supports the Guild’s work to promote, prepare, and protect NC breweries. #BreweriesMakeItBetter.
NC Beer Month 2026 is made possible by sponsors Untappd and Cycle North Carolina.
Proclamation: Read the full text of the 2026 NC Beer Month Proclamation: 2026 NC Beer Month Proclamation
