Governor Josh Stein Proclaims October as NC Beer Month

RALEIGH, N.C. – October 14, 2025 – North Carolina Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed October as NC Beer Month during a signing ceremony held Monday evening at the Governor’s Executive Mansion in Raleigh. The proclamation honors the craftsmanship behind North Carolina’s independent breweries, as well as the industry's impact on the state’s economy, tourism, agriculture, and community vitality. 

Hosted by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and the Office of Governor Josh Stein, the ceremony brought together General Assembly members, state officials, and brewery representatives from across the state to celebrate the 400-plus independent craft breweries that call North Carolina home.

“In recognition of the economic and cultural impact of craft breweries on the state of North Carolina, it is my honor to sign a proclamation declaring October as North Carolina Beer Month,” said Governor Stein. “The rubber hit the road about a year ago, and you all came together in that collaborative spirit to help your neighbors out west who were really struggling. After Hurricane Helene, the Craft Brewers Guild raised more than $250,000 to help out breweries in the western part of the state.”

“North Carolina’s 412 craft breweries are a part of the fabric of our state,” said Lisa Parker, Executive Director of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild. “They serve as our community’s gathering spaces, and are a catalyst for economic development in their neighborhoods. Our industry provides over 18,000 jobs and generates an economic impact of over $2 billion annually. We are one of the top 10 beer states in the nation, and our brewers bring home nationally and internationally recognized awards each year.”

“North Carolina Craft Beer month celebrates so much more than what is in the glass,” said Les Stewart, President of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild Board of Directors. “It reminds us what it means to be a community, to be North Carolinians. To be there to celebrate the good times together and to hold each other up in the tougher ones.”

North Carolina’s craft beer industry has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, contributing more than 2.2 billion dollars and 18,000 jobs to the state's economy. However, the state’s impact extends well beyond the pint glass: 

• Revitalizing communities by transforming downtown areas and rural towns into thriving community spaces. 

• Supporting agriculture by using 7.5 million pounds of malting grains in production and donating 35.7 million pounds of spent grains back to farms for animal feed and compost. 

• North Carolina brewers utilize homegrown ingredients such as honey, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, watermelons, oysters, and basil, showcasing many of the state's agricultural offerings.

NC Beer Month serves as an invitation to residents and visitors alike to join the celebration by exploring North Carolina’s breweries, sampling award-winning beers from the NC Craft Brewers Cup, and participating in statewide events like the NC Public House at the North Carolina State Fair. Additionally, craft beer fans can use the “drink social” Untappd app to unlock special limited edition NC Beer Month badges.  For each badge earned, users will receive an entry into the  NC Beer Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win a craft beer getaway in Asheville. 

More details and a complete list of ways to celebrate can be found on the NC Beer Month webpage.