Pop the Cap Turns 21: NC Craft Brewers Guild Joins Fullsteam and Tryon Distributing to Celebrate Two Decades of Craft Beer Growth
DURHAM, NC—North Carolina's craft brewing industry commemorates a major milestone this year: 21 years since the state's 6% ABV cap was lifted, allowing North Carolina’s independent breweries to grow into one of the strongest craft beer economies in the country. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the NC Craft Brewers Guild joins Fullsteam Brewery and Tryon Distributing in Durham to celebrate that anniversary and the industry it made possible.
What began in 2003 as a hard-fought advocacy campaign culminated on August 13, 2005, when state leaders lifted the restrictive beer cap. Since then, North Carolina has grown into a nationally recognized craft beer destination, home to hundreds of independent breweries and the community, jobs, and local partnerships they've built. This event honors the legacy of those original trailblazers who made that growth possible while celebrating how far the industry has come.
"Over the past 21 years, North Carolina's craft brewing community has built something truly special together," said Lisa Parker, Executive Director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. "Pop the Cap's anniversary is a chance to recognize not just how far we've come, but also celebrate the collaboration, creativity, and excellence that continues to define our industry.
The celebration also offers an early look inside Fullsteam Brewery's new 9,000-square-foot home at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. It is located in the historic Power Plant building between the water tower and the Lucky Strike smokestack.
Event Schedule & Highlights:
5:00 PM — Meet the Movers & Shakers Panel: An exclusive discussion featuring the founding organizers, lobbyists, and trailblazers who fought to change North Carolina's beer laws, including Brad Johnston, Sean Lilly Wilson, Julie Johnson, Theresa Kostrzewa, and moderated by Lisa Parker of the NC Craft Brewers Guild.
6:00 PM — Beer, Cake, and Celebration: The evening moves into full party mode with birthday cake, live music, and a community toast.
Breweries Make It Better, On Tap
Guests will enjoy a premium selection of Fullsteam beers alongside the NC Craft Brewers Guild's "Breweries Make It Better" collaboration beer — a West Coast Pilsner brewed with 100% North Carolina malts from all three of the state's malt houses (Epiphany Malt, Riverbend Malt House, and Carolina Malt House), with hops and yeast generously provided by Yakima Quality Hops and Lallemand Brewing. The beer anchors Breweries Make It Better, a statewide cooperative marketing campaign featuring the many ways local breweries strengthen the communities around them — from local agriculture and economic development to tourism and downtown revitalization. Proceeds from beer sales benefit the NC Craft Brewers Foundation, funding scholarships for North Carolina's beer community.
The event is entirely free to attend, and all members of the public and media are welcome.
Event Details At-A-Glance
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Fullsteam Brewery (New Location), 320 Blackwell St #101, Durham, NC 27701
Admission: Free (No tickets required)
About Fullsteam Brewery
Fullsteam Brewery is an award-winning Durham-based craft brewery dedicated to crafting distinctly Southern beer and fostering community through local agriculture and shared experiences.
About Tryon Distributing
Tryon Distributing is a premier, family-owned craft beverage distributor that has proudly served North Carolina for decades, connecting world-class beverage producers with local communities.
The World Beer Cup, hosted by the Brewers Association and now in its 30th year, received 8,166 entries from 1,644 breweries representing 50 nations. These entries were evaluated by an international panel of 255 judges. North Carolina matched its eleven-medal performance from 2025, with award-winning breweries spanning the state. Notably, Diatribe Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing Co., Little Brother Brewing, Armored Cow Brewing Co., and Olde Hickory Brewery received medals in both 2025 and 2026, reflecting the sustained excellence of North Carolina's independent craft brewing community.
