Each summer, throughout July and August, Qingdao becomes the epicenter of Asia's biggest beer festival, attracting breweries from around the world to the sandy shores of China's Sailing City in Shandong Province. Featuring over 2,000 beers from 40 countries and regions, this event showcases the rich beer-drinking culture of China. What began as a two-week international event in August has now transformed into a month-long Asian Oktoberfest.
Schedule
The Qingdao Beer Festival extends an invitation to its Grand Opening events scheduled for July 19th. Additionally, attendees can look forward to participating in the "Qingdao GanBei with the World!" celebration on August 10th, followed by the Closing Ceremony on August 11th.
Activities
Visitors can explore a diverse range of dining options, including catering, restaurants, and shops catering to various tastes. From traditional Chinese cuisine to Western delicacies, there's something to satisfy every craving. Moreover, the festival offers more than just beer and themed mascots inspired by the Chinese Zodiac; attendees can indulge in a plethora of activities. From artistic parades and "Beer Carnival" games to beer tasting and drinking contests, there's no shortage of entertainment. Music performances, interactive shows, brewery beer tents, trade exhibitions, gala performances, carnival rides, and even bikini model contests contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
Live Entertainment
Additionally, the event hosts over 400 cultural performances and activities, encompassing sports competitions, live music concerts, art shows, and esports events. Music of all kinds is featured at numerous stage venues, and beers on tap from around the globe are on tap: Beck’s from Germany, Kirin & Asahi from Japan, Carlsberg from Denmark, Corona from Mexico, Heineken from Holland, Tiger from Singapore, Budweiser from the states, and of course China’s Tsingtao Beer, just to name a few.
Location & Tickets
Golden Sands Beach WanRen Square is the primary location for the Qingdao Beer Festival, which is situated on the Qingdao West Coast (Xihai’an—Huangdao District) in Shandong province, China. And on a 30-minute walk from the East Coast venue, there is a drop-dead gorgeous Shilaoren beach to chill on. While entry to the festival is complimentary, beverages and food available at the event may be more expensive.
History of the Festival
Originated in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival, or Asian Oktoberfest, promotes economic and cultural exchanges between the people of Qingdao and is held annually in August. Over the years, it moved to various venues, including HuiQuan Square and Beer City, before settling at Tsingtao Beer Passion Square in 2012. Since 2015, Golden Sands Beach on Qingdao's West Coast has been the main venue, with satellite venues in other districts. Today, the Qingdao International Beer Festival boasts more than 200 beer brands from around the world, making it a highlight of Asia's beer scene. Top brewers from all around the globe, including Budweiser, Carlsberg, and such national giants as Beijing Beer and Tsingdao Beer, are invited to take part in the celebration.
