Do you know what South Africans love? Beer. Beer is by far our favourite alcoholic beverage and that’s why it has its own day! South African National Beer Day started back in 2017 as a southern hemisphere response to International Beer Day, which falls on the first Friday in August. We were very happy to celebrate that of course – any excuse for a party and all that. But it’s not our best beer drinking time of year, weather-wise – especially if you live in the Cape. And so the industry consulted and decided that the first Saturday in February would be the day. The hangovers of New Year are forgotten, the first pay check of the year is in and the horrors of Dry January are behind you.

There isn’t one major festival to attend on South African National Beer Day, which this year falls on Saturday 3 February. The idea was that breweries, bars, liquor stores, taverns – anyone that is licenced to serve beer – would get on board and use the day to celebrate our national beverage. And to boost sales a bit after the traditional January lull.

Any beer venue can host an event, which could be anything from a special deal to a quiz night, a mini festival, a food and beer pairing session, a meet the brewer moment or just a bring ‘n’ braai set up outside your favourite beer establishment. Keep an eye on the official #SANBeerDay website, where you’ll find a regularly updated map of events around SA. Beer people tend not to be great planners, so bookmark the page and keep checking back – there will be an influx of new events in the last few days before 3 February.

But what if there’s nothing near you, or if you prefer to stay around your pool, drinking beer in your undies? Well, we have you covered as well. SANBeerDay is all about you enjoying your beer the way you want to. It’s not just about craft beer – whether your favourite beer is Black Label or black IPA, the point of the day is to simply sit around sipping and uttering things like “man I love drinking this beer”. And if you prefer to do that at home, we’re behind you. There’s even an official #SANBeerDay mixed case available this year, which you can order now from Smous Online. Get it in the fridge, save it until 3 February then share your pics and reviews on social media, using #SANBeerDay so you can chat to fellow beer lovers and share your thoughts on the mixed case.

Whatever you do on 3 February – join an ofiicial event, have a braai and some mates over, spend the morning brewing in your kitchen, or sit in your undies watching UFC and drinking your favourite lager – just be sure to celebrate the alcoholic beverage that isn’t just SA’s favourite, but the most popular in the world. Beer is awesome isn’t it?

Here’s a peek at some of the 2024 events:

Eastern Cape

SA Beer Tasting at Richmond Hill Brewing Co in Gqeberha

The Eastern Cape brewery will be showcasing hand selected beers from around the country at a special #SANBeerDay guided tasting on 3 February. Tickets R150.

Free State

Bottomless beer and more @ Clarens Brewery

Enjoy bottomless beer all day at Clarens Brewery and get a free branded glass to take home afterwards. There will be special beery dishes on the menu as well as beer and food pairing combos, plus an invitational tap showcasing beer from other breweries around SA.

Gauteng

Celebrate SAN Beer Eve on 2 February at Brewhogs Micro-Brewery in Kyalami

Join from 10am-4pm on Friday 2 February for a free brewery tour and tasting. A brand new beer – Kveik IPA – launches at 4pm and there’s bring ‘n’ braai all day!

Bottomless Beer at Capital Craft in Pretoria

Pay R250 and enjoy local draught beers all day long. And don’t worry, if you are not keen on the bottomless thing, they will still serve the entire menu as usual.

Drink beer in the hop yards at Dancing Hops Brewery in Krugersdorp

Join the open day on 3 February at Cradle Hop Yard, where Dancing Hops Brewery grows their own hops. Tickets (R150 per adult), include a boerie roll and a pint. Extra boeries and beers on sale on the day. Kids tickets are R50, which includes a hotdog and juice box and access to the jumping castle.

Beer specials at all Hogshead Pubs around Johannesburg

The four Hogshead pubs around Johannesburg will be running beer and food specials for lunch and dinner, plus a chance to win a mixed case of Brewhogs Craft Beers and a brewery visit with free tastings. In the evening you can meet the brewer and stay tuned for great giveaways.

Get Tropical at At Hops End in Benoni

Dress in your best tropical gear for a #SANBeerDay party at Just Brewing/At Hops End. All welcome (family and pet friendly). Entrance is free. Lots of great beer on tap and food specials to go with!

Western Cape

Mass Brew Day at Charlie’s Garage in Long Beach

Ever wanted to know more about how beer is made? Or are you a homebrewer that fancies being part of something cool? Charlie’s Garage is hosting a mass brewday – bring your homebrew kit or just come along to watch. The taps will be loaded with IPAs and the beer will be pouring all day. Book ahead to participate in the brew day.

Double Beer Launch at Soul Barrel Brewing in Simondium

Join on #SANBeerDay as Soul Barrel launches two new beers – Noble Leaf, a Vienna lager, and a 12-grain stout featuring barley, wheat, oats, rye, spelt, sorghum, maize, quinoa, teff, buckwheat, millet and amaranth. Food available, kids play area on site.