National Beer Day
National Beer Day on April 7 marks the day in 1933 when the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, legalizing the sale of low-alcohol beer after nearly 14 years of Prohibition. FDR famously said on signing it, "I think this would be a good time for a beer." The country agreed — breweries sold over a million barrels on the first day.
How to celebrate
Responsibly, and with appreciation for how we got here:
- Buy something from a locally owned brewery. The craft beer movement is one of the quiet success stories of the last 30 years.
- Try a style you'd normally skip — sour, porter, saison, gose.
- Read one page about Prohibition. The whole thing was weirder than you remember.
- Tip your bartender well.
- Don't drive. Obvious, but worth saying on a drinking holiday.
Celebration ideas by audience
For families
Root-beer tasting for the kids while the adults do the real version. Everyone's drinking something.
For kids
Non-alcoholic root beer floats. Teach them about "beer" as in hops, barley, yeast, water — the science is cool.
For couples
Brewery date. Most taprooms have a flight; two people and four beers is a $15 education.
At the office
Happy-hour at a local taproom instead of a bar chain. Supports small business, shows the team you read their benefits package.
At school
College-aged students: harm reduction conversations are more useful than preaching abstinence.
In your community
Raise a glass to the taproom owners in your town. Tight-margin business, real cultural contribution.
On your own
One good beer in a properly chilled glass. Don't rush it.
More to celebrate
National Grape Day
National Grape Day is peak-season thinking made national — a reminder to grab the best grape while it's here.