Minnesota to Celebrate Third Annual Beer Day

Statewide festivities on November 1 honor the 1850 founding of the historic Grain Belt brewery brand.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Beer

Screen-print poster illustration of a traditional copper brewery kettle in a rustic brick room, representing Minnesota's brewing heritage.
Minnesota will observe its third annual Beer Day on November 1, commemorating the 1850 founding of the historic Grain Belt brewery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that local craft breweries in your community will remain economically viable?

Minnesota will observe its third annual Minnesota Beer Day on November 1. The date serves as a tribute to the 1850 founding of the historic Grain Belt brewery, now owned by New Ulm-based Schell's Brewery.

Why it matters

The day recognizes the deep historical roots of the brewing industry in the state and celebrates its ongoing expansion. It also highlights the continued growth of the sector with five new brewery locations currently in development across Minnesota.

Bad Habit Brewing in St. Joseph and Lupulin Brewing in Big Lake are selling commemorative glasses for $30 and $25, respectively, which include unlimited refills or pours. Five additional breweries are planned for Biwabik, Ely, Chisholm, Rockford, and St. Paul.

The players

Schell's Brewery

Based in New Ulm, this historic company owns the Grain Belt brand and maintains a significant legacy in the state's brewing landscape.

Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

This organization represents the interests of craft brewers and provides resources for locating participating breweries across the state.

Bad Habit Brewing

Located in St. Joseph, this brewery is participating in the celebration with promotional glassware.

Lupulin Brewing

Situated in Big Lake, this business is offering a special promotion for attendees of the upcoming event.

The details

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild maintains an interactive online map to help residents locate participating breweries throughout the state. Individual establishments determine their own promotional offerings, such as branded glassware.

Timeline

  1. November 1, 1850 marks the founding of the Grain Belt brand.

  2. 2024 saw the state legislature pass official resolutions establishing the day.

  3. November 1 serves as the annual date for the statewide observance.

Culture Shift

The establishment of this commemorative day reflects a broader societal trend toward celebrating local manufacturing and regional heritage. It mirrors a shift in state policy that actively promotes local artisanal industries as key components of the modern community identity.

Residents can utilize the interactive map provided by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild to find participating venues in their immediate area. Those planning to attend should verify specific promotions at their local breweries, as offerings like commemorative glass deals vary by location.

The takeaway

The event serves as an opportunity for residents to support local businesses while acknowledging the state's long history of brewing. Participants are encouraged to plan their visits ahead of time to make the most of local brewery promotions.

Further reading

Discover more about the state's vibrant brewing scene on the Beer section page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by 1390 Granite City Sports.

Live Poll

Do you trust that local craft breweries in your community will remain economically viable?