Autumn Brew Review Marked 25 Years in Minneapolis
Over 1,200 attendees gathered at Boom Island Park to sample offerings from more than 70 craft breweries.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Beer
Live Poll
Do you prioritize buying beer from local breweries to support small businesses in your area?
The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild hosted its 25th annual Autumn Brew Review at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. More than 70 craft breweries participated as 1,200 attendees gathered to sample beer in summerlike weather.
Why it matters
The event provides a vital connection point for brewers to engage with local customers, whose support is necessary to sustain brewery operations amid shifting market conditions. Breweries currently face challenges including decreased demand in retail and restaurants, as well as rising competition from THC products.
The festival marked its 25th anniversary with participation from over 70 craft breweries. Approximately 1,200 enthusiasts attended the gathering at Boom Island Park.
The players
Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild
This organization supports and promotes independent craft breweries across the state through advocacy and event hosting.
The details
While the craft beer industry saw a peak in brewery counts between 2012 and 2016, recent years have forced operators to adapt to cooling demand and new competitive threats. To counter these headwinds, some breweries are forming collectives to share operational costs and are beginning to explore the development of THC products.
Timeline
The 25th Autumn Brew Review occurred on October 10, 2026.
The craft beer industry experienced a peak in total brewery counts between 2012 and 2016.
The COVID-19 pandemic began affecting industry growth in 2020.
Culture Shift
This gathering reflects the industry's transition from the rapid growth of the 2012-2016 craft brewery expansion era toward a new period of operational adaptation. Brewers are now increasingly focusing on collaborative business models to navigate a saturated market.
Residents can continue to support local industry by visiting taprooms, which helps maintain the viability of neighborhood breweries. Fans of the industry may notice a shift in product lineups as more regional brewers begin integrating THC-infused options.
The takeaway
The craft beer sector is currently navigating a pivot toward shared business models to maintain viability. Consumers should expect to see more partnerships between breweries and an increased presence of non-alcoholic or THC-based products in the near future.
Further reading
For more on local brewing trends, see Minneapolis Beer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MPR News.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize buying beer from local breweries to support small businesses in your area?
