If you’re looking for something to do in Washington, D.C. next weekend, one of the city’s biggest annual beer festivals is getting ready to unleash its latest edition.
Snallygaster 2026 is returning to downtown D.C. on Saturday, October 10, for its 14th year.
The festival will bring an enormous selection of craft beer to Pennsylvania Avenue NW, along with food trucks, live music and plenty of space to spend the afternoon.
When and where is the Snallygaster beer festival taking place?
Snallygaster 2026 will take place on Saturday, October 10, in downtown Washington, D.C., with the festival stretching along Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th streets, with the U.S. Capitol serving as the backdrop.
The event has become an annual celebration of the craft-beer scene, and organizers say this year’s festival will feature at least 450 beers, ciders and other pours from 166 American and international producers.
The festival will run from 2 to 6 p.m. for general-admission ticket holders, while VIP guests with the Basilisk Pass can enter at noon for two additional hours of early access.
Organizers specifically recommend taking Metro, a cab or a rideshare rather than driving, noting that there is very limited parking around the event.
What to expect if you’re thinking about attending
Snallygaster is designed as a massive celebration of craft beer, with the organizers promising 450+ highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs, bottles and cans from breweries and producers from around the world.
Beer isn’t the only attraction, either. The festival will feature local food trucks and two stages of live music, while the large Pennsylvania Avenue footprint provides seating, shaded areas, restrooms and room to move around.
One of the biggest draws for serious beer enthusiasts is the sheer variety of pours available. The festival describes itself as a chance to sample small-batch and rare selections, with the VIP early-entry window offering attendees a chance to get to some of those beers before they potentially run out.
Despite the focus on beer, Snallygaster says the event is family-friendly, so it isn’t necessarily an adults-only afternoon. The festival is also the largest annual fundraiser for Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, with proceeds supporting its work on local food access, sustainable farming and agricultural education.
How much are tickets?
Snallygaster uses a flat-fee ticket structure that includes unlimited beer, wine and cocktail tastings, as well as a commemorative tasting glass.
The 2026 Basilisk VIP Pass costs $150 and provides entry from noon to 6 pm, two hours of early access to the festival’s beer selection and access to VIP amenities.
The Kraken general-admission pass costs $75 and provides entry from 2 to 6 pm, unlimited beer, wine and cocktail tastings, a commemorative tasting glass and access to general amenities.
However, there’s an important caveat for anyone hoping to attend next weekend: the official Snallygaster website currently lists the Kraken general-admission pass as sold out. The site also lists designated-driver passes, so prospective attendees should check the official event page for the latest availability before making plans.
With hundreds of beers, live music, food and the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop, Snallygaster is set to turn Pennsylvania Avenue into one of D.C.’s biggest beer destinations for one Saturday afternoon.
