12 amazing beer festivals in and around Derby that you won't want to miss this summer

Derby is a city that wears its Real Ale badge with pride and rightly so. 

When Lonely Planet Magazine said Derby was ‘the best place to drink real ale in the world’ we responded with a knowing nod and raised a chilled pint in agreement. 

The approaching summer means beer festivals galore.

We’ve rounded up some of the best in the region.

Our ace listing includes traditional beer festivals, to some with a unique set up.

If you’ve never been to a book and beer festival, 2024 is the year to smash this goal when you can visit The Pharmacie Arms in August.

Another beer festival with a twist is the Great Central Railway (GCR) Beer Festival.

Here, people can travel between pubs using what is considered to be the UK’s only Mainline Heritage Railway.

So, grab your diary and start pencilling in these dates. 

All information is correct at time of publication. 

It is advisable to check with event organisers before travelling out.

Read more: What's On in Derby?

If there are any beer festivals that we may have missed,please do let us know.

Email [email protected] and we’ll take a look.

May

Masons Arms May Beer Festival 2024

Friday 24 - Sunday 26 May

The Masons Arms, 1 Etwall Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0DL

Free entry, no ticket required.

The Smithfield Mini Beer Festival 2024

This event features Pentrich brewery.

Friday 24 - Sunday 26 May

The Smithfield, Riverlights House, Meadow Road, Derby DE1 2BH

Free entry, no ticket required.

June

CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Tent at Belper Goes Green Beer Festival 2024

Friday 7 - Sunday 9 June

Ticket prices for festival entry starts from £3. 

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

Belper Meadows Cricket Club, Christchurch Meadows, Off Bridge Street, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1BA

Rutland CAMRA 11th Beer Festival 2024

Friday 21 - Sunday 23 June

A £10 entry package on the door will include £2 entry fee (free entry for CAMRA members), glass deposit and drink tokens.

For more information and ticket prices visit their website by clicking here.

County Museum, Catmost Street, Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 6HW

July

Derby Station Beer Festival 2024

This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of Derby CAMRA branch.

Wednesday 3 - Saturday 6 July

Celebrations will be across three pubs near Derby Train Station.

• The Alexandra Hotel, 203 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE
• The Brunswick Inn, 1 Railway Terrace, Derby DE1 2RU
• Victoria Inn, 12 Midland Place, Derby DE1 2RR

Shiny Tap, Little Eaton Beer Festival 2024

Wednesday 3 - Saturday 6 July

Shiny Tap Brewery Tap Room, 10 Old Hall Mill Business Park, Alfreton Rd, Little Eaton, Derbyshire DE21 5EJ

Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival 2024

Thursday 4 - Saturday 6 July

Ticket prices start from £6.

More information about the festival can be found by clicking here.

Abbey Pumping Station (near National Space Centre car park), LE4 5NS

Langton Brewery Summer Beer Festival 2024

Friday 12 - Sunday 14 July

Ticket prices start from £6.

More information about the event can be found by clicking here.

Langton Brewery, Grange Farm, Welham Road, Thorpe Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7TU

Peak District Weekender 2024

Friday 26 - Monday 29 July

There will be over 40 cask ales, live music on two stages and children’s entertainment for people to enjoy at the second Peak District Weekender.

Weekend tickets are £35 per person and include entertainment and camping. Day Tickets are £5 per person.

Leek Road, Warslow, SK17 0JN

For more information click here.

Market Bosworth Rail Ale Festival 2024

Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July 

The Goods Shed, Market Bosworth Railway Station, Station Road, CV13 0PF

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

August

Shot In The Dark Books and Beer Festival 2024

Thursday 15 - Sunday 18 August

The Pharmacie Arms, 3 High Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GP

For more information visit their website by clicking here.

September

Great Central Railway Beer Festival 2024 (includes gin and rum)

Friday 20 - Sunday 22 September

Travel between stations for what organisers say is a ‘true Real Ale Experience!’

For more information visit their website by clicking here.