Every May, Jesus Green in Cambridge fills with the sound of clinking glasses, friendly chat, and the unmistakable scent of hops. Run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and going strong since the 1970s, Cambridge Beer Festival has grown into one of the UK’s most popular regional beer festivals. Whether you’re a seasoned real ale devotee or fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, this is everything you need to know about Cambridge Beer Festival.
What is the Cambridge Beer Festival?
Cambridge Beer Festival is the longest-running festival organised by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in the UK. It first launched in 1974 and, after moving venues several times, has been held on Jesus Green since 2001.
Over the decades, it’s grown into one of the largest regional beer festivals in the UK. By 2006, Cambridge Beer Festival featured over 170 real ales, 50 ciders and perry, and a range of foreign beers and country wines.
Why visit Cambridge Beer Festival?
As well as being the perfect way to spend a summer’s day, there are lots of reasons why you’d want to visit this buzzing annual event.
- Huge variety: The festival offers hundreds of beers from across the UK. There are typically over 200 British real ales from over 100 breweries, along with ciders, perry, mead, wine, and international beers.
- More than drinks: Cambridge Beer Festival is famous for its cheese counter, run by CAMRA volunteers, where festival-goers can grab cheese, bread, pork pies, scotch eggs, and more.
- Historic and community-driven: Organised and run by volunteers, many of them returning year after year, the festival retains a grassroots vibe and a sense of tradition.
- Festive atmosphere and charity support: Beyond the beer, the festival is a social event that often supports charitable causes.
When is Cambridge Beer Festival 2026?
Cambridge Beer Festival 2026 is scheduled for 18-23 May 2026 on Jesus Green. Expect a wide range of local and national beers, cider, perry, mead, wine, plus the iconic cheese and food offerings.
Where does the Cambridge Beer Festival take place?
Since 2001, Cambridge Beer Festival has been held on Jesus Green. This large, open, green space is the perfect venue, and is easy to reach from Cambridge railway station. If you’re on foot, it’s a pleasant walk through the centre of the city. If you’re cycling (as is so traditional in Cambridge), it’ll take you less than 10 minutes.
What types of drinks can I expect at Cambridge Beer Festival?
At Cambridge Beer Festival, you can expect beers, ciders, perry, international beers, plus mead and wine.
- Beers: More than 200 British real ales. These come from over 100 breweries across the UK and include styles like mild, bitters, pale ales, IPAs, golden ales and more.
- Ciders and Perry: Perry is similar to cider but made from pears, while cider is made from apples. You can expect around 80 ciders and Perry from producers in the UK and beyond.
- International Drinks: There’s usually an international bar offering beers from outside the UK and sometimes other craft styles.
- Mead: Mead is fermented honey wine, and the festival usually includes several varieties if you want something different from beer and cider.
- Wine: A selection of wine is also available for people who prefer that over beer or cider.
The overall vibe is festival-style, with lots of choice so you can sample a range of traditional and experimental brews during a session.
Is there food available at Cambridge Beer Festival?
Yes, Cambridge Beer Festival serves more than just drinks, you’ll find food there too. The offerings are built around casual festival eating and classic beer-friendly snacks.
There’s a famous cheese counter with British cheese, bread, olives and other accompaniments chosen to pair with the beer. There’s also traditional festival snacks like pork pies, scotch eggs, olives, and bread usually on offer.
The style leans toward easy-to-eat, shareable options and snacks that go well with beer. If you’re planning to make a meal of it, you’ll likely find enough variety to eat reasonably well onsite.
Tips for first-time visitors to Cambridge Beer Festival
- Get a CAMRA membership: A membership can help if you plan to attend more than once as some sessions are free or discounted for members.
- Expect crowds: Evenings and weekends tend to be busy, while morning and afternoon sessions are generally more relaxed. Check out our guide on how to experience Cambridge like a local for insider tips to beat the crowds and get the inside track.
- Be weather-ready: Jesus Green is outdoors, so bring waterproofs or wellies if rain is forecast (though there is a big marquee).
- Don’t miss the cheese counter: The perfect pairing with your ale, or just to soak up some of the stronger beers.
- Budget for your glass: You often need to pay a deposit or small fee for a pint glass (which is refundable later). In recent years, glass deposits were part of the entry procedure.
Even after decades, Cambridge Beer Festival is one of the highlights of the year. This celebration of brewing culture, community spirit, and good times is perfect for beer lovers, locals, or visitors to Cambridge, and it remains a cornerstone event each May.
Whether you’re after a crisp real ale, fruity cider, international beer, or a decadent slice of cheese on a summer evening, Cambridge Beer Festival offers something for everyone.
