Nowon-gu in Seoul will host the 2026 Nowon Craft Beer Festival at Hwarangdae Railway Park on Sept. 12–13.
Now in its fourth year, the Nowon Craft Beer Festival is the district's flagship event, bringing together craft beers from across the country alongside music, food and hands-on activities. The festival runs from noon to 9 p.m. on both days.
Last year, about 67,000 people visited the festival grounds over three days. Visitors in their 20s and 30s and out-of-town guests made up a notably higher share of attendees than at other Nowon-gu events, signaling the festival's evolution from a neighborhood gathering into an urban leisure destination that draws visitors from beyond the district.
This year, 34 breweries from across the country will participate, showcasing more than 200 varieties of craft beer. Among them, Nowon-based Brauhaus Baneheim won gold and bronze medals at IBC 2024. The Nowon Craft Beer Cooperative will present beers inspired by the district's mountains, including Suraksan Gold Ale and Bullamsan IPA — brews that were also served as dinner wines at a reception for foreign ambassadors held at Surak Rest Area last year.
The festival grounds are divided into four zones to suit different moods and preferences: the Beer Plaza, Camp Beer Plaza, Eco Plaza and Music Plaza.
The Beer Plaza, near Nowon-gu's train village, will feature 24 breweries alongside food booths run by local traditional markets and alley shops. Visitors can enjoy beer and food while watching busking performances at the main dining zone and a forest-side stage.
The Camp Beer Plaza, near the Hwarang statue at the park entrance, adds a camping atmosphere to the urban setting. Ten breweries will be on hand, along with large shelters, camping tents and activity programs for families and children.
The Eco Plaza, set within the Nowon Light Garden, features two local breweries alongside a small-business and youth market. Visitors can browse desserts and handcrafted goods from Nowon small-business owners, as well as an art market organized by students from local arts universities.
A "beer docent" program will also be on offer for those who want to explore craft beer more deeply. Certified guides from the Korea Beer Culture Association will introduce participating breweries, their signature beers and the brewing process. An eco-friendly brewing experience called "Sky Water Beer," rooted in urban agriculture, will also be available.
The Music Plaza lineup features Casey and Mad Clown on Sept. 12, and Crying Nut on Sept. 13. Performances by domestic and international musicians tied to the 2026 Seoul Music Week — now in its 10th year — will follow. Admission is free, with no advance reservation required.
The festival is also committed to low-carbon operations. PLA cups made from cornstarch and sugarcane-derived materials will be used throughout, with dedicated collection bins placed across all zones. A tasting event will be held for visitors who bring their own tumblers.
A "Public Happy Bus" shuttle will run for visitor convenience, connecting Exit 5 of Hwarangdae Station on subway Line 6 to the Hwarang statue at the park entrance, with two buses circulating at roughly 20-minute intervals.
More than 200 safety personnel will be deployed each day, including professional security staff, emergency medical personnel and designated drivers. Cooling fog systems, parasols, camping tents and heat-relief shelters will be set up to manage the summer heat, while shelters and rain ponchos will be provided in the event of rain.
Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o said the festival "is growing into a signature event that draws young people and out-of-town visitors to Nowon by blending craft beers from across the country with music, local commerce and cultural arts." He added: "We've prepared a rich program this year so that friends, couples and families can each enjoy it in their own way — we hope everyone comes to Hwarangdae Railway Park to savor the early autumn in Nowon."
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