New Beer's Eve

Raising a glass to the end of Prohibition

Before you assume this is just another quirky holiday invented by a beer company with too much time and hops on their hands—think again. New Beer’s Eve is rooted in real history, real joy, and yes, real beer. Celebrated every April 6th, this glorious evening marks the night before Americans could legally buy and drink beer again after Prohibition—that nearly 14-year stretch where the U.S. tried (and failed spectacularly) to quit drinking cold turkey.

Imagine it: It's 1933. The Great Depression is in full swing. Jazz is hot, the economy is not, and the people are thirsty—very thirsty. Then along comes the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who basically said, “Let the people drink beer again—just not the strong stuff yet.” And with that, the nation cracked open the door to what would become a flood of foamy celebration.

New Beer’s Eve is a tribute to that midnight moment when millions of Americans raised a glass, hugged strangers, and remembered how good beer tastes when it’s legal. Whether you're a history buff, a beer geek, or someone who just likes a good excuse to toast, this day is for you.

A Toast to History

Every year on April 6th, beer lovers across the United States crack open a cold one in honor of New Beer’s Eve—the night before a momentous event in American history: the return of legal beer. Why? Because on April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, allowing beer (with an alcohol content of 3.2% or less) to be legally sold again after 13 dry, dreary years of Prohibition.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill into law on March 22, 1933, and as the clock struck midnight on April 6, Americans lined up outside taverns, breweries, and bars—ready to legally drink their first beer in over a decade. Rumor has it, FDR even quipped, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.” For once, Congress and the American people agreed.
The Great Beer Comeback

At exactly 12:01 a.m. on April 7, 1933, the beer began to flow. In cities like Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, breweries had trucks loaded and ready to roll. Crowds partied in the streets, bands played, and patriotic toasts were made with foamy mugs. Over 1.5 million barrels of beer were sold within the first 24 hours.

And thus, the evening of April 6 unofficially became known as New Beer’s Eve—because, like New Year’s Eve, it’s a celebration of what’s to come (only this time, it’s beer instead of resolutions).

Fun Facts You Can Drink To

Let’s face it—beer is already fun, but throw in some quirky trivia, and suddenly you’re the most interesting person at the bar (or on the couch, no judgment). These frothy factoids will give you plenty to talk about while you sip, snack, and celebrate the sudsy spirit of April 6th. Bonus points if you can work one of these into a toast without spilling your drink.

• 3.2% beer was considered “non-intoxicating” by government standards. Americans kindly disagreed.
• Anheuser-Busch sent a team of Clydesdales to deliver a case of Budweiser to the White House. Talk about presidential perks.
• In St. Louis, over 25,000 people gathered for a city-wide beer bash at midnight. We’re guessing a lot of people called in “sick” on April 7.

How to Celebrate New Beer’s Eve (Responsibly, Of Course)

Sure, you could just crack open a cold one and call it a day—but where’s the historical flair in that? New Beer’s Eve is practically begging for some creative (yet responsible) revelry. Whether you’re throwing a Prohibition-era party or just raising a quiet toast at home, there are plenty of ways to honor the return of legal beer with style, sass, and maybe even suspenders.

• If you want to toast like it’s 1933, here are a few festive ways to mark the occasion:
• Host a Prohibition-themed party. Flapper dresses, fedoras, jazz music, and plenty of legal beer.
• Tour a local brewery. Bonus points if you can find one that opened after 1933.
• Brush up on your beer trivia. Impress your friends with facts like “In 1516, Germany passed the Beer Purity Law, allowing only water, barley, and hops.”
• Call your oldest living relative and ask what beer cost when they were young. Then prepare to feel very broke.

Why It Still Matters

New Beer’s Eve is more than just an excuse to drink (though we fully support that). It’s a celebration of freedom, community, and shared joy. It reminds us that even in the toughest of times, people will always find a reason to come together—and maybe even toast to brighter days ahead.

So tonight, whether you're drinking a craft IPA, a hearty stout, or a humble light lager, remember: you’re participating in a historic moment of national relief and liquid liberty.

Cheers to that!

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