Free entrance and a rich offer of local and world brands of beer are the most attractive features of Belgrade Beer fest, visited by around 500,000 people each year.
Germany has Oktoberfest and Serbia has Belgrade Beer Fest. It is one of the biggest beer festivals in Southeastern Europe, and the British “Independent” included it on a list of 20 events in the world to be visited.
Belgrade Beer Fest was founded in 2003 and more than 4,5 million people have enjoyed performances of over 450 bands and performers while sampling over 90 brands of beer. During the five days of Belgrade Beer Fest, around 500.000 people each year visit the festival that has already won numerous awards and just cannot stop growing.
The festival takes place in August and has a unique concept: the entrance and all the concerts are free, and visitors can buy and enjoy beer of numerous brands from Serbian and the world. Of course, the festival is dedicated to beer in the first place, whilst good music is a necessary element for great atmosphere.
At first, Belgrade Beer Fest was located at Lower Kalemegdan, within the Belgrade fortress, but it was later relocated to the plateau at Ušće (confluence of the river Sava into the Danube). The festival is followed by numerous activities. Eco activities with competitions and workshops have been organized over the last three years with a goal to promote the importance of recycling.
How to get to Belgrade Beer Fest?
You can get to Belgrade by airplane, train, bus, car and ship.
The national airline Jat Airways, as well as many international airlines have regular flights to many world destinations, from the “Nikola Tesla” airport.
The regular bus routes connect Belgrade with all the regions of Serbia. There are also many international buses which go to the neighboring countries and most European countries.
If you are going to Belgrade by car, then follow the E-70 and E-75 European highways. Because this city is at the intersection of these roads.
The wide network of railroads connects Belgrade with all parts of Europe, and many parts of Serbia with day and night trains.
Many European companies organize cruises on the Danube to Belgrade.
The festival is held at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. From Zeleni venac, which is in the center of Belgrade, you can take bus no. 16, get off at the second stop and follow the mass that will take you right to the entrance gate.
When you are already here, don’t miss…
The Belgrade fortress which is the symbol of the city.
Take a walk along the Belgrade bohemian quarter – Skadarlija and enjoy the specialties of the Serbian cuisine in any “kafana” (a traditional tavern)
Walk by the Danube along the Zemun quay to the Gardoš hill, where the remains of the Zemun fortress are, and see the he beautiful Tower of Sibiljanin Janko.
Take a walk from Kalemegdan over Knez Mihajlova street and Terazije, then over the King Milan’s street and the Slavija square to the magnificent Temple of Saint Sava, that way you will also get to know the centre of town.
Cruise the Belgrade’s rivers or simply go kayaking.
The Belgrade regatta is being held on the Sava at the same time as Belgrade Beer Fest.
Since all six days of the festival will keep you awake till early morning, why not staying a few more days in Belgrade and experiencing crazy night out on the “splavs” (floating river clubs) on the Sava river under the railway bridge.
Featured photo: https://www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs/
