Tickets are available now:
Tickets for express beer tasting:
A Celebration of Craft Beer, Local Brewers and Medieval Heritage
The Blackfriars Beer Festival is back for 2026 — bigger, better and overflowing with local flavour. Taking place from 22–24 May 2026, this three-day event brings together Newcastle’s brewing community within the historic walls of our 13th-century former friary.
What to Expect at Blackfriars Beer Festival 2026
This year’s Blackfriars Beer Festival will feature eight exceptional local breweries, including Flash House, Wear Beer and more regional favourites. Our onsite brewery, St Dominic’s, will also be unveiling new releases including a Porter, Blonde and Triple, alongside the established range enjoyed by many of our guests.
Visitors can look forward to:
- An expanded beer line-up from St Dominic’s Brewery
- Beers from 7 local breweries
- Live music from singer-songwriter Sam Rea and David Stoker on Saturday & Sunday
- BBQ street food in the Cloister Garden
- All-weather, dog-friendly festival space
- Meet-the-brewer tasting sessions all weekend.
Brewing Heritage at Blackfriars
Brewing has a long history at Blackfriars. The Dominican friars once made their own herb-infused ales on the site, and the friary later became a meeting place for Newcastle’s Brewers’ Guild. The Blackfriars Beer Festival continues this tradition today, uniting modern brewers, beer enthusiasts and families in a vibrant cultural celebration.
Supporting the Community Through Beer
The festival is inspired by the medieval tradition of Church Ales, where communities gathered to sell locally brewed beer in support of good causes. Continuing that legacy, £1 from every ticket sold at this year’s Blackfriars Beer Festival will be donated to the Newcastle United Foundation, supporting the charity’s work across the region.
A Message from Our Group Operations Manager
“Our team is delighted to bring the Beer Festival back for a second year — and with an even bigger line-up,” says Rebecca Armstrong, Group Operations Manager at Blackfriars. “It’s a chance to toast Newcastle’s brewing heritage while supporting a charity that makes a real impact in our communities. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking for a brilliant day out, there’ll be something for everyone.”
Tickets for the Blackfriars Beer Festival 2026
Tickets cost £9.50 per person and include:
- A commemorative St Dominic’s-branded schooner
- A festival brochure
- Your first beer.
The festival will take place in the Cloister Garden at Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle.
