"Alameda Beer Fest"- Faro's beer festival

Faro is the capital of Algarve, though it’s not the largest nor the most well known of the sun bathed cities of southern Portugal. Arguably, Vilamoura or Albufeira have more well-known beaches and resorts, but Faro has been having sort of a renaissance in recent years, investing a lot in events, such as "Festival F," a music festival in the old town or, this article’s subject, the Alameda Beer Fest!

Drinking Beer in the Park

"Alameda Beer Fest" first started three years ago, and occurs for three days, usually during the first week of July. It gets its name from the place where it’s being held, the Alameda João de Deus Garden, better known as the "Alameda de Faro." It’s not a very large park, but it is very well known and essential in Faro.

The fest itself is a big affair in the city, counting with the presence of a massive crowd of mostly locals, who are there to taste the myriad of artisanal beers and ciders provided by the around 30 brewers, distributed by several small stands around the venue. These brewers come from all around! Local, national, and even international!

Important things to know: When entering the Beer Fest, you’ll pay an entry (about 3€) and be given a glass cup; that cup will be yours to use when drinking the brews- don’t worry, they also provide water tap for you to clean the cup between beers (if the brewers don’t do it for you). Also, there is a particular currency; instead of using euros directly, you must go to the easily identifiable trading stands, so you can trade whatever amount of euros you want for the respective value in chips. Remember this, so you don’t wait in line for a beer with no reason!

Besides the beers, the event also has concerts, food, markets, and other activities if you’re looking for more to do in your night. Just be sure to catch a taste of what seems best to you!