Poland’s craft beer scene captivates Warszawski Festiwal Piwa visitors
(Originally published 10th October 2018)
Twice a year around 20,000 people gather at Warsaw Legia‘s Municipal Stadium VIP zone. Warszawski Festiwal Piwa: Polish craft beer and breweries’ 3-day celebration.
What are Warszawski Festiwal Piwa’s highlights?
Warszawski Festiwal Piwa (WFP) stands tall among Poland and central Europe’s largest beer events. The “Warsaw Beer Festival” attracts national and international visitors. Coloured pins piercing WFP’s world map confirm its global reach. And its successful business and service model inspires international beer industry professionals.
Beer quality and attendance figures suggest Poland’s craft beer verges on an explosion. Brewers, innovators and beer industry professionals generating intense geek and aficionado interest.
Besides a few International breweries, WFP focuses on homegrown talent. Poland’s craft beer industry provides around 50 breweries, 350 taps and over 750 beers. Plus, more than 100 extra-special beers. The event champions artisanal brewing and craft beer — it excludes Big Beer corporations.
Why this year’s USA connection?
Poland’s homebrewers and commercial breweries follow global trends and take the USA’s cue. A fact WFP recognises. It cooperates with the US Embassy and US Dept of Agriculture to create a dedicated area at the event. A US beer selection and fresh US hops presented to visitors and professionals.
WFP’s autumn 2018 Special Guest is Steve Dresler, former Sierra Nevada brewmaster. 34-years with the California beer giant providing abundant stories and anecdotes. A prestigious award and accolade recipient, Steve’s discussion is a highlight.
What else besides beer?
It’s not all beer — WFP keeps visitors happy, entertained and fed. Lectures, tastings and discussions entertain the masses throughout the 3-days. Pinball machines, KLASK and a table football tournament occupy visitors between beers. And a wide-range of food-trucks outside the venue feeds hungry drinkers.
WFP is more than a beer festival. It is always a memorable event.
Where and when?
Entry to the festival is inexpensive. A 3-day pass costs only 25 zł (€6.00), and a single-day’s entry costs15 zł (€3.50). Beer price (0.3 l) ranges from €1.50 to €5.00. Special design handmade Craft Beer glasses are also available during the festival.
- Thursday, 25 October 2018, 16:00 – 00:00
- Friday, 26 October 2018, 12:00 – 00:00
- Saturday, 27 October 2018, 12:00 – 00:00
Legia Warsaw Municipal Stadium, Łazienkowska 3, Warsaw