BeerEx Africa Returns to Cape Town With a Celebration of Craft Brewing Culture

Cape Town’s growing reputation as Africa’s craft beer capital will once again come into focus when BeerEx Africa returns from 21 to 23 May 2026 at the Wicket Expo Hall at Newlands Cricket Ground. Widely regarded as the continent’s biggest beer conference and expo, the event is expected to attract brewers, suppliers, industry leaders and beer enthusiasts from across Africa and abroad.

Launched in 2016, BeerEx Africa has evolved into far more than a traditional trade exhibition. The multi-day programme blends technical brewing conferences, public tastings, networking sessions, beer pairing dinners and the prestigious African Beer Cup Awards into one immersive industry experience. Organisers are positioning the 2026 edition as one of the strongest yet, with a line-up of international speakers and educational sessions aimed at both professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Among the highlights is the BeerExpo showcase, where visitors can sample beers, explore brewing innovations and attend talks from experts in the global beer industry. The conference programme will include seminars, tasting workshops and discussions around brewing trends, ingredients, packaging and African beer culture. Evening experiences extend beyond the expo floor, including curated food-and-beer pairings and a journey through South African beer history.

The event culminates in the African Beer Cup Awards Party, where the continent’s top breweries and beers will be recognised in what has become Africa’s leading beer competition. The awards have helped raise the profile of African brewing talent internationally while also strengthening collaboration within the local industry.

For Cape Town, BeerEx Africa continues to reinforce the city’s status as a major culinary and beverage destination, drawing together tourism, hospitality and independent brewing into one vibrant showcase of African creativity and craftsmanship.