Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas
Maryland Beer: People, Places & Ideas
Oktoberfest at Max’s Taphouse begins on Sept 18
>>> Click here for information <<<
Oktoberfest at Max’s Taphouse begins on Sept 18 >>> Click here for information <<<
— JOURNAL —
Here is what is happening in Maryland craft beer for September 2026. As always; some coming, some going, some slowing, and some growing. And then, some just move.
There is a wealth of notable beery diversions not far off US Route 50 along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. If you'd rather sit in a taproom than traffic, drinking a beer than eating sand on the beach, then one (or more) of these drive-ersions may be exactly what you need. Let’s go a little journey, shall we?
I talked with two of Maryland’s top brewers — Mike Tonsmiere of Sapwood Cellars and Paul Davidon of Elder Pine Brewing and Blending about barrel-aged beer. In this third entry in the series, they, along with some additional sources, share practical tips and philosophies on what to cellar, how to taste and pair it, and how to get the most out of the beers they’ve invested in a barrel.
“How long can I boil this wort without disrupting the production schedule?” Meet Paul Davidson, co-founder and head brewer at Elder Pine Brewing and Blending in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paul shares his experiences and methods for creating barrel-aged beer.
What’s happening with the Maryland Beer scene in June 2026? The Maryland Craft Beer Festival returns to Frederick, RaR opens Chessie’s Campus in Salisbury, we say farewell to Wico Street Beer Company, and more.
In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer, some breweries stand out not just for their exceptional beers but for the unique stories and philosophies that underpin their operations. Mayan Monkey Brewing, nestled within a vibrant Mexican restaurant, is one such gem.
This is the first of a three-part series entitled What the Barrel Remembers: Secrets of Aging, Blending, and Tasting Barrel-Aged Beer. In part one, I talk with Mike Tonsmeire, co-founder of Sapwood Cellars in Columbia, Maryland.
— EVENTS —
HOPFEST is back at Max's Taphouse August 14-16, 2026.
Mark your calendar. More details to come.
FREE to enter. Must be 21+.
The City of Rockville’s Rocktobierfest celebrates German culture with beer, bands, bratwurst, and more!
We are pleased once again to host this unique event to promote Maryland’s microbreweries. The Maryland Microbrewery Festival is the highlight and culminating event of Carroll County Beer Week. This fun-packed festival celebrates and promotes the best of Maryland’s handcrafted and distinctive microbrews.
Max’s Taphouse is partnering with Bear Branch Malt and ~20 local breweries to celebrate Craft Malt Month! A selection of beers made using Bear Branch Malt will be available to taste and purchase, along with grain samples and other giveaways
German food, beer, music, dancing, and fun! This event raises money to support local charities.
QUAD STATE BEER FEST - CLAD iN PLAID
FARMTOBERFEST — 1st Annual Event
BEER - FOOD - GAMES- MUSIC
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL DAY!
STEIN HOIST ~ OOMPAH BAND
GERMAN MENU BY MISE EN PLACE
COMMEMORATIVE MUG
BEER RELEASE + MORE!
Join us for the 2026 Mount Airy Main Street Oktoberfest. Main Street will be transformed into a vibrant festival featuring German food and music and of course BEER!
Garrett County, Maryland - Celebrate the glory of autumn with fall foliage, seasonal beer, harvest festivities, lederhosen, and dirndls.
The Good Beer Festival in Salisbury, Maryland, offers unlimited tastings of craft brews, music, games, food and peddlers of crafty and unique items. Friday is the only nighttime beer festival on the Eastern Shore.
ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE: OVER 120 INTERNATIONAL, DOMESTIC, AND LOCAL MARYLAND BEERS, DOMESTIC WINES and SCHNAPPS. All of your favorite craft beers and perfectly paired wines will be served to highlight the great Beer Hall theme.
Rare & Obscure is back at Max's Taphouse Oct 16-18, 2026.
Mark your calendar. More details to come.
FREE to enter. Must be 21+.
Something special is brewing in Maryland. The Brewers Association of Maryland, in partnership with the Hops & Harvest Festival, proudly announces the debut of Wanderland, a one-of-a-kind craft beverage experience set for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the picturesque Symphony Woods at Merriweather Park in Columbia, Maryland.
The Shore Craft Beer Fest: OCtoberfest is returning for the 12th year. ALL YOU CARE TO DRINK local craft beer, RTD cocktails, hard tea, cider and even non-alcoholic beer for ONLY $35!
40+ local beers, food trucks and restaurants and great live music…
all to benefit “Baltimore’s Best Backyard”, Patterson Park!
From Oktoberfest celebrations across the state to rare beer events at Max's Taphouse, Maryland's fall craft beer calendar is packed with 20 events through December 1.