Updated: 15.10.2026
The landscape of the beer industry across the country and Maryland continues to shift. While the Brewers Association 2025 Midyear Report shows the number of breweries in the United States is on the decline (-1% mid-year 2025) and the volume of beer is down some 5% year-over-year, we have seen similar trends in Maryland beer. It is difficult to learn when long-time establishments that we have come to love have closed their doors. But at the same time, there are new breweries coming on the scene in nearly every corner of Maryland. So, go forward, there are still great taprooms to be explored and beer enjoyed.
This entry will be updated throughout 2026.
The Brewer’s Art Closes February 2
After three decades as a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Brewer’s Art permanently closed its doors on February 2, 2026, leaving employees and the local community stunned.
The closure was announced abruptly via text message from owner Volker Stewart, who informed staff that the business could no longer continue due to financial strain.
Idiom Closing February 15
We have reported on Idiom over the past months, first their exit from its production brewery, and then owner Mike Clements’ search for a buyer for the brewery. And now, it’s announced closure. Mike shared on the Idiom social media the heartfelt news with Idiom staff and friends.
“We want to go out the way we came in, surrounded by friends. We’ll be open through 2/15/2026.”
Saints Row Closes April 30… But Wait
THE BAD NEWS - We just reported in Maryland Beer Updates: April 2026 that Saints Row Brewing Announces Closing. Going back to the end of 2025, the owners of Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg, MD, would be leaving the brewery, and they were looking for new owners. It would remain open through April 30.
THE MYSTERY - “Saints Row will return in a few months after a brief closure while there is a transition in ownership.”
THE GOOD NEWS - On a 2026.05.11 social media post, Saints Row revealed… “Thank you for it all! One chapter closes, and another pours on.”
“These walls have held years of memories, laughter, late nights, and countless beers shared with friends who became family. While one era of this brewery comes to an end, we’re proud to keep the taps flowing as it’s taken over by the very staff who helped make it feel like home all along. Same heart. Same community. New beginning.”
The Saints Row staff have purchased the brewery.
Greenspring Brewing Closes in April
Greenspring Brewing announced on social media on April 23, “Greenspring Brewing Company is sad to announce our closure at the end of this month (April 2026). We cannot express how thankful we are for all of the support that you have given us. We have nothing but great memories of the people we worked with and all the friends we made along the way. We hope that we have provided you with good beer, conversation, and a little cheer. At least for a while, you can still get our beer at Hook and Vine and Vaughan Cheese. Thanks again, it’s been a great ride!!!”
Lillard and Daughters Farms Stops Brewing in May
Lillard and Daughters stops brewing, announcing on social media. “So it is with a sad heart but an eye for what’s next that we announce we have made our final beer delivery to @theslicehouse_leonardtown. It’s fitting since this is the first place we sold our beer in November of 2020. And most of all, thank you. Without you, the last 5 1/2 years would not have been possible. There really isn’t a better community than St. Mary’s County, and you all support local. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all, and who knows what the future holds!”
Wico Street Beer Closed in May
The message was that the last weekend of May would be their last, or until “the beer ran out”. “Wico Street Beer Co. started as a dream between two cousins with a lot of hope, hard work, and grit. We set out to build a place rooted in community, good beer, and genuine connection, and for a while, we really did that. As many of you know, the craft beer industry is facing immense challenges. Rising costs, changing consumer habits, and an increasingly difficult sales landscape have made it incredibly hard for small, independent breweries to survive even when they’re doing everything they can. As much as we wanted a different ending, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our taproom at the end of this month. That said, what we’re walking away with is far more than we ever expected.” Mike Richardson & Jordan McGraw
Read more about Wico Street Beer
Johansson’s Closes in June
“Today is our final day, please stop in and see us!" (June 7, 2026). After more than three decades in downtown Westminster, Johansson’s Dining House has closed at 4–6 W. Main St. Owner David Johansson began developing the restaurant in the historic building in 1994, with Johansson’s Microbrewery added soon afterward. A group with strong ties to Carroll County’s food and craft beer scene is now taking over the property. The owners of The Liquid Library in Westminster and 1623 Brewing Company in Eldersburg are developing a new gastropub at the former Johansson’s property.
Guinness Open Gate to Close November 1
Baltimore's Guinness Open Gate Brewery, opened in 2018 as the first Guinness brewery location in the U.S. in 60 years, will close its doors on November 1, with remaining operations winding down by the end of the year.
In a statement, the company said the closure follows a "careful review of our operations and long-term business priorities."
Increasing operating costs and shifts in consumer demand made the Baltimore operation increasingly difficult to sustain.
"We are deeply grateful to the Baltimore community, which welcomed us and helped make the brewery a destination for residents and visitors alike," a spokesperson said. "This was not a decision we made lightly." READ MORE
Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewery: Last Day Oct 10
This is the third brewery at this location. It was the original location for Cushwa Brewing before expanding within the same business park. The location was then adopted by Homaide Brewing, a venture of Stephan Perez and Lucas Pinyan. Lucas pivoted to rebrand to Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewing.
Read more about Homaide Brewing and Cushwa Brewing
“Well, friends... this is a post we never wanted to make. Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10th, will be our final day at Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewery. Over the years, we've shared countless beers, laughs, stories, and memories with so many incredible people. What started as a place to grab a cold beer became so much more. It became a place where friendships were made, strangers became regulars, and regulars became family.
To every customer who ever walked through our doors, ordered a beer, grabbed a bite to eat, attended an event, supported our local musicians, or simply stopped in to say hello - THANK YOU.”
Riley’s Mill Ale Works Closes October 16
This was posted on social media by Riley’s Mill Ale Works in Chestertown, Maryland.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM RILEY’S MILL ALE WORKS
“With heavy hearts, we are sharing some incredibly difficult news. After two unforgettable years, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close the doors of Riley’s Mill Ale Works.
This is not a decision we ever wanted to make, and it certainly hasn’t been an easy one. We started this journey with big dreams, high hopes, and a whole lot of heart. We wanted to create something special for our community — a place where people could gather, enjoy a good beer, make memories, celebrate milestones, and feel like they were part of something bigger. We hoped to build something that would last for years to come.
Unfortunately, after a tough year filled with challenges, we have reached the difficult realization that it is time to close this chapter.”
