From 17 to 18 January 2026, Florence will once again host the festival organised by Fermento Birra, which for 17 years has awarded the title of Italy’s best craft brewer. At Teatro Cartiere Carrara, Italian craft beer takes centre stage with a high-level selection of breweries chosen through the votes of 100 judges and the 50 top brewers from the previous edition’s ranking.
The all-inclusive Beer Pass returns, granting unlimited tastings of the beers on offer during the scheduled sessions: two sessions on Saturday 17 January (12:00–17:00 and 19:00–24:00) and one extended session on Sunday 18 January (12:00–18:00). This exclusive format, with limited admission, is designed to maximise the experience for beer lovers: top-quality beers poured and presented by the brewers themselves, without queues or token systems.
Featured at the festival will be the 20 nominees for Brewer of the Year, the 3 nominees for Emerging Brewer, and the 3 breweries selected for the “Fermento Italia” corner (chosen by the Fermento Birra editorial team). Each will present four beers on tap per session. Brewers included in the Top 50 ranking (even if not competing for the title) will also take part with guided tastings, beer-and-food pairings and additional taps.
The awards for Emerging Brewer and Brewer of the Year will be presented on Sunday from 16:00, broadcast live on the Birraio dell’Anno Facebook page.
A quality street-food area with four vendors will offer regional specialties (payments accepted in cash or by card). Free fresh water will be provided by Publiacqua, and a rinsing station will allow participants to clean their glass between tastings.
This event is a showcase for Italian craft beer—now recognised internationally—offering true beer lovers a unique opportunity to meet key industry players and enjoy the best productions in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Birraio dell’Anno is organised by Fermento Birra in collaboration with Mr Malt, J-Software, Fermentis, Polykeg, Corimpex, ADM Vetro and GAI. Technical partners: Prinz and Rastal. Media partner: Fermento Birra Magazine.
OPENING TIMES
Saturday, 17th January 2026 from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. (buy the beer pass)
Saturday, 17th January 2026 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. (buy the beer pass)
Sunday, 18th January 2026 from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. (buy the beer pass)
Prices
• Beer Pass (required): €45 — includes unlimited tastings, event-branded glass, cloakroom (subject to availability), water, and guided tastings with experts and brewers (no pre-booking required).
• General admission ticket (full price): €10 — available at the ticket office together with the Beer Pass (not available if Beer Passes are sold out online).
• Reduced ticket: €5 — available with online purchase of a Beer Pass (while supplies last).
• Beer cost: included in the Beer Pass (no token system). Once you have your glass, go to the taps and request the beer you want.
• Food cost: pay directly at the four street-food stands (cash or card).
Location
Teatro Cartiere Carrara
Via Fabrizio De André, Florence, Italy