The numbers say it all. 1,600 people. Two sold-out sessions. Twelve world-class breweries. One historic venue. The Northern Lights Beer Festival 2026 was the biggest and best beer festival that Aberdeen's Music Hall has ever seen, and we're already making plans to top it.
A Sell-Out Before the Doors Even Opened
Tickets for both 2026 sessions were gone before the doors opened on April 11th. We increased capacity from 1,300 to 1,600 on the back of 2025's demand, and still couldn't satisfy the demand.
If you missed out this year, consider this your official warning: 2027 will go the same way.
The Lineup
This year's lineup featured some of the most exciting names in UK craft, including Northern Monk, Beak Brewery, Cloudwater, Siren Craft Brew, Rivington, Elusive Brewing and Bullhouse, alongside a full host of others bringing their best pours north.
Creating a direct connection between brewery and beer drinker is one of the cornerstones of why Northern Lights exists.
Fierce on Home Turf
As hosts, we weren't going to show up empty-handed. Alongside the Fierce Iron Brew and our Very Big Birthday barrel-aged imperial stout, a hefty 12.5% ABV, we brought two beers brewed specifically for the occasion.
Polaris and Borealis, both collaboration brews, were among the most talked-about pours of the day. There's something fitting about a beer festival named after the northern sky being anchored by two beers that lean into exactly that. Missed them on the day? A small number of cans are still available here, while stocks last.
Beyond the Beer
The festival wouldn't be the same without the Fierce Friends who turn up alongside us. This year's official festival tee, a collaboration between Fierce and Doric Studio, was one of the most sought-after items of the day. The Doric Studio merch stall did what it always does: drew a crowd and kept them there.
Tubby Toms made the trip up from Gloucester and brought everything with them. Hot sauces, seasonings, rubs, oils, honey. The lot. They’re world famous for good reason, and Aberdeen gave them the reception they deserved.
Milo from The Old Workshop kept the cocktails flowing throughout, while Aberdeen Performing Arts handled the food, keeping sessions fuelled from start to finish. Wine, cider, gluten-free options and snacks were all part of the mix too.
Everyone's welcome at Northern Lights.
Big thanks to Aberdeen Inspired for their continued support in helping us make the festival happen, and to Aberdeen Performing Arts for their work in transforming the Music Hall into one of Scotland's must-visit beer festival venues for the day.
The setting matters, and they make it count.
What It Means for Aberdeen
Events like this aren't just a good day out. They bring people into the city centre, fill the surrounding hospitality businesses, and give vendors from across the UK their first taste of Aberdeen and its crowd. We're always enthused by the comments of how nice the Aberdeen crowd are and we're delighted sharing experiences with people who just met one of their favourite breweries.
2027: Third Year, Higher Bar
The Northern Lights Beer Festival returns to the Aberdeen Music Hall on April 3rd, 2027. The guest brewery lineup is still under wraps, but the ambition is the same as it's always been: to somehow make it better than the year before.
Tickets will go fast. Keep an eye on this website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the earliest updates.
The countdown to April 3rd, 2027, starts now. Are you ready for an even bigger and better Northern Lights? We certainly are.