BeerMad returns to Madrid with free entry: 200 varieties of craft beer, street food and concerts

The city's most anticipated craft beer festival returns this September with a new feature that makes it even more appealing: admission will be free. The 12th edition will be held outdoors from Friday, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th, at the Planetarium Producers' Market.

The venue is next to Tierno Galván Park and just steps from the Méndez Álvaro metro station. To drink, you'll need the official festival glass, which costs €3 this year. With it in hand, you can sample over 200 craft beers from more than 50 national and international breweries.

The best way to experience BeerMad is to go without rushing, snack between stalls and let yourself be recommended by whoever is behind the bar.

BeerMad isn't just one bar after another. It's that plan where you take your time, try a half-pint here, a bite there, and let the music set the rhythm.

Why free entry changes the plan

Making entry free for the first time in the festival's history is a brilliant move. Before, you paid to get in and then decided how much you'd spend once you were inside. Now, you only pay for the official cup, which you keep as a souvenir, and any drinks you order. Free entry makes it even more appealing to just drop by without too much planning, especially if you live nearby or are taking the subway.

The new open-air venue also enhances the atmosphere. The Planetarium Producers' Market already functions as a gastronomic meeting point, and hosting BeerMad gives it that neighborhood fair feel, but with hops from all over Spain and beyond.

Breweries and snacks you can't miss

The beer lineup blends well-known breweries with smaller, up-and-coming breweries that are well worth discovering. Among the Madrid-based breweries are Capaz, CCVK, The One, La Chula, La Caníbal, Oso Brewing, Cerveza Salvaje, La Vicalvarada, and Ska-P. Also arriving are Selva-GR from Granada; Virtus from Burgos; and Excosa from Huesca. And keep an eye out for the artisanal meads from Beekinga in Valladolid and Decuria in Ávila: they're not beer, but they've earned their place among the bars.

To accompany the food, the street food offerings are equally impressive: empanadas, croquettes, cheeses, cured meats, Italian delicacies, and tacos. The great thing about a festival like this is that you don't have to choose just one dish: you can nibble a little here, a little there, and the perfect beer for each bite is just a few meters away.

Here's the trick to not getting overwhelmed: with over 200 beers, the best approach isn't to try them all, but rather to choose a style you like and hop between breweries. The chalkboards at each stand usually indicate the style and alcohol content, and most of the brewers are happy to explain what they're serving.

In the newsroom, we've been particularly won over by the local offerings. Seeing La Caníbal, Cerveza Salvaje, and Ska-P all in the same venue is a great way to understand why Madrid has become a beer hotspot to watch.

Why BeerMad has won over Madrid and how to plan your visit

BeerMad won't just be a string of bars. The program includes tastings, workshops, and other activities related to the world of craft beer, which have been key to winning over Madrid's most passionate beer lovers. This blend of fair, training, and celebration explains why the event has continued for twelve years.

Compared to other autumn events in Madrid, the cost is reasonable: entry is free and the official cup costs €3. After that, each drink is paid for separately, so you keep your spending under control. This balance between free access and responsible consumption is one of the reasons why the festival has become a must-attend event.

Music plays a significant role. On Friday the 25th at 8:15 pm, there's a Rolling Stones tribute concert. On Saturday the 26th, at 10 pm, bands will perform merengue, dembow, afrobeat, cumbia, and dancehall. The concerts are the perfect ending to an already worthwhile plan.

The opening hours are simple: Friday the 25th, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Saturday the 26th, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; and Sunday the 27th, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The schedule and program are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check the festival's official channels before you go. Saturday is the longest day and probably the liveliest. If you're looking for something more relaxed, Sunday morning might be the perfect option for going with children or for a stroll without the crowds.

And here's this writer's recommendation: bring cash or your mobile phone with your card handy, arrive hungry, and don't forget to try at least one beer from a brewery you've never heard of. Madrid has some big festivals, but few are as well-organized and offer such great value for money.

🍽️ The foodie card

• 🏠 Venue / Establishment: BeerMad, 12th edition.
• 📍 Location: Planetario Producers Market, next to Tierno Galván Park (Méndez Álvaro metro station, Madrid).
• 🍴 Type of food / Specialty: Craft beer fair with street food, tastings, workshops and live music.
• 💰 Average price: Free entry; official glass, 3 euros; drinks not included.