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Tauranga Taps Beer Festival
Sat
8 Aug
2026
Tauranga Taps Launches Inaugural Craft Beer Festival Celebrating Bay of Plenty Breweries
Local craft beer community Tauranga Taps is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Tauranga Taps Beer Festival, bringing together some of the Bay of Plenty's finest independent breweries for an afternoon of great beer, food and community.
The festival will be held on Saturday 8 August 2026 and will feature six local breweries, food vendors, live entertainment and the opportunity for beer lovers to discover and sample a wide range of locally crafted beers.
Founded by local beer enthusiast Kevin Downie and friend Brian Jarreau, Tauranga Taps has grown into one of the region's most active beer communities, connecting locals through brewery visits, tasting events and organised bus tours throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
"We wanted to create an event that celebrates the fantastic breweries we have right here in our own backyard," said Downie. "This festival is about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and showcasing the quality of craft beer being produced in the Bay of Plenty."
The festival will be limited to 250 attendees, creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests can meet brewers, learn about the brewing process and enjoy a curated selection of beers from across the region.
Festival-goers will receive a commemorative tasting glass and have access to a range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers to dark stouts and specialty brews.
The event is expected to attract visitors from throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland regions and is planned as the first of what Tauranga Taps hopes will become an annual celebration of local craft beer.
About Tauranga Taps
Tauranga Taps is a Bay of Plenty-based craft beer community that organises brewery tours, tasting events, social gatherings and beer-related experiences throughout New Zealand. The group focuses on supporting independent breweries and creating memorable experiences for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Media Contact:
- Kevin Downie
- Founder – Tauranga Taps
- 0223420502
- taurangataps@gmail.com
Location
The Cargo Shed
Event Dates
August 8, 2026
at
11:00 am
August 8, 2026
at
12:00 pm
August 8, 2026
at
12:00 pm
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