In a city that never sleeps, the thirst for innovation has driven a massive shift in drinking culture. Vietnam’s craft beer scene has matured into one of the most vibrant in Southeast Asia, and there was no better showcase for this evolution than the Saigon Craft Beer Festival 2026.
Held under the banner of Global Hops, Local Pours, One Wild Weekend, the 2026 edition went far beyond a standard tasting event. It served as a sensory exploration of how local brewers are seamlessly blending international techniques with Vietnamese flair. From the first pour to the final beat drop, the festival positioned itself as the intersection where "East meets West" in a pint glass, celebrating the alchemy that happens when Vietnam’s best brewers gather under one roof.
Crowd Favorites
The heart of the festival was the challenge issued to attendees: do not just consume, but critique. Empowering visitors to act as judges, the People’s Choice Awards saw thousands of samples poured, debated and voted upon.
The results signaled a clear preference for bold, fruit-forward profiles that complement the tropical climate. KORAÏ - The Ocean Beer secured the 1st Place title with their TROPIK Mango Pale Ale, a brew praised for its lush, island-inspired notes. KORAÏ also took home 3rd Place with their PACIFIK American Pale, cementing their status as a crowd favorite.
Close behind in 2nd Place was Mixtape Drinks with their Peaches & Cream - NWIPA, a sophisticated blend that offered a creamy mouthfeel balanced by the sharp bite of a New World IPA.
Innovation On Tap
While the awards highlighted local excellence, the festival also played host to global royalty. In a major coup for the event, MixTape Beverage Co. brought the world-famous Danish brewery Mikkeller to Vietnam, taking over the Brewer Stage and adding an international edge to the proceedings. The takeover featured a standout set by Piu Piu’s DJ Oli, creating a high-energy backdrop for guests participating in a beer shotgun game using a limited-edition collaboration brew. The moment offered an early glimpse of what’s ahead, with MixTape hinting that this collaboration marks just the beginning of Mikkeller’s presence in Vietnam.
Domestic innovation was equally impressive. Turtle Lake Brewing Company flew in specifically from Hanoi and immediately drew long lines. They captured the fun side of the festival with their popular "slushies", specifically the Frozen Cherry Pop and Kenny's Hard Lemonade - offering a refreshing, icy respite from the Saigon heat.
Meanwhile, C-Brewmaster stood out for its commitment to Vietnamese identity. Their booth featured unique bottles and intriguing names, but the star was undoubtedly the “Pho Beer”, a daring concoction that successfully translated Vietnam’s national dish into liquid form.
Toucan Craft Beer also embraced local agriculture, winning fans with a delicious selection of fruit-infused brews, most notably their Guava and Mango variants.
Drinking With Purpose
A standout element of the "Wild Weekend" 2026 was its partnership with the Wilderness Foundation Africa and the Forever Wild Rhino Campaign.
Amidst the partying, the Wild Rhino mascot became a memorable fixture, walking the festival grounds to engage with guests. This interaction provided a crucial platform to distribute educational flyers and raise awareness against the consumption and trade of rhino horn. It was a poignant reminder of the festival's commitment to the social responsibility and its support for the Vietnam Be My Hero initiative.
Beats & Bites
Understanding that great beer demands a great foundation, the culinary lineup did not disappoint. Le Méridien Saigon brought hotel-grade finesse to the street food setting, while Bon - Asian Soul Kitchen bridged the gap between local comfort and modern taste. For the purists, Soul Burger remained a fixture, flipping patties designed to stand up to the strongest IPAs on offer.
As the sun set, the atmosphere transitioned from a chill afternoon tasting to a high-octane evening party. The air was filled with a rotation of vibrant beats from top-tier crews including FTWR Collective, 99 Sound, and the Powerpuff Girls. Whether guests were hunting for the perfect Sour, challenging strangers to precision games in the Game Zone, or dancing with a burger in hand, the sense of community was palpable.
The Saigon Craft Beer Festival 2026 was more than a chance to drink locally; it was a celebration of creativity, connection, and the wild spirit of Saigon.
18+ Drink Responsibly.
Please do not share with those under legal drinking age.
ABOUT OUR VENDORS
Beer
Turtle Lake Brewing Company
Tê Tê Brewing
East West Brewing
Koraï - The Ocean Beer
Mixtape Drinks
Steersman Brewery
Toucan Craft Beer
C-Brewmaster
7 Bridges Brewing Co.
Bazan Cider
Food
Mam Mam Eatery and Lounge
Le Méridien Saigon
Bon - Asian Soul Kitchen
Soul Burger
CoCoHa! Gelato
Art
Cau Vong Art Studio
Activation Booth
Noshbox
Charity
Wilderness Foundation Africa ~ Forever Wild Rhino Campaign ~ Vietnam Be My Hero
DJ
𝗙𝗧𝗪𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Providence / Brian TK / Anthony Cao / Skulz / Louis 8ightz / Double G
𝟵𝟵 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Dahkiller / Ego / Sycho / Kit / BeWhy
𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗽𝘂𝗳𝗳 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀: Tiny / Lucy / Jen Hoang
