As August heats up, independent breweries across the U.S. are rolling out limited-edition summer beers that are drawing long lines and loyal fans. From citrusy IPAs to fruited sours and crisp lagers, local breweries are embracing bold flavors and seasonal ingredients — and consumers are loving it.
According to the Brewers Association, craft beer sales saw a 6% increase in July 2025 compared to the same time last year, driven largely by taproom-exclusive summer releases and regional beer festivals. August, traditionally one of the biggest beer months of the year, is expected to close out the season strong.
One standout trend this summer is the rise of "garden-inspired" beers — think cucumber-mint pilsners, basil-infused saisons, and watermelon wheat ales. Breweries like Tree House Brewing in Massachusetts and New Belgium in Colorado have reported record taproom attendance during their August beer release events.
In Florida, Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing launched its “Sunshine Series” this month, a rotating tap menu featuring mango gose, key lime lager, and orange blossom ale — all using locally sourced fruit. “It’s our way of celebrating Florida’s summer harvest,” said head brewer Jose Martinez. “And people love the idea of drinking something that came from just down the road.”
Meanwhile, in Oregon, August marks the return of the Portland International Beer Festival, which resumed full-scale operations this year for the first time since 2019. Featuring more than 200 beers from 50 breweries around the world, the festival has become a pilgrimage for beer enthusiasts eager to sample rare international pours alongside beloved local options.
Non-alcoholic craft beers are also continuing to carve out their space. Athletic Brewing and Partake both released seasonal NA summer lagers this August, catering to the growing number of health-conscious drinkers and sober-curious millennials.
For those staying close to home, breweries are tapping into the “brew at home” market by offering DIY kits for seasonal ales. August’s top-sellers include hazy pale ale kits with dry-hopped flavor profiles and sour beer starter kits with fruit purée add-ins.
Beer influencers on platforms like Instagram and Untappd have helped fuel the momentum, sharing weekly “what’s on tap” tours and highlighting hidden gem breweries. Hashtags like #AugustAles and #SummerOnTap are trending across craft beer communities.
As August continues, one thing is clear: beer lovers are thirsty for creativity, locality, and community. Whether it’s enjoying a crisp Kölsch on a brewery patio or cracking open a limited-release can at a backyard cookout, this month’s beer scene is a true celebration of summer in a glass.
