Organizers told ABC11 on Friday that North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley will help kick off the twoday festival. The event opens with an official ceremonial keg tapping during Friday's opening ceremony.
That evening, a kickoff party runs from 6 to 11 p.m., offering unlimited 3ounce samples of limitedrelease, barrelaged and sour beers.
The two-day festival draws thousands of people each year, according to a news release. Organizers say North Carolina's craft brewing industry continues to support thousands of jobs across brewing, hospitality, distribution, agriculture and tourism.
"Having statewide leaders join us to kick off Brewgaloo sends a powerful message about the importance of craft brewing to North Carolina," festival organizers said. "This industry is built on small businesses, hard work and community, and it plays a vital role in supporting jobs and local economies across the state."
On Saturday, the Street Fest runs from noon to 8 p.m. along Fayetteville Street. The event features nearly 80 North Carolina craft breweries, about 45 food trucks, dozens of vendors and two stages with live music throughout the day.
People can sample more than 350 craft beverages by redeeming drink tickets for either a pint or a 3 ounce pour.
Brewgaloo is open to the public and free to attend. You will need to purchase tickets to participate in the beer sampling.
Controversy
The organization behind Brewgaloo, Shop Local Raleigh, has faced criticism following an anonymous social media comment made by its executive director in late 2025.
Executive Director Jennifer Martin acknowledged posting a comment in a closed Facebook group known as Networking Women of the Triangle that stated in part, "there's no such thing as a transgender son." The comment prompted backlash from multiple Triangle businesses, with some calling for her resignation.
Martin later addressed the comment and issued a public apology, writing that "her heart has always been for people and community." Some vendors and breweries said the apology did not go far enough.
New 'Y'all Means All' beer festival challenges Brewgaloo in Raleigh
The controversy led to the creation of the "Y'all Means All" North Carolina Beer Festival, scheduled to take place April 25 at the same time as Brewgaloo 2026. The event is a joint effort between Raleigh Brewing Co. and Erica Vogel, who said it was created to provide a more inclusive space.
Vogel had participated as a craft vendor at Brewgaloo since 2019, selling jewelry through her boutique, Be Like Missy. She later withdrew from the event after the comment circulated online.
"Our values weren't aligned with the current event, and we decided it was time to make our own," Vogel said.
Editor's Note: Featured media is from a previous report.