Beer Festivals Near South Shields

South Shields has a proud real ale tradition. The town is home to multi-award-winning pubs, a renowned brewery tap, and a strong CAMRA presence. Beyond the local scene, the wider North East hosts some of the best beer festivals in the country -- all within easy reach by Metro, bus, or a short drive. Whether you want a quiet pint of cask ale in a historic pub or a full weekend of festival hopping, this guide covers the best options.

The Local Scene

Before heading to a festival, it is worth knowing the pubs that anchor South Shields' beer culture year-round.

The Steamboat

The Steamboat at 27 Mill Dam is the flagship. A multi-award-winning CAMRA Pub of the Year, it keeps seven ever-changing cask ales and ciders on handpump in a ship-themed interior. The Steamboat regularly hosts its own mini beer festivals, typically offering 20 or more guest ales over a long weekend. Follow the pub on social media for dates.

The Maltings

The Maltings at 9 Claypath Lane is the tap house for Jarrow Brewery, the local brewery named after the town next door. Up to fifteen guest ales, Belgian bottled beers, and real ciders are available alongside a well-regarded Thai restaurant on the first floor. The Maltings runs its own beer festivals and tap takeover events throughout the year.

The Stags Head

The Stags Head at 45 Fowler Street is a Grade II listed pub dating from 1897, on CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Original tilework, acid-etched windows, and a handsome back bar make it a destination in its own right. A small but well-chosen selection of cask ales.

Alum Ale House

Alum Ale House on Ferry Street sits next to the Shields Ferry landing, with a rotating selection of cask ales in a prime riverside location. A good stop before or after the ferry crossing to North Shields.

Best for: The Steamboat and The Maltings both run their own mini beer festivals several times a year. Follow them on social media for dates -- these events regularly sell out or get very busy.

Major Festivals Near South Shields

Sunderland Beer and Cider Festival (Sundfest)

Organised by the Sunderland and South Tyneside branch of CAMRA, Sundfest is the closest major beer festival to South Shields. Held annually in September at Beggars Bridge in Sunderland, it features over 100 real ales, ciders, perries, and fruit wines. Live music, hot food, and a friendly atmosphere make it one of the best-attended festivals in the region.

Getting there: Take the Metro from South Shields to Sunderland (around 25 minutes) or drive -- Beggars Bridge is near the Stadium of Light.

Tynedale Beer Festival

One of the North East's longest-running beer festivals, held at Tynedale Rugby Club in Corbridge. Typically runs over three days in June, with a wide selection of cask ales, ciders, gins, and live entertainment. A scenic day out combining a beer festival with a visit to the attractive market town of Corbridge and the nearby Roman site at Corbridge Roman Town.

Getting there: Drive via the A1 (around 45 minutes) or take the train from Newcastle to Corbridge.

Percy Park Beer Festival

Held at Percy Park Rugby Club in North Shields, this festival is a short Metro ride from South Shields. A popular community event with a strong selection of real ales and live music over a summer weekend.

Getting there: Metro to North Shields or Tynemouth (around 20 minutes from South Shields), then a short walk.

Mouth of the Tyne Festival

Not a beer festival in the traditional sense, but the Mouth of the Tyne Festival in Tynemouth (held in July) features outdoor music stages, food stalls, and a strong selection of real ales and craft beers from local breweries. The festival takes place around Tynemouth Priory and on the seafront, making it one of the most atmospheric events in the North East.

Getting there: Metro to Tynemouth (around 15 minutes from South Shields).

Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival

The Tyneside and Northumberland branch of CAMRA organises a major annual festival in Newcastle, typically held in spring. Over 200 real ales, ciders, and perries in a city centre venue, with tutored tastings, meet-the-brewer sessions, and food.

Getting there: Metro to Monument or Central Station (around 25 minutes from South Shields).

Craft Beer Events

The craft beer scene in the North East has grown significantly. Keep an eye on:

• Sunderland Craft Beer Festival -- organised by VAUX Brewery at The Fire Station in Sunderland, featuring around 15 of the UK's leading independent breweries
• Tap takeovers -- The Maltings and The Steamboat both host regular tap takeover evenings where a single brewery takes over the guest pumps
• Brewery open days -- Jarrow Brewery (whose beers you can drink at The Maltings) and other North East breweries occasionally open their doors for tours and tastings

Tips for Festival-Goers

• Take the Metro -- most festivals are accessible by public transport, and you can drink without worrying about driving
• Bring a designated driver or plan your journey home in advance -- Metro services run until around 11pm on most lines
• Pace yourself -- festival halves and thirds are your friend, especially if you want to try a wide range of beers
• Eat well -- most festivals have food stalls, and a proper meal before or during drinking makes all the difference
• Join CAMRA -- members often get free or discounted entry to CAMRA festivals, plus free beer tokens. Membership costs around 32 pounds a year

Best for: South Shields is perfectly placed for festival hopping. The Metro connects you to Sunderland, Newcastle, North Shields, and Tynemouth -- all within 30 minutes, so you can hit multiple festivals throughout the year without needing a car.

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For more on the pub and bar scene in South Shields, read our best pubs guide, our best beer gardens guide, and our best cocktail bars guide.