A craft beer festival celebrating the Bay of Plenty’s independent brewing scene is set to debut in Tauranga this August.

The inaugural Tauranga Taps Beer Festival will be held at the Cargo Shed on Saturday, August 8, bringing together seven local breweries and cideries for an afternoon of beer tasting, food and entertainment.

Organised by local craft beer community group Tauranga Taps, the event aims to showcase the quality and diversity of beers being produced across the region while supporting local businesses and encouraging community connections.

Tauranga Taps was founded by local beer enthusiasts Kevin Downie and Brian Jarreau and has grown into one of the Bay’s most active beer groups.

The organisation regularly hosts brewery visits, tasting events and organised 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,” Downie said in a media release.

“This festival is about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and showcasing the quality of craft beer being produced in the Bay of Plenty.”

Attendance will be capped at 250 people, allowing festivalgoers the opportunity to meet brewers, learn about the brewing process and sample a wide range of locally crafted beers.

Guests will receive a commemorative tasting glass and be able to try everything from hoppy IPAs and crisp lagers to rich stouts and specialty brews.

Organisers hope the event will attract visitors from across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland and become an annual celebration of the region’s thriving craft beer culture.

For tickets and more information, visit Tauranga Taps on Facebook or Instagram or email taurangataps@gmail.com.