The Last Dance in Duluth: My 2026 All Pints North Preview
This is going to be it, folks. The 2026 All Pints North on Saturday, Aug. 1st, will be the last one in Duluth, Minnesota, wrapping up a 14 year run on the shores of Lake Superior. While Bayfront Park in Duluth is the perfect festival venue, the exorbitant cost of lodging for an entire weekend deterred many breweries from participating. At its height, there were almost 120 Minnesota craft beer guild members participating. The list of breweries this year has dwindled to 46.
While the Duluth chapter is ending, next year brings the starting of another chapter for All Pints North lore; a change of venue. Bemidji, Minnesota, is next year’s location for All Pints North. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild announcement was received with a mix of excitement and skepticism. One brewery owner I talked to expressed excitement because it was truly a northern Minnesota experience. One industry veteran expressed frustration due to the fact that it is moving farther from the Twin Cities to a place that has less infrastructure than Duluth to support the lodging needs. So, it remains to be seen what the fest will look like next year.
However, this article is about this year and the beers that will be pouring in Bayfront Park on Saturday, August 1st. The weather outlook is a much needed reprieve from this summer’s hellacious heat dome that has dominated much of Minnesota. In fact, it looks like we can enjoy 77 degrees with sun on the day of the festival. This is basically ideal day-drinking conditions, or as I like to say: sunny with a chance of lagers. The VIP tickets are sold out already so if you want to join the fun, grab a general admission ticket here.
Beers to Drink at All Pints North 2026
After perusing the beer list for the festival, I am highlighting some beers that I have tried and enjoyed as well as some beers I am looking forward to trying for the first time. I always like to have a plan for All Pints North so I can maximize my experience. There is a nice mix of metro and out-state breweries on this list that I hope appeals to a geographically diverse audience.
Nine Mile Brewing Mazorca Dorada Mexican Heirloom Corn Lager
I think that this Mexican Lager from Nine Mile Brewing sounds fascinating. I am always interested to try a beer that utilizes a special ingredient. I really hope that someone can explain the type of corn that they used because when you start down the rabbit hole of heirloom varieties, there is so much to learn. I also am just a sucker for a good Mexican lager.
Bent Paddle Brewing Exploremores Chocolate Stout
This is one of the Bent Paddle Brewing pilot brew series that is only available in the taproom. It is a stout with chocolate, marshmallow, and almond. It was brewed for the Girls Scouts of America, and I am excited to try it. I have a love/hate relationship with Girl Scout Cookies. On one hand, they are delicious and a great way to raise funds for an organization that does a lot of good. However, the idea of paying 7 dollars for 8 cookies in this economy is about as palatable as getting a Brazilian wax from Edward Scissorhands. Whatever your thoughts are about the Girls Scouts, this beer should be pretty tasty.
Boom Island Brewing Chill Lacs
Boom Island Brewing has a lot of different kinds of beers in the taproom. One beer style I think that they are a little light on is lager. Of course, they have the Que Pasa Mexican Lager, but I don’t see a ton of other ones. When I saw that they recently put a Czech Pilsner on tap, I was excited. So I will be definitely trying the Chill Lacs to see how it tastes.
Canal Park Brewing Two Bells Japanese Lager
I have not been to Canal Park Brewing in years. They piqued my interest this year when they took home some awards at the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and the MN Brewers Cup Awards. So, clearly it is time for a revisit. I love Japanese Rice lagers for their crisp effervescence and dry finish. They are the perfect beer to drink in volume when it is nice out. Obviously, I don’t condone overdoing it, but if there were a time to have a few 5 ounce pours as a break from higher ABV offerings, All Pints North is the place to do it.
Castle Danger Brewery Sea Salt & Lime Lager
When lime and sea salt are used deftly in a refreshing beer that dazzles the palate, I am here for it. Castle Danger Brewery absolutely delivers on this one. I have consumed several cans of it this summer already so I can say, with certainty, that you are going to enjoy this one. My biggest challenge will be reigning in my enthusiasm and only having a few pours.
Dangerous Man Brewing Dry Irish Stout
Ok, I realize that it is summertime, but great beer can and should be enjoyed year-round. This beer is sophisticated and nuanced. You get notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and toasted dark bread. It is so good that it will have you wanting to DYI yourself a time machine and head forward to St. Paddy’s Day. This is one of my favorite Dangerous Man Brewing beers and I think you should try it.
Indeed Brewing Chelada Honey Light
I love a Chelada just as much as the Pope loves the White Sox. Indeed Brewing harnessed the excitement of this drink and gave it a touch of honey for sweetness and put it in cans. This beer is tasty and bright-perfect for All Pints North.
Jack Pine Brewery Dead on Dill Cream Ale
Pickle beers are al the rage. There are several of them pouring this year at All Pints North. However, I think that it is hard to top the Jack Pine Brewery’s version, Dead on Dill. If you close your eyes while you take a sip, you will see yourself fencing with a foil made of dill, this beer is that herbaceous. There is a hint of brininess that really rounds out the entire pickle experience. One might even describe this beer as… dill-icious…. I’ll see myself out…
Little Thistle Brewing Micro Tonal West Coast Pils
I love a good West Coast Pils. It is a dynamic synergy of lager cleanliness and hoppy pizazz. Little Thistle Brewing is an absolute go-to for me and I cannot wait to have this offering that is under the Double Elbow umbrella. Also, this beer is 3.8% ABV and will be a great thing to crush at All Pints North.
Lupulin Brewing Pacific Pith Pale Ale
Pacific Pith is proof that sensational pale ales do exist in Minnesota. Lupulin Brewing cracked the code on the bright and titillating pale ales I thought I would only be able to find on the West Coast. This fun blend of Celeste, Simcoe, and Tangier will have you firing your travel agent while tears of joy cascade down your cheeks. You need to try this for yourself!
Modist Brewing Watermeloncholy
Folks, Watermeloncholy from Modist Brewing GOSE to 11! You can stick me in the punitentiary if you want, but not before you try this incredible beer. The freshness of the watermelon pairs wonderfully with the hint of salt. This beer is balanced, fruity, and refreshing; a perfect beer for All Pints North.
Surly Brewing Mole Darkness
Outside of Summit Extra Pale Ale and Schell’s Oktoberfest, I don’t know if there is a beer that is more emblematic of Minnesota craft beer than Surly Brewing’s Darkness. When it comes to sauces I personally like to ingest by the 5-gallon bucket, it doesn’t get any better than mole. So, it stands to reason that this beer should be stellar. I mean, it is All Pints North, so a few hefty beers won’t get you parading down the main drag of Canal Park in your skivvies.
Ursa Minor Harbor Kölsch
Outside of the All Pints North festival itself, a stop at Ursa Minor Brewing is well worth your time. Their pizzas are tremendous and their beers speak for themselves. At the festival, you are going to want to stop by their booth because they always have some fun kind of shenanigans happening. This Harbor Kölsch is more just a style I love and haven’t had from them before.
Waldmann Brewery Hefeweizen
I knew I could count on Waldmann Brewery to bring the original hazy beer to All Pints North. Matt Anhalt is a wizard when it comes to classic styles and I hope that you stop by to try this incredible Hefeweizen. Get the other ones while you are at the booth, but this is a special one, best enjoyed during the summer.
Wandering Leaf Brewing Ossuary Helles Lager
Wandering Leaf Brewing’s Ossuary is a fantastic lager. This won a first place award at the MN Craft Brewers Cup and that recognition is well-deserved. I get at least one pour of this every time I visit the taproom and I think it will pair well with the All Pints North vibes in Bayfront Park.
Don’t Be Sad That It’s Over, Be Happy That It Happened
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t morose about this being the last All Pints North in Duluth. I have enough fun memories to fill a book about. However, I am excited about what is to come. My hope is that future All Pints North festivals will create their own zeitgeist in our hearts. At the end of the day, the location shouldn’t matter because beer festivals are about the people. The simple fact is attendance has diminished, both in participants and attendees over the last number of years. So, it is time to try something new. I will be cheersing in Bayfront Park and around Duluth to soak in one last dance with you all. Cheers.
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