Homebrewers across the nation unite/toast for AHA Big Brew on May 3

Homebrewing has become one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies.

In honor of National Homebrew Day (which falls every year on May 7), each year the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) celebrates AHA Big Brew on the first Saturday in May. This year, throughout the day on May 3, hundreds of bars, breweries, shops and clubs all over the country will host their local communities to brew on-site for a national, same-day homebrewing session.

At noon CDT, all homebrewers and beer lovers are encouraged to raise a glass of homebrew in a simultaneous toast that celebrates those who craft outstanding homemade beer, mead and wine for their friends and loved ones. A number of suggested homebrew recipes are selected for AHA Big Brew participants to follow. This year’s recipes — which consist of a pale ale, stout and dark lager — are all gold medal winners from last year’s National Homebrew Competition, the world’s largest beer competition.

WHEN: All day long! Saturday, May 3. A simultaneous toast occurs at 12:00 p.m. CDT

WHERE: Everywhere! From homebrewers’ homes and backyards, to the shops that provide the ingredients and supplies, to local breweries and craft beer bars nationwide. See the complete list of AHA Big Brew event locations across the country. Register your local AHA Big Brew event and join the conversation on Twitter with #BigBrew14.

WHO: Everyone! As long as they’re 21 and over, of course.

WHY: There are over 1.2 million homebrewers in the United States. With one in every 200 adults in the U.S. now crafting their own beer, homebrewing has become one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies. AHA Big Brew is a toast to the nation’s homebrewers and their shared love and appreciation for homebrewed beer, mead and wine. In 2013, 8,500 people celebrated the AHA National Homebrew Day at 383 registered sites. Additionally, 2,200 batches created 17,000 gallons of homebrew enjoyed around the world. Last year, 49 U.S. states and 14 countries participated.