Support Us Button Widget

National Beer Day in Kansas City

Picture of two spring beer creations

The only thing better than beer is... well, actually... | Photos by @bigripbrewingco + @ citybarrel

Table of Contents

It’s National Beer Day, Kansas City, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how — with a little history and a lot of local.

This “holiday” actually taps into US history — unlike National Cheese Pizza Day. April 7, 1933, was the day the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, re-legalizing the making + selling of beer (under 4%) after Prohibition. However, it would be a long time before KC’s beer scene really started hopping.

KC pre-Prohibition

Before Congress made beer illegal (1920-1933), Kansas City was a brewing mecca. The Ferd. Heim Brewing Company in the East Bottoms produced 125,000 bottles a day, ultimately merging with the old Rochester Brewery to form Kansas City Breweries Company. The money was truly pouring into KC, with investors also opening Imperial Brewery (remember our abandoned castle story?).

Bubbling back up

After prohibition, KC’s beer scene was nearly non-existent. National beer brands like St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch consolidated and grew. By 1980, there were only 101 breweries in the US.

In his book, “Kansas City Beer,” Pete Dulin writes that home brewer John McDonald registered Boulevard Brewing Company in 1988, KC’s first new production brewery since Prohibition. Craft beer began to take hold. Amerisports Brew Pub opened in 2003, The Big Rip Brewing Company followed 10 years later, and Martin City Brewing Company opened its brewery a year after that.

Spring beers now tapping

Today, we can enjoy craft beer from ~50 breweries within an hour of KC. As the days warm (and patio season hits), here are a few places to get some new spring-inspired drinks.

More from KCtoday
Plaza Art Fair is a long-standing Kansas City tradition that takes place annually on the Country Club Plaza. Let’s dive into the details of this year’s event.
Peek inside the effort turning this former “flyover” country into a world-class destination, fit for World Cup 2026 and beyond.
The trolley trail will go cold for four weeks.
From Latin bakeries to Asian supermarkets, the Kansas City metro has no shortage of spots to shop for flavors from around the world.
It’s easier than ever to make sure you’re election-ready, thanks to a new partnership by KCMO + Greater Kansas City National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Plans are in the works for a 132-acre development that is set to include a theme park, sports arena, and retail options. It’s the latest in the decades-long influence of the Hunt family.
See who may be eligible, a timeline, and next steps for the city, community, and business owners.
KCMO just took a big step toward expanding its EV infrastructure. Here’s how you can optimize your usage.
As new owners seek to revamp the shopping district, talks of a grocery store has taken center stage.
Whether you’re looking to swap your latest read, share extra canned food, or even snag a new keychain — KC’s little libraries have your back.