Observed annually on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is, first and foremost, a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

And this is a sacrifice we should never forget.

But over the years, Memorial Day has also become the unofficial start of summer. The three-day weekend to fire up the grill, gather with friends, and kick back with a cold beverage. In fact, beer has become so closely tied to the holiday that it’s hard to imagine one without the other.

According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Memorial Day ranks among the top beer-drinking holidays in the U.S., right up there with the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Super Bowl Sunday. This trend makes sense: the weather is warming, cookouts are in full swing, and patio season is officially underway.

Craft brewers see a significant sales bump during this holiday weekend. Seasonal releases like crisp pilsners, hazy IPAs, and approachable summer wheat beers often take center stage.

“Memorial Day is when people want something refreshing but still flavorful,” said Tom Bobak, Editor-in-Chief of American Craft Beer. “It’s the perfect time for beers that pair well with warmer weather, and maybe another.”

Key Trends in Memorial Day Beer Sales

• Large pack sizes dominate: Consumers buy larger quantities to accommodate parties. Sales of 12-packs, 24-packs, and cases spike significantly during the weekend.
• Cans outsell bottles: Cans dominate outdoor activities because they are lighter to transport, chill faster, and are permitted in areas where glass is banned.
• Mexican imports and wellness brews thrive: Mexican lagers like Modelo Especial, Corona Premier, and Sol continue to gain major market share. Simultaneously, “functional” options like Michelob Ultra and non-alcoholic craft beers are surging.
• Rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages: Hard seltzers and canned cocktails remain highly popular, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

At its core, Memorial Day is about reflection and coming together with family and friends. Whether your cooler is packed with legacy domestic brands, local craft IPAs, or the newest non-alcoholic brews, beer continues to serve as the ultimate social glue for the long weekend. And it’s proof that some traditions remain irreplaceable as we look to summer.