The vibrant city of Split is set to host one of the region’s most anticipated beer festivals on Saturday, 17 May 2025. The SMASH Split Beer Fest and the fifth international SMASH homebrew competition will take place at Plan B pub, beginning at 5 PM. This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts with an exciting lineup of craft brews, entertainment, and community spirit.
A Festival for Craft Beer Aficionados
The event, organized by local craft beer advocates Ivana, Diano, Pave, and Riža, will feature over 40 types of craft beer from 18 professional breweries and more than 20 homebrewers across Croatia. The festival is designed to showcase the passion and innovation within the craft beer scene, allowing visitors to sample unique brews while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Among the standout breweries attending are Bevog, Big Joseph, Brewville, Brlog, Familia, Garden Brewery, Hvar Brewing Co., Kings Brew, Mandrill, Maskeron, Medvedgrad, Mlinarica, Nova Runda, Prostor, Pulfer, Reset, Saperlot, TapB, and Zmajska Pivovara. The diverse selection will cater to a wide range of tastes, from bold IPAs to refreshing sours, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Sustainability and the SMASH Glass
The SMASH festival glass, a specially designed, reusable tasting cup, will serve as both the entry ticket and a symbol of the event’s commitment to sustainability. Priced at €30, it includes unlimited tastings and a voucher for a Plan B burger or mini pizza. The organizers have opted to use glass over plastic for the third consecutive year, as it enhances the beer-drinking experience by preserving the flavor and aroma of the brews while reducing plastic waste.
With only 300 glasses available, attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their glass. The keepsake will serve as a memento of the festival, and guests will have the opportunity to take their glass home after the event.
Meet the Brewers and Explore New Flavors
SMASH is more than just a beer-tasting event; it’s a celebration of community and craftsmanship. Over 20 homebrewers will be pouring their creations and sharing their stories, offering attendees a chance to explore unique styles and learn from the makers themselves.
“We’ve curated a lineup that will satisfy even the most refined beer palates,” said Diano, emphasizing the quality of the beers on offer. For those who prefer something other than beer, Plan B pub will also serve a range of other drinks (not included in the festival glass price).
Entertainment and Social Activities
The festival will feature live DJ sets throughout the day, with music provided by the KLFM radio crew. In addition, Planet Zabave will host interactive social games to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging, ensuring that there’s more than just beer to enjoy.
The SMASH Homebrew Competition
A highlight of the festival is the SMASH homebrew competition, which has attracted 110 entrants from across Croatia. Participants are required to brew their beers using only one type of malt and one type of hop, following the principles of Single Malt And Single Hop (SMASH). Competitors will showcase their creations in two categories: Straight Sour Beer (28D) and American IPA (21A).
The winning brewer will receive a Brewtools homebrewing system worth €1,500, with additional prizes sponsored by renowned companies such as Brewtools, Duofiller, WHC Lab, Inkbird, Beer Smith, and more.
Judging will take place in the morning, with winners announced during the award ceremony at 9 PM. All entries will be evaluated by certified Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) professionals, ensuring a fair and high-quality competition.
Join the Celebration
SMASH Split Beer Fest 2025 is set to be a day of great beer, entertainment, and camaraderie. The event will run from 5 PM to 11 PM at Plan B pub in Split. Whether a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, this is a must-attend event for anyone eager to explore the world of craft beer and meet like-minded individuals.
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