May brings pleasant temperatures, warmer than spring and cooler than summer. It is also the time of year when outdoor events featuring food and drinks start popping up in abundance.
With events being held all over Kurashiki, the one that particularly caught the writer’s eye was “BEER SMILES,” where you can enjoy craft beers from inside and outside the prefecture. Six distinctive breweries will gather in Kurashiki.
Here’s a look at “BEER SMILES,” a spring outing destination recommended for beer lovers.
The information provided was current when this article was published in May 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “BEER SMILES”?
“BEER SMILES” is a craft beer festival held at Achi Terrace Kurashiki on May 16 (Saturday) and 17, 2026 (Sunday).
Six craft breweries from western Japan, mainly from Okayama Prefecture, will gather at the venue on the day.
The brewery coming from the farthest away is apparently in Nara Prefecture. You can enjoy craft beers from faraway places all at once—beers you don’t often get a chance to try. Comparing distinctive craft beers is one of the highlights of BEER SMILES.
You can also enjoy drinks other than craft beer, such as local sake from Okayama and liqueurs made with fruit grown in Okayama Prefecture. In addition, seven food vendors will be taking part, all local favorites in Kurashiki.
Check the image below for details about the vendors. Please note that beer and food are cash only, so be sure to bring cash in advance.
There will also be a live music stage featuring singer-songwriters.
Enjoy comparing craft beers while soaking up the music, or come to savor delicious food from local Kurashiki. With sweets and soft drinks also available, this is an event the whole family can enjoy, including children.
BEER SMILES will be held for the second time in 2026.
We spoke with Moriya Kanto, of the organizing Kurashiki SAKE Festival Executive Committee.
Interview with the Organizer
Could you tell us how BEER SMILES came about?
Moriya
Okayama City has a large beer festival called “Okayama Hawa Koi Beer Festa.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become difficult to hold it regularly. The initial idea came when event staff and volunteers who had been involved with it said, “We’d like to try holding a beer festival in Kurashiki, too.”
Beer festivals are now held all over Japan. We thought we might as well hold one in Kurashiki, too, and BEER SMILES got its start in 2025.
Has anything changed since the last event?
Moriya
Compared with the first event, we have more food vendors from Kurashiki. Since this is a beer festival held in Kurashiki, we made an effort to choose vendors with ties to the city wherever possible.
Also, there weren’t any sweets at the first event, so this time a crepe shop will be serving crepes and shaved ice. I think we’ve put together a lineup that children can enjoy even more.
What are the highlights of the event?
Moriya
As for the breweries, LAMP BEER STUDIO and Fukutsunagi Shokuhin Beer Brewing Department, both taking part for the first time, are run by female brewers. They’re very popular breweries, and many people on the organizing committee said, “We’d love to invite them!” I hope you’ll take this opportunity to try their beers.
And all the food vendors are local favorites. There’ll be plenty of delicious dishes, so I hope people will feel free to come even just for a meal.
Do you have any recommendations for how to enjoy the event?
Moriya
It’s rare to get the chance to talk with the people who make craft beer. Please take the opportunity to ask them directly about what they care about in their brewing. The brewers might even get new craft beer ideas from conversations with customers.
I hope you’ll compare the beers and find your “favorite beer.” It would make me happy if this event inspires you to visit the breweries in person, too.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Moriya
Please come to BEER SMILES and compare craft beers from around the region that are rarely available in Okayama Prefecture!
Although this is a drinks event, everyone is welcome, including children and people of all ages. Many craft beer fans like to take their time enjoying their drinks, so I think the venue will have a relatively calm and relaxed atmosphere.
I hope you’ll come with your family and enjoy delicious drinks and food.
From the Writer
The writer went to BEER SMILES in 2025.
Needless to say, comparing the beers was fun, and I also remember enjoying sharing them with friends and discussing what we thought. The lively explanations from the brewers when we bought the beer were also irresistible for a beer lover.
The venue, Achi Terrace Kurashiki, is about a five-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. Admission is free, so feel free to stop by for a quick drink or take a look around the venue.
I think I’ll go find my favorite beer, too.
BEER SMILES Information
| Name | BEER SMILES |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday), 2026 May 16: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. May 17: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Location | 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Kurashiki SAKE Festival Official Instagram |
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