It’s time–registration is now open for the 2026 National Homebrew Competition (NHC)!
2026 marks the NHC’s 48th year, proudly brought to you by the American Homebrewers Association and supported by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). Since 1979, more than 170,000 entries have been judged. Make 2026 your year to go for the gold.
Put your beer, cider, or mead to the test, get invaluable judge feedback from some of the world’s top-level BJCP, Cicerone®, and community judges, and compete for glory and prizes in the largest beer competition on the planet.
Registration closes February 25, 2026, 8 AM MT.
Competition Details
The 2026 competition includes (9) nine First Round judging sites, one Final Round judging and the awards ceremony both during Homebrew Con in Asheville, NC in June. That means HBC is eleven (11) total events. Brewers are welcome to select their preferred First Round site and do not need to choose the one that is geographically closest to them. Judging dates vary by location. There is a cap of 750 entries per location, so act fast to secure your spot. For more details, visit the NHC website.
What’s New for 2026
- Nine First Round locations up from seven in 2025.
- Each First Round judging location is capped at 750 entries, so don’t wait to grab your spot.
- Final Round judging and awards will happen in concert with Homebrew Con (AHA’s main member conference) in Asheville, NC, June 17-18.
- New Competition Chair and Deputy Chair.
- The price! For 2026 registration, we’ve lowered the price from $29 to $19 per entry, with an additional $10 fee if an entry qualifies for Final Round.
- Speaking of cash… this year we’ve upped the game and are awarding cash prizes. Yeah, really. Check out details on the NHC website.
For full NHC details, an overview of all dates and details, entry delivery dates, awards and prizes, visit the NHC website.
First Round Judging and Receiving Dates
- Chicago
- Judging Date(s): April 7-11
- Receiving Dates: March 20-27
- Indianapolis
- Judging Date(s): March 27-28
- Receiving Dates: March 4-14
- Kansas City, MO
- Judging Date(s): Apr 13-18 Receiving Dates: March 15-28
- Longmont
- Judging Date(s): April 10-12
- Receiving Dates: March 28-April 3
- Philadelphia
- Judging Date(s): April 9-10
- Receiving Dates: March 13-March 27
- San Francisco
- Judging Date(s): April 11-13
- Receiving Dates: March 21-April 2
- San Diego
- Judging Date(s): March 14-16
- Receiving Dates: February 23-March 6
- Seattle
- Judging Date(s): April 17-19
- Receiving Dates: April 6-11
- Tampa
- Judging Date(s): April 10-19
- Receiving Dates: March 17-28
Final Round Judging and Receiving Dates
Specific dates to be confirmed by May 1.
First Round entrants will receive BJCP scoresheets within BAP once judging is complete. The Bronze, Silver and Gold in each category will advance to the Final Round. If you have advanced to the Final Round, you will be notified before May 1.
Questions?
The National Homebrew Competition is open to American Homebrewers Association (AHA) members only. Join the AHA today to enter.
For questions about BAP, and anything NHC-related, reach out to the AHA by phone or email.
Want a deeper dive? Join the conversation on the AHA forum with our Chair and Deputy Chair.
Share Post