Entropia Beer Fest

A beer festival in the shadow of the Pompeii ruins

The Entropia Beer Fest is a craft beer celebration that brings the town of Pompeii, in the province of Naples, to life every July. The event is hosted at Sharing Art, a cultural space on Via Civita in the Giuliana district, just a short distance from the ancient suburban archaeological site of Pompeii. This unique location gives the festival a special character, allowing visitors to enjoy drinks and music just a few hundred meters from one of the world's most visited sites.

The format is that of an open-air beer festival: free entry, grab a glass, wander through the street food stalls, and settle in under the stage until late. In just a few years, the event has grown from a local experiment into a staple of the Pompeian summer calendar, attracting an increasingly large and discerning audience.

Twenty-five taps and the signature of Entropia Big Brain Brewers

The festival was founded by Entropia Big Brain Brewers, a craft brewery in Pompeii established by Carmine D'Aniello, Emanuele “Menny” Ambrosino, and Ugo Oropallo, known for their innovative and creative approach. They curate the selection of twenty-five taps running throughout the event, featuring their own creations alongside those of other independent Italian breweries.

The selection is designed for both seasoned beer lovers and newcomers: alongside classic styles like pilsners and IPAs, there are more experimental brews, with producers on hand to share their recipes and ingredients. Breweries featured in recent editions include Cantaloop, Bonavena, Mal Brewing, CuoreMalto, Birrificio del Vulture, and Kobi Brewing.

Local street food

The culinary side is entrusted to local vendors, with pairings specifically designed to complement the beer. While the menu evolves slightly each year, some staples remain:

• Pizza and fried snacks in the best Neapolitan tradition;
• Gourmet sandwiches featuring Campanian ingredients;
• Caciocavallo impiccato (hanged cheese), melted over embers and served on warm bread, the festival's true signature dish;
• Pastries and 'graffe' (doughnuts) from the bakeries of the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area.

The 2026 edition featured vendors including Pizzeria Karma, Kimiya Taste Club, Tradizioni in Food, La Graffetteria, Pasta on the Street, and La Ginseria.

Live music every night

Each night of the Entropia Beer Fest features a concert with a deliberately eclectic lineup: from rock tributes to contemporary Neapolitan songs, and from Southern folk to African rhythms or musical comedy. The stage is free and accessible to all, and the decision to feature emerging local bands alongside well-known names is a key reason for the festival's success.

A festival with a heart

For several years, the festival has combined celebration with fundraising. A portion of the proceeds is donated to organizations dedicated to supporting migrants—Mediterranea Saving Humans and Braccia Aperte—in collaboration with Rotaract Pompei and Leo Club Pompei. This commitment to social causes distinguishes the Entropia Beer Fest from many other beer festivals, making it a true community event as much as a source of entertainment.

When to go and what to expect

The event takes place in mid-July, opening in the evening and closing late at night. The atmosphere is informal and family-friendly during the early hours, while later on, it turns into a full-blown concert experience. Those visiting the Pompeii ruins during the day will find this the perfect way to end the day: a pint of craft beer, a caciocavallo sandwich, and live music, all without leaving the city.