World Sake Day 2025: What It Is + Where to Celebrate
October 1 isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s World Sake Day, a global celebration of one of Japan’s oldest traditions. Since 1978, it’s been a day to honor sake and kick off the new brewing season. But the truth is, the festivities don’t wait for October anymore. All through September and into early October, sake fans gather across the U.S. — from California to DC — to raise a glass.
Here’s why World Sake Day matters, and where you can join the celebration this year.
Why October 1?
In Japan, October traditionally marked the beginning of the brewing year. Sake brewers would come together to honor the craft, toast the new season, and celebrate community. By 1978, it became official: October 1 = World Sake Day.
From Japan to the World
What started as a quiet nod to tradition has grown into a global movement. Today, sake fans everywhere — from Tokyo to London to Los Angeles — mark the occasion with festivals, tastings, and parties.
Where to Celebrate in 2025
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Long Beach Sake Day (Sat, Sept 6)
The west coast’s biggest sake festival, hosted at Ranchos Los Cerritos. Expect hundreds of pours and plenty of Sake High! in the mix.
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SF World Sake Day (Late Sept)
One of the most respected sake events in the U.S., bringing together breweries, importers, and fans in San Francisco for an unforgettable celebration.
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Kanpai to Sake Day – DC (Sun, Oct 5 @ Love, Makoto)
Washington, DC’s newest sake tradition. Hosted at Love, Makoto, this event blends food, culture, and (of course) endless sake.
How to Celebrate at Home
Not near a festival? You can still join in. Grab a can of Classic Sake, invite a few friends, and raise a glass to tradition — no event ticket required.
World Sake Day is about more than just sake. It’s about connection, tradition, and bringing people together around something timeless and fresh at the same time. Whether you’re in LA, SF, DC, or your own kitchen, consider this your excuse to say Kanpai.
Celebrate with us. Shop Classic Sake →