BUSAN — A series of outdoor festivals combining local food and culture will open this weekend against the backdrop of Busan's autumn coastline. A craft beer competition bringing together brews from local small businesses will be held at the city's North Port, while a large-scale public event promoting the value of seafood and sustainable consumption takes place at Gwangalli Beach.
The Busan Metropolitan Government will hold the 2026 Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge for three days from the 16th to the 18th at the North Port landmark site. Launched in 2018, the event is a flagship program to support promising local industries, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Busan's craft brewers and expanding sales channels for small business owners. This year, eight leading craft breweries from the Busan area will compete, with the winner decided by combining scores from a citizen judging panel known as the Viking Judges, assessments by food experts and on-site sales results.
The venue will feature craft beer pop-up stores alongside a small business food zone with 15 vendors, a flea market with 15 sellers and experience booths including an AI photo studio. A picnic mat zone has also been set up so that families can relax at the site. Stage performances will feature YouTuber Youthdesk, singer Cyberburger, the Lotte Giants cheering squad and DJ Subin. Tickets can be purchased through the CatchTable app or on site.
The 2026 Busan BlueFood Wave Festa will then be held from 11 a.m. on the 17th in the Moonlight Plaza area of Gwangalli Beach, in front of the Homers Hotel. The event is a participatory festival designed to spread a culture of sustainable seafood, or "blue food," consumption. As the main attraction, 300 residents will hold souvenirs bearing seafood promotional messages to create a giant wave in a flash mob performance.
Ahead of the main event, participants will take part in beachcombing, an environmental cleanup activity collecting marine litter. Other programs include a fishing experience focused on protecting juvenile fish, tastings of Busan seafood and prize drawings. The events are free and open to all. Residents can register in advance via QR code through the 16th or sign up on site on the day.