Imagine sipping a crisp IPA in the shadow of a vintage airplane wing or enjoying a stout with a view of a runway. Across the globe, craft breweries are transforming old airplane hangars into vibrant taprooms, blending aviation history with bold brews. These unique spaces offer more than just beer—they’re destinations for beer lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Buckle up as we take you on a tour of the coolest breweries housed in repurposed airplane hangars!
1. Hangar 24 Craft Brewing – Redlands, California
Located across from Redlands Municipal Airport, Hangar 24 Craft Brewing was born in a former airplane hangar. Founded by pilot and homebrewer Ben Cook, this brewery channels aviation vibes with beers like Orange Wheat and Pugachev’s Cobra. The taproom offers stunning views of planes taking off and the San Bernardino Mountains. Don’t miss their annual AirFest, where beer and aerobatics collide!
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing taproom in Redlands, CA
2. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery – Columbia, South Carolina
Nestled in the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar at Jim Hamilton – L.B. Owens Airport, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery is a 13,000-square-foot gem. This hangar-turned-brewery features a taproom, event space, and an observation deck overlooking the airstrip. Aviation history shines through with displays honoring pilots like Amelia Earhart. Pair their ESB with the view of planes buzzing by!
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery Website
3. Aviator Brewing Company – Fuquay Varina, North Carolina
Aviator Brewing Company kicked off in 2008 inside a hangar at Raleigh’s Triple W Airport, brewing with repurposed dairy tanks. While they’ve since moved to a larger facility, their aviation roots run deep with beers like Devil’s Tramping Ground Tripel. The hangar vibe lives on in their taproom’s retro pilot aesthetic, perfect for a hoppy pit stop.
Aviator Brewing Company taproom
4. Archer Brewing Co. – Brisbane, Australia
Down under in Brisbane’s Wilston, Archer Brewing Co. calls a WWII-era hangar home. The bar? It’s crafted from an old aircraft wing! With aviation-themed decor and a laid-back vibe, this brewery serves up crisp lagers and hazy IPAs in a space that feels like a step back in time.
Archer Brewing Co. in WWII hangar
5. MadTree Brewing Parks & Rec – Blue Ash, Ohio
Opened in February 2025, MadTree Brewing Parks & Rec transformed a 15,000-square-foot hangar at the former Blue Ash Airport into a brewery and community hub. With a living wall, botanical chandeliers, and a beer garden, it blends nature and aviation history. Family-friendly features like a playscape and calming room make it a standout. Try their hazy IPA while soaking in the hangar’s open, airy vibe.
MadTree Brewing Website
6. Skookum Brewery – Arlington, Washington
Tucked into a hangar at Arlington Municipal Airport, Skookum Brewery keeps it simple with a focus on bold beers. The aviation setting adds a cool backdrop without overwhelming the experience. Grab a porter and watch small planes taxi by—it’s the ultimate low-key hangar hangout. Skookum Brewery Website
7. Moonraker Brewing – Auburn, California
Located on Amelia Earhart Lane in a hangar setting, Moonraker Brewing leans into its airfield roots with aviation-inspired beer names. Known for juicy IPAs, this brewery offers a relaxed taproom where you can sip while dreaming of flight. It’s a must-visit for West Coast beer fans. Moonraker Brewing Website
Why Hangar Breweries Are Taking Off
These breweries aren’t just about great beer—they’re about creating unforgettable experiences. Airplane hangars offer wide-open spaces perfect for taprooms, event venues, and outdoor patios. The aviation history adds a unique story, making each visit feel like a mini-adventure. Plus, the industrial charm of a hangar pairs perfectly with the craft beer ethos of innovation and creativity.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore these high-flying breweries? Check their websites for hours, beer menus, and events like brewery tours or air shows. Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or just love a cool vibe, these hangar breweries are worth the trip. Have a favorite hangar brewery we missed? Let us know in the comments!
For Brewing fun fact, trivia, movies and more, Click Here.