Bull City Beer Challenge
Exploring Durham’s brewery scene has its perks, and we’re not just talking about the delicious brews, bites, games and socializing you’ll experience along the way.
Download our app to get credit for every visit and earn a prize as you go.
With seasonal brews, outdoor spaces big enough to gather your crew, fire pits and heaters to keep you warm as the sun goes down, snacks to keep you satiated and more, Durham’s beer scene is made for fall. And with 20 local breweries and taprooms and seven events participating in the Bull City Beer Challenge, it’s time you venture outside your routine to find some new favorite spots to add to your lineup.
What is the Bull City Beer Challenge?
For those of you who love beer, playing games and winning prizes, you'll want to take part in the 2026 Bull City Beer Challenge! Now on its third year, the app-based Bull City Beer Challenge is back with 20 participating breweries and taprooms. From September 12 – December 31, 2026, check in at 12 of the 20 participating businesses and seven events on the Discover Durham app and you'll win the 2026 Bull City Beer Challenge T-shirt. Download the app, down a pint of beer and prove to all your friends you're a true Bull City beer fan.
Participating Businesses and Taprooms
Map out your exploration of Durham through its brews! From Fullsteam in RTP to the 10 business in The Bullpen social district, grab some friends (and a designated driver) to bop around breweries and taprooms across the city.
Bull City Beer Challenge Events
In addition to the 20 businesses and taprooms to visit, you can earn points toward your challenge total at these seven events! Attend an event and look for the A-frame sign to check-in on the Discover Durham app. Open the event objective within the challenge section of the app, then click scan code to scan the QR code. If the event takes place at a participating brewery or taproom, you can get double credit for checking in at the event and the business – just look for the second QR code!
Every day in the Bull City, there’s a wide variety of events happening to help you connect with our vibrant community.
How Does the Bull City Beer Challenge Work?
A few easy steps and we’ll have you basking in your hard-earned credit for trips to Durham’s breweries in no time:
- Download the Discover Durham app on iOS or Android.
- Open the app and click the “Bull City Beer Challenge 2026” icon. There, you’ll find a list and map of the participating businesses and events to start chipping away on with a brewery-hopping excursion. The app will help you map your journey so you can enjoy a few different spots within proximity of each other – responsibly!
- Once you arrive at a participating business or event, find challenge signage including a QR code near the check-out or on tables. You can either use your camera app to scan the core or open the business listing within the Bull City Beer Challenge 2026 challenge and click “scan QR code” to check in.
- If you’re not able to scan the QR code, you can instead type a passcode listed on the same sticker as the QR code into the Discover Durham app. These codes are not case-sensitive and are unique to each of the 21 stops and seven events.
- The check-in radius is limited to 300 meters from each business address, so make sure you scan the QR code or enter the passcode while you’re still inside! You won’t be able to check in remotely.
- You should receive confirmation of your check-in instantly.
- You must wait at least 5 minutes between each check-in.
- Repeat this process until you’ve completed at least 12 of the objectives.
How Do I Claim The Bull City Beer Challenge Prize?
Once you have visited 12 businesses or events, you’re eligible for a limited-edition 2026 Bull City Beer Challenge T-shirt!
The app will prompt you to fill out a submission form (name, home zip code and email address) and then award you a completion badge.
To claim your T-shirt, visit the Discover Durham Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main Street downtown between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and show your completion badge in the app to one of our friendly staff or volunteers.
Don’t miss the chance to show off your T-shirt and wear proof that you’re a true connoisseur of Durham brews. While you’re at the Visitor Info Center picking up your winnings, be sure to check out Durham Drinks: A Craft Beverage Guide to Durham (or request that your free guide be sent to you in the mail). It’s a handy pocket guide to Durham’s breweries, distilleries, cocktail bars, wine bars, bottle shops and more, so you can continue to expand your beverage prowess.
North Carolina Ale Trail by Rail
Once you get a taste of Durham’s beer scene, you’ll be thirsty for more. Luckily, it’s easy to come back again and again, or explore more of North Carolina’s breweries, on a whistle-stop crawl by train. Explore the NC Ale Trail by Rail with stops between Raleigh and Charlotte where you can taste locally made beers and explore communities at nine stops along the way.
Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Click here for Go Durham bus routes and schedules. Major ride-share options are available in Durham.
Prizes mentioned above are available while supplies last and only until Jan. 31, 2027. Must be 21 years of age or older to redeem prizes. The Bull City Beer Challenge is managed by Discover Durham. Discover Durham is not responsible for physical or legal injuries arising out of participating in the Bull City Beer Challenge.
If you have any comments, suggestions or you’re having any technical difficulties, please email us at mobileapp@discoverdurham.com.
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