The fizz flowed freely at Industry City on Sunday as Brooklyn SeltzerFest 2026 drew a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 attendees for a full day dedicated to the city’s most iconic sparkling drink.
The second annual event, presented by the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum, expanded into a two-session, seven-hour celebration packed with tastings, live entertainment and a spirited egg cream competition that once again took center stage.
This year’s festival built on its debut with a broader lineup of vendors, performers and interactive experiences, attracting seltzer enthusiasts from across New York and beyond. More than 100 participants helped shape the day’s lively atmosphere, from longtime seltzer makers to comedians, musicians and local businesses. The program blended nostalgia with contemporary energy, reflecting both the drink’s deep roots and its evolving cultural appeal.
A highlight of the day was the Third National Egg Cream Invitational, where competitors from across the region and as far as Texas faced off in a theatrical and tightly judged showdown. Representing neighborhoods and institutions known for their takes on the classic beverage, participants competed across multiple rounds that tested technique, presentation and the all-important foam. After close scrutiny, Staten Island’s Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor secured the Golden Siphon, marking a major win for the returning competitor.
“We were absolutely blown away by all the effervescent spirit brought by the day’s over 100 entertainers and vendors who participated in this labor of love,” said Barry Joseph, executive director of the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum. “Whether it was actress Tova Feldshuh being crowned the 2026 Seltzer Queen before spritzing the crowd with seltzer, the Locavore selling special seltzer-themed merchandise, or a half-dozen retired seltzermen sitting for selfies and story sharing, the day left attendees feeling the fizz.”
Additional honors recognized standout performances across several categories, including presentation, classic preparation and inventive variations on the traditional recipe. The competition drew a panel of judges with backgrounds spanning food, entertainment and local culture, adding both humor and expertise to the proceedings.
Beyond the contest, the festival delivered a packed schedule of programming across its two sessions. One portion leaned into family-friendly activities, while the later session focused on egg cream culture and competition. Guests sampled a wide range of seltzers from both established and emerging brands, with opportunities to meet producers and learn more about the craft behind the carbonation.
Live performances ran throughout the day, including klezmer music, stand-up comedy and variety acts that leaned into the event’s playful tone. Interactive moments added to the experience, with younger attendees invited onstage to try their hand at mixing egg creams, while workshops and exhibits offered deeper insight into seltzer’s history and cultural significance.
