Our 6th year! Sake Day East is Back! Celebrate World Sake Day 2026

NEW LOCATION!

World Sake Day, October 1st, traditionally marks the beginning of the Sake brewing season in Japan. It is celebrated at tasting events all over the world. Join us at New England’s largest Sake Day celebration!

We've moved to a new larger location: Julio's Liquors in Westborough, MA! Sake Day East 2026 is an opportunity to taste nearly 100 Exceptional Sake! Explore Sake from our Japanese brewers or enjoy a more local taste thanks to our American brewers: Brooklyn Kura, Dassai Blue and Farthest Star Sake. Learn from Sake experts, enjoy delicious food and more.

In addition to our regular ticket, we are offering 75 VIP tickets that include early entry and many perks! (see VIP ticket information below)

If you would like to learn more about Sake , we recommend joining one of our guided tastings. These sessions will be led by well-known sake experts and feature specially selected Sake. (see more information at the ticket selection page)

Guests receive a commemorative tasting cup and have access to tasting nearly 100 different Sake from around the globe and more! Light appetizers will be served. Additional food available for purchase.

Arrive early for a guided sake tasting before the main event begins!

Saturday, Oct 3, 20263:30 PM to 6:30 PM(3:30 PM Early Admission for VIP Ticket Holder)

Julio's Liquors140 Turnpike RoadWestborough, MA 01581

Early Bird Ticket discount will run from August 1 - August 15, 2026VIP Tickets : $139 - $149 (Early entry at 3:30 pm)

• Exclusive VIP only tasting for hard-to-find sake
• A Special VIP Gift
• Delicious bites from Yagi Noodle
• An exclusive discount for Sake Purchase from our retail vendor
• And more!

General Admission Ticket: $89 - $99 (4:30 - 6:30 pm)

• 2 hours of tasting nearly 100 types of Sake from various breweries from Japan as well as sake from U.S brewers from Brooklyn, New York and right here in Medfield, Massachusetts.
• Light snacks
• A discount on all Sake purchase
• Food for purchase

Pre-event Guided Tasting Seminars 2:00pm-3:30pm: $39

30 minute small group guided tastings featuring specially selected Sake that will be available to attend between 2:00 - 3:30pm.

Tasting 1: Beyond Rice: The Hidden Role of Water in Sake with Fayee Wong, MTC Sake

2:00 - 2:30

Rice often takes center stage in conversations about sake, but water accounts for nearly 80% of every bottle and quietly shapes everything from fermentation to mouthfeel. Despite its fundamental role, water remains one of the least understood aspects of sake production. Participants will compare three waters alongside three sake brewed with different water profiles to experience firsthand how mineral composition influences yeast activity, aroma, texture, balance, and finish.

Tasting 2: Last, but not YEAST! with Jake Burdick, Boken Sake

2:45 - 3:15

From yeasts developed in space, to other strains embarking on a deep-sea voyage 30,000 leagues under the sea, let Bōken Sake bring you on journey of unique sakes from Kochi to Akita to discover why yeast is the unsung hero of nihonshu.

Pre-event Workshops 2:00pm-3:30pm: $39

Furoshiki - Japanese Wrapping with Nefertiti San Miguel

2:00 - 2:30

Transform a simple square of fabric into an elegant, functional work of art in this hands-on furoshiki workshop! You will learn traditional Japanese folding techniques designed specifically to cradle, carry, and present sake bottles. Leave with your own furoshiki cloth and a timeless skill to elevate every bottle you share.

Ikebana - Japanese Floral Arranging with Nefertiti San Miguel

2:45 - 3:15

Discover the refined art of Ikebana in this creative, hands-on workshop. You will explore classical Japanese floral design principles of line, balance, and intentional space while giving empty sake bottles a second life. Take home a unique, seasonal arrangement along with the inspiration to transform your favorite bottles into sustainable living art.

Featuring Sake from:

• Boken Sake
• Brooklyn Kura
• Classic Wine Imports
• Dassai Blue
• Farthest Star Sake
• Hakkaisan Sake
• HEAVENSAKE
• Heiwa Shuzo
• Joto Sake
• Kome Collective
• Mutual Trading Sake
• Niigata Sake Selections
• Sake One
• Sake Suki
• Takara
• Wismettac
• World Sake Imports

Food and other retailers:

• High Tea Skin Care
• Japan Society of Boston
• Koko Utsuwa
• Commonwealth Wine School
• Boro Sugar Shack
• Yagi Noodle
• PLUS MORE!

Executive director: Marina Giordano (Wine & Sake Experience)

Special Thanks to: Julio's Liquors, Sake Brewers Association of North America, The Japanese Consulate

This event is for ages 21 and over. Please bring a valid ID.

Parking: Free Parking at Julio's and adjacent lot.

Public Transportation: There is MBTA Commuter Rail service to Westborough. Unlimited weekend pass $10.

Contact the organizer to request a refund. Eventbrite 's fee is nonrefundable.

Please direct all inquiries to: sakedayeast@outlook.com

An unforgettable event that brought endless discoveries and fun, making memories that still make us smile. The fun feels like it was just yesterday! Videography by Sam Willinger, photos by Sam Willinger and Nick Sillum