Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe Is Closing
26 October 2026
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery at 5001 Washington Boulevard in Halethorpe will serve its final pint on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Diageo, the company behind Guinness, announced the closing on October 1, and operations at the site will wind down by the end of the year. For a lot of us in Arbutus and Halethorpe, it has been the go-to spot for out-of-town guests, birthdays and sunny afternoons in the beer garden since it opened in August 2018.
When is the last day to visit?
Sunday, November 1 is the final day. Here are the hours listed on the brewery's website for the last week:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday and Thursday | 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Sunday, Nov 1 (final day) | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
Taproom reservations are accepted but not required, and the beer garden is first come, first served. Expect crowds this final weekend, and check the brewery's social media for any last-minute changes.
Why is Guinness closing the Halethorpe brewery?
Diageo said the decision came after a careful review of its operations and long-term business priorities, and that it does not reflect the work of the team there, according to IrishCentral. Guinness Open Gate breweries in Chicago, Dublin and London remain open.
What happens to the employees?
Aramark, Diageo's hospitality partner at the site, filed a WARN notice covering 174 employees. Diageo also announced a $250,000 community fund for local organizations focused on economic opportunity and the hospitality industry. Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier said the county's workforce development team will help affected workers connect with resources and new jobs.
What does this mean for Arbutus and Halethorpe?
The brewery, built in the historic Calvert Distillery, has been one of the area's best-known attractions, so its closing is a real loss. No plans for the building have been announced yet, and I will share news about the site here when there is something official. In the meantime, our local restaurants and pubs along East Drive and Washington Boulevard would love your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Guinness brewery in Halethorpe close?
It serves its final pint on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Operations at the site wind down by the end of 2026.
Can I still visit before it closes?
Yes, through Sunday, November 1. Hours are listed on the brewery's website, and taproom reservations are accepted.
Why is it closing?
Diageo said it followed a review of its operations and long-term business priorities. The company said it is not a reflection of the team.
How many jobs are affected?
A WARN notice filed by Aramark covers 174 employees. Baltimore County's workforce development team is offering help with resources and job openings.
What will happen to the building?
No plans have been announced. This post will be updated if official news is released.
Disclaimer: Details come from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery website and IrishCentral's October 6, 2026 report, as of October 26, 2026.
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