Crafting Community Since 2012

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Monthly Meetings

We gather the second Thursday of every month to share brews, swap recipes, and geek out over fermentation science with fellow enthusiasts.

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Award-Winning Club

Seven-time Nebraska Shootout Homebrew Competition champions. Our members consistently bring home medals at local and national events.

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Education & Resources

From your first extract kit to advanced all-grain techniques, our experienced members are here to guide every step of your brewing journey.

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Community First

We're more than a club — we're a family of passionate brewers dedicated to craft, camaraderie, and great beer right here in Omaha.

About the Club

Who we are & what we brew

Our Story

Homebrewers Local 402 was founded in 2012 by a small group of passionate craft beer lovers right here in Omaha, Nebraska. What started as informal garage sessions quickly grew into one of the most active homebrew clubs in the Midwest.

Named after Omaha's iconic 402 area code, we're deeply rooted in the local community. Today our membership spans beginners and veteran brewers alike, united by a love of craft and collaboration.

We meet on the second Thursday of every month at locations around the metro area. Members share their latest brews, discuss techniques, and welcome anyone interested in learning the art of homebrewing.

Nebraska Shootout Championships

We're proud to be one of the most decorated clubs in the state of Nebraska. Our members have taken home the Nebraska Shootout club championship title seven times:

2017 2019 2020 2021 2022 2024 2025

Members have also earned individual medals across nearly every BJCP style category at state, regional, and national competitions.

By the Numbers

25+Members

7Shootout Championships

12+Years Active

200+Medals Won

Membership

Individual — $30/yr

Full access to all meetings, resources, group buys, and the members-only recipe library. Voting rights included.

Family — $40/yr

Covers your entire household. Perfect if you have a brew partner at home. All individual benefits apply.

Student — $15/yr

Available to any full-time student 21+. Same benefits as individual membership at a reduced rate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common Questions

Do I need experience to join? ▾

Absolutely not! We welcome brewers of all skill levels — from complete beginners who've never brewed a batch to seasoned veterans with decades of experience. Many of our most valuable contributions come from newer members bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

When and where do you meet? ▾

We meet on the second Thursday of each month. Meeting locations rotate around the Omaha metro area — typically at member homes, local breweries, or community spaces. The exact address for each meeting is sent to members via email and posted on our event calendar a week in advance.

What should I bring to my first meeting? ▾

Just yourself and a positive attitude! If you have a homebrew you'd like to share, bring it along — but it's not required at all. We always have plenty to taste and people eager to talk beer. You're also welcome to bring a commercial beer you enjoy to share and discuss.

How much does membership cost? ▾

Annual dues are $30 for an individual membership, $40 for a family/household membership, and $15 for full-time students 21+. Dues help cover club expenses, competition entry fees and shipping, and a yearly membership gift (glassware, hats, shirts, etc).

Can I attend a meeting before joining? ▾

Yes! We encourage you to come to a meeting or two as a guest before committing to membership. We want you to get a feel for the club culture and make sure it's a good fit. Reach out via our Contact page and we'll send you details for the next gathering.

Do you do group equipment or ingredient purchases? ▾

Yes! One of the major perks of membership is access to our group buy program. We regularly coordinate bulk purchases of grain, hops, yeast, and equipment at significant discounts. Members receive announcements about upcoming group buys through our newsletter.

How do competitions work for club members? ▾

Members are encouraged to enter the Nebraska Shootout Homebrew Competition and other regional events throughout the year. Our club submission collectively counts toward the club championship standings. We also hold internal club competitions and style-specific challenges to sharpen your brewing skills year-round.

Is there a minimum age requirement? ▾

Yes. In compliance with Nebraska state law, all members must be 21 years of age or older. This applies to all meetings, events, and activities involving the sampling of alcoholic beverages.

Founders & Officers

The people who keep the club running

Club Officers

BD

Bryan Dort

President

CC

Clark Cheney

Vice President

JG

Justin Gerharter

Secretary

JC

Justin Cadwell

Treasurer

TM

Tom Mendick

Competition Coord. and Education

JM

John Matousek

Social Chair

Founding Members

Homebrewers Local 402 was established in 2012 by a dedicated group of Omaha homebrewers who believed the city deserved a world-class homebrew club. We honor our founders for building the community we enjoy today.

DB