diff --git a/django/__init__.py b/django/__init__.py
index 886341cf499..bb468951918 100644
--- a/django/__init__.py
+++ b/django/__init__.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from django.utils.version import get_version
 
-VERSION = (4, 2, 0, "alpha", 1)
+VERSION = (4, 2, 0, "beta", 1)
 
 __version__ = get_version(VERSION)
 
diff --git a/setup.cfg b/setup.cfg
index cc688126c52..3e4e070a302 100644
--- a/setup.cfg
+++ b/setup.cfg
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ description = A high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid developmen
 long_description = file: README.rst
 license = BSD-3-Clause
 classifiers =
-    Development Status :: 3 - Alpha
+    Development Status :: 4 - Beta
     Environment :: Web Environment
     Framework :: Django
     Intended Audience :: Developers