Established in 2006, the Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival has become a must‑attend annual celebration for craft beverage enthusiasts. Hosted at the historic Mercure Canberra and extending into the adjoining street, the festival showcases over 250 craft beers and ciders from a diverse range of exhibitors.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere complete with live music, gourmet food offerings, and activities for all ages—making it one of the city’s most anticipated community events each year.
Born in 2011 from the vision of Dr. Jerry Schwartz, the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival began when he discovered that the region—famous for its vineyards—had no established wine festival at the time. So, he created one.
Hosted at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, the festival has grown into a vibrant celebration of the region’s best. Guests enjoy an impressive selection of local wine, craft beer, cider, and gourmet food, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Hunter Valley. Today, it stands as a beloved event that reflects the heart and hospitality of the community.
Since its launch in 2011, GABS (Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular) has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s most creative and engaging craft beer festivals. Known for its signature “Festival Beers”—exclusive brews crafted just for the event—GABS brings together innovation, community spirit, and immersive entertainment.
With hundreds of unique beers, street food, live acts, and crowd favourites like the GABS Hottest 100, the festival now spans Australia. Join us in Melbourne each May and in Sydney in October 2027 for a truly unforgettable craft beer experience.
