Described as Australia’s pre-eminent beer event, Good Beer week returns to Melbourne and surrounds for its seventh year running.
The festival has grown to host a variety of over 300 diverse events across Melbourne and surrounding areas, attracting a crowd of roughly seventy-five thousand, both from within Australia and overseas.
Run by an independent, not-for-profit organisation, this year’s lineup is said to feature guests from around the world, large name chefs, masterclasses, exquisite degustations, live music, as well as a fashion show.
The program has been divided into several legs, in order to help its attendees navigate the festival with ease. Said legs are: Foodie, Beer Lover, Beer Geek, Good Times and Beer School for Education. So, which will you be?
Although much of the festival will take place throughout Melbourne, there are also several regional events that you can get amongst. Take note!
PINT OF ORIGIN – GEELONG AND SOUTH WEST VICTORIA at Blackman’s Brewery, Geelong
Blackman’s Brewery Bar is set to showcase 10 taps of beer from both Geelong and the South West. You will also be able to attend one of several ‘Meet the Brewer’ sessions, which will feature a different brewery from the region every night. This event will be running week long, from 4.30pm until late.
BEERS OF THE WORLD FOOD PAIRING NIGHT at Blackman’s Brewery, Torquay
A night which will feature a four course dinner, alongside beer pairing of four different styles of beer, from four different countries. This event will take place on Saturday May 13, from 6pm until late.
COBRA KAI – JAPANESE CUISINE & CRAFT at The Dispensary Bar & Diner, Bendigo
Japan will be knocking on Bendigo’s door with a Japanese beer matching lunch, which will feature traditional Japanese cuisine matched to the highest quality Japanese craft beer and whiskey. This event will take place on Sunday May 14, from 12 til 5pm.
OTWAY CENTRAL PADDOCK TO PLATE at Otway Central, Lavers Hill
Indulge your taste buds in a five-course tapestry of local produce from the Otway Ranges, paired with South West Victorian craft beer. This event will take place on Saturday May 13, Wednesday May 17 and Saturday May 20, from 6pm until late.
BEEF UP & PIG OUT at Ribz Master Grillers, Geelong West
Indulge yourself in the flavors of the Ribz menu, alongside enjoying craft beers from renowned brewers. This event will take place on Tuesday May 16, Wednesday May 17 and Thursday May 18, from 12 til 9pm.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE BREWERY: 1 ST ANNUAL CAMBRIAN BEER FESTIVAL at Cambrian Hotel, Bendigo
Hosting a mash of Victoria’s best breweries for a day of quality beer and banter, alongside
live music and amazing food. This event will take place on Saturday May 13, from 12 pm until late.
FLIGHT OF THE FIRE FALCON at Little Creatures, Geelong
The official launch of Little Creatures new winter seasonal beer, the Fire Falcon. Set to be a night of firey food and entertainment. This event will take place on Saturday May 13, from 3 til 10pm.
SWEET & SOUR – DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE at White Rabbit Barrel Hall, Geelong
Join White Rabbit for a flavor journey of sweet and sour, as you wander deeper down the rabbit hole. This event will take place on Thursday May 18, from 6 til 10.30 pm.
BALLARAT’S ‘BEERS THROUGH THE YEARS’ FESTIVAL at Ballarat Mechanics Institute
Described as a celebration of Ballarat life in brews through history. This event will take place on Saturday May 20, from 10am til 6pm.
TEXAN BBQ & BEER 101 at The Mallow Hotel, Ballarat
An evening of Texan BBQ meats, matching craft beers, alongside beer education classes. This event will take place on Saturday May 20, from 7pm until late.
See the full festival guide via the website.
Written by Helena Metzke.