The Ballarat Beer Festival is back for its sixth year, and is looking to be the best one yet. Hosting the release of more than 20 new beers from a range of breweries, this is a day festival that craft beer lovers won’t want to miss. We’ve rounded up a few of the highlights.
Getting There
Ballarat Beer Festival is held at the City Oval, on the corner of Pleasant St North and Mair St, right in the heart of Ballarat, making it super simple to get to.
If you are coming from Geelong, it’s an 89km drive via the Midland Highway (A300) which is about an hour, and if you are driving from Melbourne, it’s about 110km drive along the National Highway (1.25 hours). Road-tripping is perfect if you have a crew by your side. If you need to park your car there are plenty of free parking spots within walking distance of the event.
Otherwise, hit up the public transport direct from Southern Cross or Geelong Station with the V/line. This will take you directly into the heart of town. From here, the event will be running an express free Ballarat Beer Festival shuttle bus between Ballarat Station and the City Oval – purely for your convenience.
The Brewers
The family-friendly festival is filled with about 40 of Australia’s leading craft beer brewers, giving the crowds – and the craft beer enthusiasts – the chance to sample over 200 craft beers and ciders. You will find brews from local Ballarat brewers Red Duck, Rebellion Brewing and The Athletic Club, as well as well known favourites Blackman’s Brewery, Bells Beach Brewing and Flying Brick Cider Co.
One to look out for is Adelaide’s Pirate Life Brewing, a brewery that takes on the notions of a pirate life – care free, relaxed and brewing what they want. With award-winning beers, the South Australian brewery is even exporting their beer overseas to Hong Kong, New Zealand and the UK.
Try the #Beerllarat Olympics
They say sport and beer go hand in hand so Ballarat Beer Festival have embraced this to give you the #Beerllarat Olympics. This will see a human-size foosball game make its way onto the grounds with feats of endurance and balance, as well as an assortment of family-friendly games (think sack races) and drinking-friendly activities. Whether you are a participant or spectator, this one will be providing the laughs.
The Music
There will also be music to keep the good vibes flowing, with the likes of Dallas Crane, Blues Brothers, Riflebirds, The Houndlings, Michael Meeking & The Lost Souls, This Way North and Thee Gravy Train Four.
Dallas Crane will be a great act to see. With ten years in the music scene, four albums and three Aria nominations, these guys are one of Australia’s hardest working live bands out. Rock music and beer – say no more.
Drink Beer and Relax
As part of the festival, the three local brewers have their own fenced off area with the Ballarat Brewers Beer Garden for the first time, where you can sit back and enjoy some locally-brewed goodness in one space.
There will also be a series of free seminars over the day with Professor Pilsner and the Beer Diva, covering beer, pairing with food and judging aromas and simply appreciating craft beer.
Food wise, there will be a range of food trucks to keep you satisfied, including The Cajun Kitchen, King of Spuds, The Forge Pizzeria, Squid Inc Direct, The Hippie Whippy and Golden Corn – just to name a few.
Beers, music, food and Olympic action – The Ballarat Beer Festival is the best way to spend a Saturday this summer.
For tickets and further information visit ballaratbeerfestival.com.au.
When & Where: City Oval, Ballarat – January 21 2017
