It’s already High Country Victoria’s premier beer, food and music festival, now the High Country Hop is expanding to three curated days this March.
Hosted across a variety of venues in Beechworth, the festival brings together curated music, food and drink events to
celebrate the adored hop harvest season.
High Country Hop
- When: Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March
- Where: Various venues, Beechworth
- Get your tix here!
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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This year’s festival introduces an exciting guest chef program, bringing some of the country’s top culinary talent to Beechworth. Across the weekend, festival goers can enjoy exclusive dining experiences, paired with live music.
Overseeing the High Country Hop for its tenth year is Bridge Road Brewers founder and co-owner Ben Kraus.
“The festival has now evolved beyond great beer,” say Kraus. “It’s about creating an experience that connects people to place, flavour and craft. By bringing together top chefs, local producers and incredible music, we’re celebrating the best of the region in a way that’s immersive, engaging and unforgettable.”
Internationally acclaimed electronic act Cut Copy brings their emblematic sound to Beechworth for the 2025 High Country Hop, headlining Saturday evening with an exclusive DJ set. They join a stellar line-up featuring Tokyo’s garage punk surf queens, The 5.6.7.8’s (as seen in Kill Bill), and the shimmery, feel-good vibes of ARIA Award-winning future-soul artist, Kaiit.
Other musical acts include Darren Hanlon, Benny & the Flybyniters, and the Sky High Trio.
On Friday Night, MoVida founder and chef Frank Camorra brings his Spanish fare to the Bridge Road Brewers beer garden, soundtracked by Sudanese-born Ajak Kwai and the Jarabi Band. Both Melbourne artists presented by Music in Exile, exposing artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The Age Good Food Guide Chef of the Year 2023, Jo Barrett, spotlights sustainable eats from Wild Pie at her festival kitchen on Saturday. There’ll be wild pies, including one made with Bridge Road Brewers Robust Porter, and char-grilled wild street food using sustainable meats like Sambar deer and wallaby. All the meat has been responsibly sourced from the region by Discovered Wildfoods, who work with local landowners.
Then, for the Sunday recovery lunch, Brendan Anderson from Rutherglen’s Victoria Hotel curates a special menu at Bridge Road Brewers, paired with live jazz from Fitzroy favourite The Rookies.
“Food has always been central to the festival, and this year’s line-up brings something special,” says Kraus. “Frank Camorra’s Spanish-inspired cooking and Jo Barrett’s focus on sustainable produce highlight the diversity of Australia’s culinary talent, while local producers add a true taste of the region. It’s a showcase of craft, creativity and the best ingredients the High Country has to offer.”
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Mountain Culture Beer Co, fresh off its win in the consumer-voted GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Countdown, joins Bridge Road Brewers at the head of an enviable line-up of independent brewers and wineries. The two breweries will collaborate to produce the annual Hazy Harvest Fresh Hop IPA.
International brewer Adnams Southwold (UK) also join Bridge Road Brewers in an exclusive cross-continent collaboration, brewing the annual Dark Harvest Fresh Hop Dark IPA and showcasing a number of the 150 year brewer’s beers at the festival.
“Our Hop Harvest beers are a true celebration of freshly picked hops, brewed exclusively for the festival,” says Kraus. “Using whole hop cones at their aromatic peak, these two beers showcase flavours that can’t be achieved with conventional techniques. It’s a rare chance to experience hops at their freshest.”
Other craft brewers involved in the festival include Loveshack Brewing Co, Range Brewing, Wildflower Brewing & Blending and Kaiju! Beer, plus the local brewers of the High Country Brewery Trail.
Saturday’s main event, to be held in Beechworth’s Historic Precinct Reserve from 11.30am to 8pm, will be family friendly, with activities for all ages, including child-focused Box Wars workshop, live music all day and a relaxed atmosphere.
You simply can’t miss the chance to enjoy good tunes, delish food and bevs, while celebrating our regional excellence in Beechworth, it’s so worth the drive!
