Renowned for celebrating the finest in food, drink, arts, and entertainment, Geelong's iconic beer festival returns with a brand new look.
Get ready to raise your glasses, as Geelong Beer Festival, formerly known as GABF, is back to kickstart the new year with a bang! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Johnstone Park, the festival’s return promises a fresh look, and feel, and a headlining musical extravaganza.
Set to take place on January 20th, returning to a single day and single session, the 2024 edition will hone in on the festival’s reputation for delivering dynamic and memorable experiences with a fusion of excellence featuring top-notch breweries, cideries, distilleries, cocktail maestros, vineyards, and delectable local gourmet street food. All of this is accompanied by an electrifying lineup of live entertainment and curated activities that cater to every taste.
Geelong Beer Festival 2024
- Saturday, January 20th 2024 from 12pm-8pm
- Johnstone Park, Geelong CBD
- Tickets go on sale 9am Tuesday 26 September
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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As always, festival-goers will have the opportunity to craft their own adventure amidst the charming surroundings of Johnstone Park from the moment you step through the gates. Here’s what’s in store:
- Live Cooking Demonstrations: The Culinary Stage will showcase local ingredients with renowned culinary experts.
- Masterclasses: Fun and informative sessions with brewer forums, trivia, beer/food matching, free tastings, and more, all led by local industry stars Tiffany Waldron and Lindsy Greig.
- The Sound Lounge: Get ready for roving and interactive performances, featuring the Ale Capones, DJ and saxophone sets, dance-offs, and an unmissable finale from the Piano Bars’ Andy Pobjoy and the Ale Capones.
- The Main Stage: Groove to the beats of The Bag Raiders (DJ Set), with support from local favorites Famous Will and the local covers band Madhouse.
- Roving Performers and Family-Friendly Activities: There’s something for everyone, including kids’ entertainment and activities.
Alongside all the entertainment, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of brews, including Archive Wine Bar (wine and spirits), Austin’s Wines, Banks Brewing, Better Beer, Blackmans Brewery & Coast Seltzer, Boatrocker, Bright Brewery, Cavalier, Cockies/Great Ocean Road Brewing, Co Conspirators, Coopers, Deeds Brewing, Farm Dog Brewers and Distillers, Flowstate Brewers & Distillers, Forrest Brewery, Franks Cider, Kaiju! Beer, Killer Sprocket, Little Creatures, Local Brewing Co, The Mill Brewery, Mountain Culture, Mt Pleasant Road Brewers, Spreyton Cider, Urban Alley, White Rabbit, and more to be announced.
When it comes to food, Archive Wine Bar will delight with cheeses, and other culinary delights include Athens Traditional Souvlaki, Bavarian Bangers, Chubby Bao, Lil Dumpling Van, Pizza Party Hire, The Happy Mexican, Workers BBQ, and more.
Whether you’re here to sample an array of local and national brewers, distillers, and wineries, participate in a beer and food pairing masterclass, or simply unwind with friends, Geelong Beer Festival is your ultimate destination for a memorable day out.
Kieran Blood, Festival Founder and Co-Director, shared his excitement, saying, “We are truly excited to kick off the next phase of Geelong Beer Festival. The name itself celebrates our hometown and our origins, and the look and feel are reflective of our essence. We’re bold, yet playful, inviting, and all-inclusive, aligned with our coastal surroundings and summer party vibes.”
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to mark January 20th on your calendar. Here’s to an unforgettable summer day in Geelong!
Tickets go on sale 9am Tuesday 26 September. Find out more and purchase tickets here.
