The Great Australian Beer Festival (GABF) and beer lover’s paradise returns in January with a new home in Geelong’s iconic Johnstone Park for the first time.
Now entering its eighth year in Geelong, the Great Australian Beer Festival (previously held out at the Geelong Racecourse) attracts a crowd of around 5000 for an afternoon of craft beer tasting and education, brewing demos, top local food and live music, with breweries attending from around the country, including 13 from the Geelong region alone!
While beer lovers are in for a treat, so are the music lovers! Headlining is Sneaky Sound System, a household name in Australia since the mid-2000s, with massive hits UFO, Pictures and I Love It spearheading their 3x platinum self-titled album. Kim Churchill and local bands The Kite Machine and The Run will also be performing on the day. There’s just something about a cold beer and a live band… we can’t wait.
In typical GABF style, there are also a few obscure flourishes alongside all the craft beer enthusiasts. You can expect to find wandering cabaret acts, a piano bar with comedy, a wacky dance-off; even find yourself judging the best beard competition.
“It’s no longer just a back-yard BBQ brew with brewers keen to create new and inventive flavours,” says festival director Michael Ward. “GABF to me, is all about exploring and discovering good beer and there will be 40 interactive themed bars providing over 200 beers and ciders to taste on the day.”
GABF overflows with fun, from the moment you set hands on your tasting glass, ‘til the time you’re tipping back your last beer of the day, and this new, central location – just a short walk from Geelong station – will offer easier access for visitors and has plenty of accommodation and nightlife options for those kicking on afterward. How good’s that?
It all goes down at Johnstone Park, Geelong CBD – January 18, from 1pm-8pm. Limited first release tickets are on sale now via www.gabf.com.au.
