Sip, savour, and soak up the sunshine at Geelong Beer Festival

More than 6,000 people are expected to raise their glasses at Johnstone Park next weekend for a summer celebration featuring a world-class line-up of boutique vineyards, breweries and distillers, including several local favourites.

The Geelong Beer Festival has been a highlight of the region’s social calendar since it was established in 2013.

The festival, which will run on January 18 between 12 noon and 8pm, will host a vibrant marketplace of more than 300 artisanal offerings, from beers, spirits and cocktails to cheesemongers and gourmet street food, complemented by a varied program of roaming performers, interactive experiences and family-friendly activities.

“Geelong Beer Festival offers the perfect combination of party vibes, brew education and family-friendly fun,” festival co-director Kieran Blood said.

“It’s a place where festivalgoers can connect with the innovators behind their favourite beverages and enjoy an unforgettable experience.”

 

Live entertainment, spread across multiple stages, will feature throughout the day, with Australian indie rockers British India, acoustic balladeer Felipe Baldomir, soulful crooner Jordy Maxwell and other local talent set to provide an unforgettable afternoon of live music.

From 2pm and between main stage sets, the Ale Capones and DJ Grooves will take over the Sound Lounge, keeping the party vibes going and encouraging everyone to show their best moves in a dance competition.

Throughout the day, the event’s Culinary Stage will host an array of live cooking demonstrations that showcase local ingredients, while beer industry titan and Missouri native Lindsy Greig will headline a series of masterclasses and tasting sessions.

As a certified cicerone – the beer world’s version of a sommelier – and a former cheesemonger, Greig brings a unique blend of expertise and personality to an already star-studded line-up of talent.

Comedy fans will also be well-catered for, with some of Australia’s funniest personalities slated to make an appearance, including Bob Franklin of Thank God You’re Here fame, The Chaser’s Andrew Hansen and social media sensation SEZ.

The comedy program will start from 4pm.

With more than 50 per cent of festivalgoers expected to travel from outside Geelong to attend the event, the festival is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to the region, including boosting local businesses sales.

“We’re passionate about supporting our local community and showcasing the creativity and diversity that make Geelong Beer Festival so special,” Mr Blood said.

“With accommodation packages already sold out, we’re expecting another record-breaking event that will leave a lasting impact on our region.”

For more information, or to secure your tickets, head to geelongbeerfestival.com.au