Obsidian Dark Beer Festival returns to celebrate Victoria’s boldest brews, welcomes acclaimed talent

AFTER an inspiring debut in 2024, Obsidian Dark Beer Festival returns to Ballarat this winter, bringing with it a bold celebration of dark beer, regional creativity, and community spirit.

Held in the heart of Ballarat, Obsidian promises to be bigger, bolder, and darker than ever – an unmissable event for beer lovers and culture seekers alike.

This year’s festival features a standout lineup of 15 breweries pouring more than 30 distinctive dark beers, ranging from velvety stouts to bold porters and experimental styles.

Staying true to its regional roots, 11 of the breweries hail from regional Victoria, including five proudly based in Ballarat – highlighting the depth and diversity of the local brewing scene.

Adding to the excitement in 2025 is the release of Shadow Pact—an exclusive festival collaboration beer crafted especially for Obsidian. A Belgian Stout clocking in at 8.1 per cent ABV, Shadow Pact is being brewed by Shedshaker Brewing (Castlemaine) and Hepburn Springs Brewing Co., in collaboration with the festival.

The beer is brought to life using premium ingredients from Bintani and Joe White Maltings, the latter proudly operating its malting facility right here in Ballarat.

Shadow Pact is a rich, complex expression of local talent and supply chain synergy – dark beer brewed with deep community roots.

Obsidian also extends its reach this year by welcoming acclaimed guests from beyond Victoria: Prancing Pony Brewery from South Australia and the internationally renowned Garage Project from New Zealand.

Their inclusion elevates the event’s national and international profile, underscoring Ballarat’s emergence as a key destination on the craft beer map.

But Obsidian is more than a beer festival – it’s a fully immersive celebration of regional excellence. Visitors can enjoy offerings from two Ballarat-based distilleries, an exciting range of local food vendors, and live music from regional artists, all thoughtfully curated to capture the creative spirit of winter in Ballarat.

“Obsidian isn’t just about beer – it’s about place, people, and passion,” said Tom Madden, festival director.

“Shadow Pact captures everything we stand for – local collaboration, quality craftsmanship, and bold flavour.”

With strong interest already building, Obsidian is poised to once again deliver a significant economic and cultural boost to Ballarat, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.

For those keen on the vibes but not the alcohol, the ‘Offsider’ ticket provides full access to food, music, and festivities.

Obsidian Dark Beer Festival returns – dark, delicious, and defiantly local.

//SPONSORED CONTENT