Filling the gap of prominent music festivals in recent years, BeerFest Australia is promoting the struggling music and events industry, with Sneaky Sound System headlining the Sydney leg of this year’s festival.
BeerFest Australia co-director, James Harding, said that the events engage a diverse range of producers and creatives.
“BeerFest Australia’s mission is to create vibrant, inclusive, and slightly rebellious festivals that celebrate the best of Australian craft, culture, and community. In every glass, every bite of local produce, and in every note of live music, there is a story: a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. BeerFest exists to tell these stories.
“We champion the artisans, the musicians, the comedians, and the creators who make our regions unique and bring communities together in celebration, push boundaries, and redefine what a festival can be,” he said.
Drinks vendors at BeerFest Sydney include Philter Brewing, Mountain Culture Beer Co, Spreyton Cider, Good Folk Brewing, Sundowner Brewing, Brickworks, White Bay, Brix Distillers, Pants Off Distillery and Tara Distillery. Food will be provided by the likes of Dirtybird Foodtruck, We Donut Care, Smoky Sue’s Barbecue and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream.
Joining Sneaky Sound System will be fellow musicians Discovery Daft Punk and DJ John Course, alongside comedians Luke Heggie, John Cruckshank, Chris Ryan and Mitch Garling.
Across its events, BeerFest Australia engages more than 30 Australian musicians, as well as providing economic boosts to its host cities. Last year, Fremantle BeerFest alone boosted the WA economy by $3.4m.
Stacy File, co-director of BeerFest Australia, is urging the government to provide more support to the diverse events industry, especially following the closure of prominent festivals across the country.
“As we witness the unfortunate end of The Birdsville Big Red Bash and many other festival cancellations, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges our industry is facing, and we can definitely relate.
“The rise in operational costs and the squeeze on consumer spending, driven by the rising cost of living, are significant hurdles for all of us. It’s not just the large music festivals that are struggling, all events are also feeling the strain, and without community and government support, many may not survive,” she said.
Despite supporting local infrastructure development, supply chains, and offering additional opportunities for Australian performers, events like BeerFest don’t qualify for government funding or grants, unlike more stereotypical sporting and arts events.
“BeerFest Australia events are often overlooked despite offering substantial data to support the social and economic benefits provided by our festivals. The broad nature of the festivals means we don’t fit into a specific box, despite supporting music, comedy, local talent and the craft brewer and drinks industry,” File said.
BeerFest Sydney is set to be held at Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park on 6 to 7 December. Alongside live music, the festival will also showcase innovative craft beers, boutique wines, ciders, spirits and food from more than 300 local producers.
In addition, there will be educational sessions about industry trends and sustainable brewing, as well as masterclasses on cocktail making and food pairings, and blindfolded tasting events. Among the unique activations at the events will be a tattoo station, courtesy of Ink Carts. The expected 8,000 attendees can also take part in the Beer Olympics, competing to win the Golden Tinnie.
BeerFest Sydney is the newest addition to BeerFest Australia’s suite of events, which include events held in Fremantle (15-17 November), Launceston (31 December), Canberra (15 February, 2025) and Melbourne (22 February, 2025). Tickets start from $25 and are available from the BeerFest website.