Great Australian Beer Festival 2019

Overview

Looking for an excuse to get out of the city this weekend? The Great Australian Beer Festival might be it. The fest is returning to the Geelong Racecourse for its seventh year this Saturday, February 16 with over 200 Australian beers and ciders in tow.

Craft producers from across the country will set up stalls, including the Gold Coast's Balter Brewing Company — which just won top spot on the GABS Hottest 100 list — Melbourne's Stomping Ground and Two Birds, Sydney's Young Henrys and Adelaide's Pirate Life and Prancing Pony.

This year, in addition to tasting tokens, the festival is also offering middies and craft tinnies for purchase. The beer cocktail stall will return as well, and table reservations are up for grabs, too.

Apart from the brews, there'll be over 20 live acts performing across three stages — one of which is a dedicated piano bar. Headliners include Great Gable, The Settlement, Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission, The Grand Wazoo and Skyscraper Stan.

Otherwise, there's a keg rolling competition, themed races, a beer cabaret and carnival DJs to boot. And, for eats, expect a range of food trucks, with a focus on barbecued, slow-cooked meats.

General admission tickets are $39 in advance, or $45 on the day. Tasting tokens can be purchased at the venue or a ten-pack can be purchased with your ticket. The whole thing kicks off at 1pm, and a shuttle will run to the event from South Geelong Station, so no one in your crew has to be designated driver.