Overview
Whether you're an ale aficionado, a lover of lager, or just a general beer devotee, autumn in Melbourne brings the promise of many tasty things to come. And that's largely thanks to the citywide celebration of hops, malt and yeast that is Good Beer Week.
The long-running drinks festival returns for its 11th edition from Saturday, May 20–Saturday, May 27, delivering yet another program packed full of hoppy, frothy festivities. Add on partner events like the previously announced GABS (May 19–21) and Pint of Origin (May 12–20) and you've got a hefty 16 days of beer-focused fun set to descend on the city and beyond.
This year's lineup has more than 70 events catering to beer lovers of all persuasions, with return favourites including the expert-led Hair of the Dog Breakfast at Beer DeLuxe Fed Square and The Fox Hotel's always-raucous GBW scavenger hunt.
Deeds Taproom
Mabu Mabu's Nornie Bero is hosting a Torres Strait Island feast infused with native flavours, storytelling and immersive performances, not only matched with Stomping Ground brews, but also set to showcase a special collab beer crafted on Indigenous ingredients.
Meanwhile, Deeds Taproom & Kitchen invites beer-loving sweet tooths to whip up clever dessert creations using its own signature brews, to be tasted by the public and judged by an expert panel — 3RRR's Cameron Smith, Falco's Christine Tran and Nerida Conway (aka the Pav Queen).
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters will be spreading their love for all things Gippsland with a feast showcasing produce from Bonnie Brae's Farm alongside a swag of exclusive pours from Good Land Brewing. And beloved Collingwood beer joint Bar SK will return to its former Smith Street digs, joining new tenant March for a one-off shindig featuring sips by Edge Brewing and snacks courtesy of neighbour Ides.
Moon Dog, by Kate Shanasy
Denmark and Australia are set to go head to head for an indie craft beer dinner, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co is hosting a showcase dedicated to the beer and breweries of Melbourne's southeast, and Bodriggy is heading skyward for Good Heavens' annual GBW Oyster Fest.
Meanwhile, Hop Nation will be throwing a party in honour of its new dog-friendly beer, Molly Rose joins forces with Mjolner for a viking-worthy feast, and the folks at Moon Dog are back with their beloved GBW banquet dedicated to barrel-aged drops.
Even gluten-intolerant beer connoisseurs are in for a treat, as The Fox Hotel serves up a coeliac-friendly beer-matched dinner to remember.
Molly Rose, by Sarah Anderson
Carmen Zammit
Good Beer Week returns from May 20–27, taking over venues across the city and Victoria. To see the full program and snap up tickets, see the website.
Top image: Hopheads