Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival to kick off a mega-event weekend in the national capital

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Canberra will demonstrate why it is gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s hottest event destinations, with the annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival kicking off a Super Saturday of events of brews, footy and fireworks, all being held in our nation's capital on the same day!

The 17th edition of Canberra’s Craft Beer & Cider Festival is back on Saturday, 16th March, at the heritage Mercure Canberra in Braddon, with gates opening at 11am. This exciting street style festival will showcase over 40 local and interstate drinks exhibitors with up to 250 craft beers, ciders and spirits on offer.

The festival is the perfect place for pre-footy burgers and beers to the Raiders v West Tigers opening home game of the season and a great way to bring on the festivities before jumping on a special event shuttle bus (cost $5 pp) to enjoy an evening of fireworks at Canberra’s first Skyfire which returns to our capital city after a five-year hiatus.

Tickets are going to be in high demand this year with early ticket buyers not only getting their first drink included in the price but also automatically going into a draw to win a beer lover's dream trip for two to GABS Sydney 2024. The prize includes two nights' accommodation, entrance to all three sessions and $200 spending money.

Drink stands from Coastal Brewing Company, Sydney Brewery, Mountain Goat, Bucketty’s Brewery, Thirsty Devil Brewery, Ambrosia Distillery and many other popular brands will ensure there is something on offer for everyone

Complementing the beverage tastings will be an extensive range of popular food providers offering BBQ meat, nachos, burgers, fish & chips and more.

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Festival goers can enjoy great live entertainment from local bands, while a DJ will keep the cool vibes spinning throughout the day. In providing a family-friendly environment, entrance for children under 12 is free, and there are face painting and jumping castle activations on offer.

With tickets starting from only $33 (plus booking fee), this is the perfect way to start a mega-weekend of activities in Canberra. Book now at www.canberrabeerfest.com.au

In an exciting off-season merger, Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival is now powered by the team behind the famous Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (GABS) Festivals, the Finer Drop Festival and Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival.

Special accommodation and festival packages – Mercure Canberra

A ‘Beer Fest 2024’ package is available with a 15% discount off best-available-rate and includes overnight accommodation at the 4-star Mercure Canberra, a 4-pack of award-winning Sydney Brewery beers, entry to the Festival, and breakfast. (conditions apply). Bookings: 02 6243 000; email: stay@mercurecanberra.com.au or via www.mercurecanberra.com.au.

Mercure Canberra combines heritage character with modern comforts. Opened in 1927, the hotel is set around an impressive internal courtyard and offers spacious grounds to relax. Superbly located, the hotel is moments from the city centres’ shops, bars, restaurants and major attractions. The Mercure offers a variety of accommodation options, along with a gym, a restaurant, bistro, bar and beer garden.
* Lisa Doppler at lisa@spectapularenterprises.com
* Peter Hook at peter@hookcommunications.com.au