15 March 2023

Cheers to that! Distilleries added to the mix as Canberra Beer & Cider Festival returns

| Lucy Ridge
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Two men and a woman holding beers

The 16th Canberra Beer & Cider Festival will also include distilleries. Photo: Supplied.

The Canberra Beer & Cider Festival will return on 18 March, and for the first time it will include distilleries in the line-up!

More than 45 craft breweries, cider makers, food stalls and distilleries will take part in the 16th annual festival, with a mix of local and interstate vendors to visit. Canberrans can get their hands on beer from local newcomers Ale Mary, and Gungahlin brewery Cypher, who are due to open their doors in April.

Sign pointing to hot food and tasting tickets

A range of food trucks will be on hand to keep everyone well-fed at the festival. Photo: Supplied.

Interstate breweries include Bad Shepherd Brewing Co from Victoria, and Katoomba-based Mountain Culture Beer Co, which took the top spot on the podium in the most recent GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beers: grab their Status Quo New England Pale Ale and see whether you agree with their gold medal!

Other specialist breweries such as Stone Dog Meadery, Billson’s Cordials and Cedar Creek Cider will also attend.


READ ALSO: Women in Hospitality Spotlight: Sherri Dill, brewer at Capital Brewing Co


The festival is a fantastic opportunity for beer lovers to chat directly with the brewers and learn more about what goes into making their favourite drinks, as well as being able to taste and compare a wide variety of beers and ciders on the day.

Group shot plugging beer event

The beer and cider festival will have more than 45 stalls to choose from. Photo: Supplied.

For the first time, distilleries are also joining in, so attendees can also sample gins, whiskeys, seltzers and spirits from the likes of Three Cuts Gin and Mr Black Spirits.

Festival organiser Jenny Farrell expects the addition of spirits to attract an even larger crowd this year.

“The new-look festival will provide a tremendous showcase for Australia’s best brewers and distillers,” Ms Farrell said.

“To have such easy access to over 45 craft brewers and continuous entertainment for as little as $33 makes it a perfect day out for both serious lovers of craft beers, cider and spirits, and those who just want to enjoy a fun, vibrant event in a really attractive setting.”

four people with disco ball

Local band ARCHIE will play at the festival. Photo: Supplied.

The general admission ticket price includes five drink tokens to redeem at any of the stalls; with so many to choose from, that might be a tough choice! Ticket sales are also raising funds for Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief, a group that provides support for more than 950 local cancer patients.

READ ALSO First Looks: Cypher Brewing Co is set to bring craft brewing to Gungahlin

The festivities also include live music from Canberra bands ARCHIE and the Rubix Dudes, as well as DJ sessions throughout the day to keep the party atmosphere pumping.

And there will be plenty of food stalls scattered around for anyone who needs to line their stomach.

pouring beer

Check out the wide variety of local and interstate brews on offer. Photo: Supplied.

The historical Mercure Hotel will again be the backdrop for the festival, with extra space being opened up around the adjoining lawns of Batman and Gooreen streets in Braddon.

The Canberra Beer & Cider Festival will be held on Saturday, 18 March, at Mercure Canberra, corner of Ainslie and Limestone avenues. The festival will run from 11 am to 6 pm.

Information about accommodation packages, stallholders and tickets can be found on the event website. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

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