Grab Your Mates (and Your Taste Buds): GABS Beer Festival Is Pouring Soon!

Now in its 14th glorious year, GABS is far from your average brew fest. We’re talking a 30-metre-long bar, 120 exclusive, never-to-be-seen-again brews, live circus performances, music, gourmet food trucks, a silent disco, and even eating competitions for those who believe beer is best paired with bragging rights.

And no, it’s not just beer (although there’s a lot of that). You’ll also find cocktails, wines, whiskies, and even non-alcoholic options for the DDs and the parents trying to balance fun with functioning the next morning.

Local Legends & Wacky Brews

Some of the best Aussie breweries will be taking part, including Molly Rose Brewing, Stomping Ground, Moon Dog, and Tallboy and Moose—each bringing something new and downright wild to the table.

Expect to sip your way through vanilla custard ales, rum barrel-aged stouts, gummi bear IPAs, and maybe even a beer that tastes like your kid’s cereal (in a good way). And the best part? These brews are crafted exclusively for GABS, which means if you don’t show up, you’ll never taste them again.

Special Guest Appearance: Miguel Maestre

Yes, Miguel Maestre of TV chef fame will be there, bringing both his signature energy and his new beer, RUBIA—a tropical-flavoured Spanish-style beer brewed right here in Australia. And because he doesn’t do anything halfway, he’ll also be dishing up giant chicken & chorizo paella. Honestly, SOLD.

Why Parents Will Love It

Let’s be real. You love your kids, but you also love:

Enjoying a cold one without someone asking for another snack.

Listening to music that isn’t about sharks or bananas in pyjamas.

A night out that doesn’t involve folding laundry.

GABS delivers all of that and more.

Whether you’re planning a kid-free date, mates’ night out, or even convincing the grandparents to babysit for a rare weekend escape, this festival brings the fun and flavour in a way that’ll remind you what adulting used to feel like.

Festival Highlights

120 Limited-Edition Brews (a beer lover’s Disneyland)

Live Performances & DJs to keep your feet moving (even if you’re tired)

Silent Disco (aka introvert heaven)

Masterclasses & Workshops for those who want to say, “I’m not drinking, I’m learning.”

Food Pairings Galore from Melbourne’s finest food trucks

People’s Choice Awards (vote like your tastebuds depend on it)

Melbourne Sessions

Friday April 4: 12pm – 10pm

Saturday April 5 Day: 11am – 4:30pm

Saturday April 5 Night: 6pm – 11:30pm
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Tickets: Click here

Not in Melbourne? Don’t Panic.

GABS is taking its beer-fuelled joy on the road:

Brisbane: May 23–24 at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Sydney: May 30–31 at ICC Darling Harbour

No matter which city you’re in, you’re guaranteed a good time—and probably a new favourite drink you’ll wish you could find at your local bottle shop.

For more information, or to book click here.

Final Sip

So, if you’re in desperate need of a date that doesn’t involve Paw Patrol, an outing that doesn’t include sunscreen battles, or just a moment to remember who you were before “Mum” or “Dad”—GABS is your ticket to freedom (and flavour).

Book fast, drink slow, and bring stretchy pants.