The 18th Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival brought in a bumper crowd providing a much-needed vote of confidence for the craft brew industry.
More than 40 local and interstate brewers who showcased around 250 craft beers, ciders and spirits for craft beer fans at the event held last Saturday in the grounds surrounding Mercure Canberra in Braddon.
Event manager, Jenny Farrell, said Canberra turned up the heat for this year’s Festival.
“It was a really exciting weekend in Canberra with the Canberra Raiders playing, Skyfire lighting up the Lake, and the 18th iteration of our Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival,” said Farrell.
“Our goal was to showcase the best of the best local and interstate craft brewers, as the industry has been doing it tough recently. There was tremendous enthusiasm for all the local Canberra and south coast exhibitors, and the mood was very festive.”
The Coastal Brewing Company, Ambrosia Distillery, Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Cypher Brewing Co and Broulee Brewhouse kept the cold drinks flowing for an enthusiastic crowd, who enjoyed the heat along with the very best local food and entertainment throughout the day.
“Given the heat, I’m sure some of the Canberra Raiders could have done with a few cold ales before slugging it out with the Broncos later that evening,” added Farrell.
The Craft Beer & Cider Festival is set to return to the country’s capital for its 19th event, next year on Saturday, 21st March 2026.
