Get ready to raise a glass, folks—Australia’s most anticipated beer event, the Great Australian SpecTAPular (GABS), is set to return in 2025.
Known as one of the best beer festivals in the world and the largest in the country, GABS is a utopia for craft beer enthusiasts and curiosity drinkers alike. This liquid wonderland is back with a bang, boasting a three-city tour across Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars and get in quick—tickets go on sale December 12, 2024. Here’s where and when you can join the boozy festivities:
- Melbourne – Fri 4 & Sat 5 April @ Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Brisbane – Fri 23 & Sat 24 May @ Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
- Sydney – Fri 30 & Sat 31 May @ ICC Darling Harbour
This experience promises two days of pure magic at each location, giving you plenty of time to sample, sip, snack, and soak up the fun.
GABS Festival Brews – Expect the Unexpected
What sets GABS apart? It’s the Festival Brews, of course—a showcase of beer creativity that truly defies expectations. Each year, breweries are invited to dream up eccentric concoctions specifically for the event, and only the most daring and delicious make the cut. Think sushi beer, cookie stouts, or even lollipop sours. It’s like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but for beer lovers.
Over the years, these Festival Brews have propelled breweries into stardom, with standout creations like Hop Nation’s Jedi Juice and Deeds Brewing’s Juice Train NEIPA becoming cult favourites. You’ll have access to 120 Festival Brews spread across Australia’s longest bar, equipped with 120 taps all in a single line—100 pouring exclusive beers and 20 pouring cocktails, spirits, and other fabulous drinks. Unmissable, right?
Global Breweries Joining the Party
Adding an extra dash of excitement, the 2025 GABS will feature European brewing royalty. Germany’s Schlenkerla, famed for its smoked beers from Bamburg, will be making its GABS debut. Meanwhile, crowd-favourite Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, will return by popular demand after wowing festival-goers last year.
That’s not all. GABS always brings the best in the biz, with partners like Hop Products Australia, Akasha Brewing, Matsos, and more. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or refined European ales, GABS truly is the ultimate meeting place for the flavours of the world.
Beer-Plus Fun – More Than Just Pints
GABS doesn’t stop at beer—it’s a fully immersive festival experience. There’s something for everyone, whether beer is your main game or you’re tagging along for the vibes. Expect beer masterclasses, where you can geek out over brewing techniques with your favourite brewers, as well as foodie delights from the country’s best food trucks.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll get live music and performance stages, circus acts, vendor displays, merch stalls, beer games, silent discos, and even eating competitions. It’s part beer festival, part carnival, part best-day-ever rolled into one extraordinary package.
The GABS Legacy
Running since 2011, the Great Australian SpecTAPular has become a revered event in the craft beer world. No other festival brings together such a vast range of innovative brewers, boundary-pushing distillers, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re tasting a new sour, learning to pour the perfect pint, or simply soaking up the buzzing atmosphere with mates, GABS guarantees a cracking good time.
Don’t Wait—Get Your Tickets Now
Seriously, this is one festival you’ll kick yourself for missing—and it’s not just for craft beer nerds. GABS has something for everyone, from first-time beer drinkers to diehard enthusiasts. Tickets go on sale December 12, 2024, at www.gabsfestival.com. Grab yours before they’re snapped up—this is one date with destiny your taste buds deserve.
We’ll see you there. Pint in hand, smile on your face, and stomach ready for adventure. Cheers!