The Fleurieu Beer Festival returns to Willunga’s Rec Park on Saturday, January 21 with the largest collection of breweries in the event’s history.
The annual event coincides with the Willunga leg of the Tour Down Under cycling race and features more than a dozen Fleurieu breweries, wineries, distilleries and a selection of food stalls. There is also an impressive line-up of live music to keep the revellers entertained.
“The fact that this year’s event is being held on the same day as the TDU, is really exciting for locals and visitors alike”, festival organiser Heather Williams said.
“We will be encouraging all those visiting Willunga for the big race to come and join in the celebration” said Ms Willams.
Now in its fifth year, this much looked forward to event aims to showcase the
amazing producers that call the Fleurieu home and Ms Williams believes the 2023 festival is going to be the largest in its history.
“2023 is definitely going to be the biggest and best one yet. We have more
breweries, more food vendors and stallholders, and a much larger music line-up“ she said.
Other improvements for the 2023 event include a tent featuring arcade games and pinball machines, plus larger set up spaces for each of the breweries, who are encouraged to personalise their space.
“We look forward to seeing how the breweries will utilise these larger areas and hope to see some unique and eye-catching setups” Ms Willams said.
“The Fleurieu Peninsula has so many great craft breweries, and we really want to give them the opportunity to showcase their individuality,” she said.
Joining festival regulars Swell Brewing Co, Shifty Lizard Brewing Co and Goodieson Brewery are several new faces including Langhorne Creeks Little Pete Brewing.
Penny Red Beer Co. is another brewery attending the event for the first time.
Although works are still underway on their Penny's Hill road brewery, owner Jess Shipp cannot wait for the festival.
“We’re not up and running yet, but we are aiming to be open in December, fingers crossed” Ms Shipp said.
“We are really excited about being involved in the festival and connecting with the other breweries, as well as the wider beer drinking community.”
“Every brewery in the area is unique, and they all have a different vibe, different
atmosphere which is absolutely brilliant” she said.
As well as more breweries and food stalls, the event will also see an improved line-
up of live music and a DJ. The expanded music line-up includes Billy Bob Rankine
and Alice, Captain Electric, Great Moose featuring Cal Williams plus Ciaram Granger
and many more.
“Apart from more stalls and entertainment, next year’s beer festival will also play host
to the inaugural Fleurieu Amateur Brewer Competition” Ms Williams said.
Hosted by Shifty Lizard Brewing Co, the Fleurieu Amateur Brewer Competition will
see South Australia’s top home brewers compete across four beer styles to be
crowned Fleurieu amateur brewer of the year.
The four beer styles to be judged are Amber Ale, Australian Pale Ale, East Coast
IPA and Red IPA, with amateur brewers invited to enter as many of the four classes
as they wish.
The inaugural Fleurieu Amateur Brewers Competition will be kicking off with the
three finalists gaining themselves free entry into the event on 21st of January, where
their brews will be judged live before the crowd by brewers from local established
breweries.
Once announced, the winning brewer will have their recipe used as a limited release beer by Shifty Lizard Brewing Co. They will also be invited to spend the day brewing with Shifty Lizard head brewer Lee Stone, and receive 2 cases of their beer once released to the public.
Willunga home brewer Heath L’Estrange is already planning his entry for the
amateur brewing competition.
“I’m really looking forward to entering the amateur brewing competition and seeing how my beers stack up against the other brews” Mr L’Estrange said.
“I’d love to win a day brewing at Shifty Lizard. They make some cracking beers and I think a few knock off drinks at the end of a days brewing would be great” he said.
Entries to the amateur brewing competition close December 17 2022, so register now to make the most of this amazing opportunity.
Tickets to the Fleurieu Beer Festival are just $25 and are available now from
So grab a ticket and share a summer’s afternoon with your friends sampling
Fleurieu’s finest brews, fantastic local food and live entertainment.
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