Fremantle is the home of craft brewing, and Sneaky Sound System are headlining BeerFest Fremantle, the refreshingly all-encompassing festival spanning brews, bites and boogie held at Esplanade Park from 15-17 November.
BeerFest Australia events support more than 30 homegrown musicians and bands Freo’s stellar line-up also includes Emily Joy, Sgt. Hulka, Michael Ward Trio and Cappuccino Orchestra, helping bridge the gap of recently demised festivals including Perth’s Promise Festival, HAYDAYS, Return to Rio, BluesFest, Splendour In The Grass, The Birdsville Big Red Bash and Groovn the Moo.
Sneaky Sound System, which is also headlining BeerFests in Sydney, Launceston and Melbourne, says, “We’re pumped to be hitting the stage at four BeerFests across Australia this summer. With the ongoing challenges facing live music, particularly the festival scene, we’re more excited than ever to celebrate good times in the great outdoors.”
They join an eclectic mix of more than 65 of Australia’s finest boutique vineyards, brewers, cideries, distillers, cheesemongers and food producers at Fremantle BeerFest each bringing a diverse range of tipples and nibbles, and one-off collaborations.
Local brewers include:
- Beer Yoga: Froth Craft Bun Brewery is hosting Beer Yoga – just don’t drop that pint
- Interactive Tastings: Try the Sip & Swipe game, pairing blindfolded guests with their “perfect pint” – a fun twist on tasting led by beer expert Lindsy Greig.
- Test your beer knowledge: Little Creatures’ roving keg bike will be delivering cold beers on the go and hosting a lively beer quiz with prizes – perfect to test beer knowledge while enjoying a pint.
- Ink & Chill: Campus Brewing is joining forces with WA tattooist Wayne Watson from Ink Carts for beer-themed tattoos and a chill out zone. Hilarious pics of Campus’ Amos Polglaze here.
- Fashion on the Field: Bright Tank Brewing and Billy Stitch Distillery will host fashions on the field with over $300 in prizes.
- Gage Roads Brew Co from Fremantle is setting up a mechanical surfboard and wave machine, along with an inflatable Matzos misting tunnel. Pics/videos here.
- The Beer Olympics: Breweries compete for glory in events like the keg toss and the coveted ‘Golden Tinnie’ award.
- Shelter Brewing from Busselton will be serving from their tinny – a boat made into a bar – and hosting keg tossing competitions. Pics/videos here.
- CBCo will host a mini golf with competitions and prizes
BeerFest Australia Co-Director, James Harding, says, “BeerFest Australia’s mission is to create vibrant, inclusive, and slightly rebellious festivals that celebrate the best of Australian craft, culture, and community.
“In every glass, every bite of local produce, and in every note of live music, there is a story – a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. BeerFest exists to tell these stories.
“We champion the artisans, the musicians, the comedians, and the creators who make our regions unique and bring communities together in celebration, push boundaries, and redefine what a festival can be.”
The Australian craft beer market is worth $160 million and BeerFest Australia has become a cornerstone event for craft, artisan and boutique producers, both emerging talents and established names, to showcase new tipples, dishes and connect with customers.
Tania Lambson from Little Creatures says, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate both our heritage and the vibrant craft beer scene in Western Australia. Little Creatures will be pouring fresh beer from our vibrant container bar, including our West Coast Pilsner, brewed just for the festival.
“As Little Creatures approaches its 25th anniversary in 2025, we’re proud to be the Presenting Partner of Fremantle Beer Festival since 2013 and into the future.”
Many small breweries rely on BeerFest Australia to introduce their products to new markets and Freo BeerFest adds to the $30+M BeerFest Australia boosts annually in other regions including:
BeerFest Sydney: 6-7 December – is expected to boosts the NSW economy by approx $2M
Launceston BeerFest: NYE, 31 December – boosts the Tasmanian economy by $24 million annually
Canberra BeerFest: 15 February, 2025 – boosts the ACT economy by approx $1.2M in 2023
Melbourne BeerFest: 22 February, 2025 – boosts the Vic economy by around $2M in 2023
Fremantle BeerFest tickets start from $25 and 4.5-star The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, featuring four bars and restaurants, 2 swimming pools, 24 reception and room service and self parking, is the official accommodation partner with special offers, festival packs and VIP tickets.
Fremantle BeerFest session times are:
- Friday 15 November: Evening Session 5 – 10 PM
- Saturday 16 November: Day Session 11 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday 16 November: Evening Session 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday 17 November: Day Session 12 – 5 PM
