Following Dr Jerry Schwartz’s acquisition of Newcastle Beer Fest earlier this year, Saturday, 20 February 2027 has been confirmed as the date for the festival’s return to the spectacular coastal surrounds of King Edward Park.
Dr Schwartz, owner of the internationally acclaimed GABS Festival and a range of other major events, is set to usher in a new era for the popular Newcastle celebration.
Newcastle Beer Fest is an annual celebration of Australia’s independent craft beer scene, bringing together a curated lineup of local and national breweries, complemented by live music, quality food vendors, and a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere in one of the city’s most picturesque outdoor settings.
Celebrating its 11th edition in 2027, and the first iteration under GABS management, Newcastle Beer Fest has built a loyal community following and is regarded as a must‑attend event for beer lovers seeking great brews and entertainment.
GABS brings over two decades of expertise in creating and managing premium food, wine, and craft beer experiences, and is complemented by the Schwartz Family Company’s extensive experience in hospitality, tourism and events. The GABS Newcastle Beer Fest joins the Canberra Beer & Cider Festival and Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival as leading community-based festivals that celebrate places, people, and producers.
Discount for Early Bird tickets – ideal for Father’s Day gifts
Early Bird tickets have gone on sale offering a $10 discount to ticket prices on the day, making it an ideal present for Father’s Day, Christmas and any other special days in the calendar.
Early Bird tickets are available for $64.90, but only a limited allocation is available at this special rate. Each ticket includes entry to the event, 10 x 100ml beer tasting tokens, and a commemorative tasting cup, along with access to over 30 of the best local and interstate craft breweries, gourmet food vendors, live music, and other festival activities.
Exhibitors are also being invited with the proviso that only independent breweries will be accepted as exhibitors.
Already, established breweries including Zig Zag Brewery, Sydney Brewery, The Coastal Brewing and Spudd Wiser Beer have signed up to exhibit at the event.
Applications from quality food vendors are also being invited.
Make a weekend of it! Special festival/accommodation package announced
Novotel Newcastle is offering a special Newcastle Beer Fest package starting from $375 per night, which includes overnight accommodation, breakfast and a four-pack of Sydney Brewery beer
Further information and booking: visit our website for more information
Comments from Jenny Farrell Event Director
“Our Sydney Brewery has been involved with the Newcastle Beer Fest for the past four years, so we have had a direct appreciation of what the event offers.
“When the original owners approached us saying they would no longer continue staging the event, we thought that with our massive investment in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley through our hotels, the Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley and other interests, we thought the Festival was a good opportunity to bring GABS back into the spotlight.
“The Newcastle Beer Fest perfectly complements our existing Canberra and Hunter Valley festivals, because both are so established in the local community. We can add in GABS’ wider footprint, but essentially, we want this to be a premium expression of the Newcastle region’s exceptional beverage and food DNA.
“With the backing of GABS, we hope to attract an even greater reach for the Newcastle Beer Fest. It will provide a boost for Newcastle tourism and hospitality.
“It will also give a boost to the craft beer industry which has been experiencing big challenges recently. We can provide scale, while maintaining the local community feel and integrity.”
