Spring in Sydney. It’s warming up and wildflowers colour the countryside. While sun and flora is all well and good, for craft beer fans spring is more about Oktoberfest Sydney and the abundance of other beer events propagating throughout the city.
Oktoberfest Sydney
Go all Bavarian, with or without the lederhosen. Prepare yourself for big beers – and big meals to match. See www.thebavarians.com for Oktoberfest events at: Munich Brauhaus (the Rocks – corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets); the Bavarian Beerhaus (York Street); The Bavarian (Manly Wharf, Bondi Beach, The Entertainment Quarter and World Square). If you like your Oktoberfest a little more outdoorsy, you’ll love Oktoberfest in the Gardens. This event is held on 27 October at the Domain, one of central Sydney’s convenient public parks. Get your tickets online before it’s sold out (www.sydney.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au).
Oktoberwest
Go West, and discover beer. October and beer come together again for Oktoberwest, held by the Inner West Brewery Association. Sydney’s Inner West suburbs are a short taxi or train ride from Sydney CBD, and fast becoming the city’s craft beer hot zone. Microbreweries have been popping up all over the area in the last 6 or 7 years as Sydney’s craft beer movement has boomed. This year’s event will be on the weekend of 06 and 07 October at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville. Beer and band superstars will provide plentiful ale and live music. See www.oktoberwest.com.au for tickets and event information.
14th Annual Australian Beer Festival
Back to the centre of town and the Australian Hotel, something of a Sydney craft beer (and pizza) institution, will once again be the location for the Annual Australian Beer Festival from 12 to 14 October. 30-odd brewery stalls will be lining up around the pub on Gloucester and Cumberland Streets. Buy some beer tokens and dive in. Tickets at www.australianheritagehotel.com/beer-fest.
Sydney Beer Week
There’s no let-up in the craft beer on offer later in the month. Sydney Beer Week starts on 26 October, featuring craft beer from local Sydney brewers plus beer labels from around the country. Events and tap takeovers will be on at numerous venues in Sydney. Check out the website – www.sydneybeerweek.com.au – for what’s on and where.
Enjoy Oktoberfest Sydney and all the other great events. Cheers!