After being put in the cellar for the past three years, Newcastle’s celebration of independent Australian brews, Newcastle Beer Fest, is back with a vengeance this weekend.
The popular craft beer festival has moved from its former Camp Shortland home to King Edward Park for the 2023 iteration, which will kick off from 11am on Saturday 18 February.
With lashings of awesome Aussie craft beer to taste test, some great local acts providing the tunes, and some top nosh from quality vendors, it’s sure to be a fun-filled day of beer-loving bonhomie!
Here’s a little of what you can expect on the day, and remember to head here for tickets!
The Brew-haha
Of course, a beer festival would not be such if it didn’t offer plenty of the amber fluid for ale aficionados to sample. Well, organisers Luke Tilse and Taiyo Namba have really pulled out all the stops this year, with no less than 36 breweries setting up shop on the day.
Here are the breweries you can expect to see.
7th Day Brewery
Akasha Brewing Company
Tilse’s Apple Truck Cider
Beerfarm
Bentspoke Brewing Co.
Big Shed Brewing
Bridge Road Brewers
Capital Brewing Co.
Cattleyard Brewing Co.
The Coastal Brewing Co.
Dainton Family Brewery
Foghorn Brewhouse
Grainfed Brewing Company
Good Folk
Hawke’s Brewing Co.
Hawkers Beer
Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse
Lord Nelson Brewery
Maltnhops Brewhaus
Method Brewing
Modus
Mountain Culture
New England Brewing Co.
One Drop Brewing Co.
Philter Brewing
Reckless Brewing
Rocks Brewing
Rogue Scholar Brewing
Shout Brewing Co.
Sydney Brewery
Wayward Brewing Co.
White Bat Beer Co.
Willie The Boatman
Yard Kings Brewing Co.
Young Henry’s
Yulli’s Brews
Food, Glorious Food

It’s true that festival revelers cannot revel on beer alone, so it’s a good thing that Newcastle Beer Fest will be stacked with an eclectic array of food options for all tastes.
From classic burgers and dogs, to delicious Mexican, Vietnamese and Japanese fare, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to filling up on food.
Here’s what’s on the menu.
Food By Zed
Fritz’s Wieners
Mexican Cantina
Yen’s Yum Banhs
Susuru Ramen & Gyoza
Top Tipples, Top Tunes
A festival wouldn't be complete without some great music to add to those party vibes and the organisers have dug deep into Newcastle’s overflowing gig-bag of local musical talent and pulled out some real gems for you to enjoy.
You’ll be treated to a day of great tunes courtesy of homegrown acts Big Booti, SF Wrens, Sneaky Freakers, and Turpentine Babycino, who are sure to keep those feet tapping and hips swaying from go to woah!
Newcastle Beer Fest 2023 is on from 11am at King Edward Park on Saturday 18 February. Head here for tickets and more information.
And that’s not all that’s happening this weekend. Remember to head here to check out everything happening around you!