Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival Returns

Combining beer, cider, charred meats and Australian music royalty, the Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival will return to the Adelaide Showground in July.

Organisers Gareth Lewis and Aaron Sandow are the masterminds behind Jack Ruby and Kings Head Hotel. They also brought music festivals Parklife and Soundwave to Adelaide. Marc Huber of Hills Cider and Mismatch Brewing completes the trio – “a combination of the different worlds of breweries and music festivals,” says Lewis.

The festival will feature 100 craft beers, 30 ciders and eight food stalls. Canada’s Matty Matheson (of Viceland’s Dead Set on Life) joins a range of local, interstate and international chefs from Low & Slow, Fancy Hank’s, Comida, Jarmer’s Kitchen and more. Firemaster and ABBF ambassador Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) is at the helm, curating the menu over the three days.

New this year is the “IPA Soundsystem” which will showcase more than 20 rotating taps of beer, some of them available in Australia for the first time.

The new main stage will feature a solid line-up of musical acts, including Ali Barter, Hockey Dad and locals West Thebarton Brothel Party. Headliners Regurgitator were a bucket-list booking for Lewis. “1997 me is really excited,” he says.

Other highlights include culinary masterclasses, a hot dog eating contest and a “dad bod” wet T-shirt competition. There will also be a presentation of the Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Awards. “Whether it’s the craft beer you’re into, or the music, you can still have a good time,” says Lewis.

Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival is on July 28–30 at the Brick Cattle Pavilion and lawns at the Adelaide Showground. Tickets go on sale Wednesday May 3 at adelaidebeerfest.com.au.