FESTIVAL GUIDE 2025
Since its inception back in 2011, GABS has been a beacon of connection between craft beer loving consumers and hundreds of craft breweries! Being Australia's biggest indoor beer festival, we provide a unique opportunity for you to make a difference and support beers from over 150 different breweries, pouring from more than 500 beer taps, all in one day!
And with the well documented challenges the industry has recently been faced with, you being at GABS is appreciated more than you know!
Thanks for making craft one of your beverages of choice!
PARTNERS
MAJOR PARTNERS
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
100+ BRAND NEW FESTIVAL BREWS
Never before seen beers and brews that are made exclusively for GABS. These brews are all unique and designed to surprise
UP & COMING BAR
The GABS Cares program with HPA presents the Up & Coming Brewers Bar featuring four emerging breweries per city. Meet the brewers, hear their stories, and taste their beers!
HOT POTATO BAND
Hot Potato Band are bringing their larger-than-life brass collective straight to GABS You do not want to miss the GABS Bohemian Rapsody anthem at the end of each session!
MIGUEL MAESTRE BEER LAUNCH
Miguel Maestre has jumped head first into the world of beer, creating his very own GABS Festival brew Be the first to join him for a beer and try his delicious paella!
SILENT DISCO
Dance to your own beat at the GABS Silent Disco! Grab a pair of headphones and immerse yourself in a world of music, where you control the tunes!
HIGHLIGHTS
A COLLECTIVE OF SYDNEY’S FINEST
The South Sydney Breweries Collective brings local, independent breweries together to celebrate craft beer, community and collaboration, while putting the bustling South Sydney beer scene firmly on the map. At GABS Sydney there’ll be three members showcasing their sippers; Slow Lane, The Social Brewers and Frenchies
TOUR DE GABS
Bentspoke Bike’s bring the TOUR de GABS action! Jump on and challenge your mates to a race to claim the session sprint titles It’s loads of fun and there are great prizes on offer.
WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF WINE
DOOM JUICE is making a heavenly entrance with their epic 13-metre inflatable church and you’re invited to step inside. Come confess your love of wine
BUCKETTY’S + BUTTERBOY COLLAB
Say hello to the Choc-Chip Cookie Porter, brewed in collaboration with Sydney’s cookie kings ButterBoy and pouring for the first time ever at GABS
Plus they're dishing out some vodka soda's for those moments when your pallet hits hop overload. Bucketty's are a vibe, go get some
HIGHLIGHTS
MATSO’S WIN A VAN
Matso’s has always embraced a spirit of adventure and discovery – crafting heatbeating refreshment since 1997. Now, they’re giving you the chance to experience the ultimate freedom of van life with the opportunity to win the ultimate Van Life Camper – valued at $110K!
FEEL THE RHYTHM WITH LATIN BEER
Latin Beer is bringing the vibrant spirit of Latin America to GABS with live salsa dancers lighting up their stall all weekend long. With cold cervezas in hand and music in the air, it’s the perfect blend of flavour and fiesta Don’t just taste the culture dance in it!
REAR END REWARDS
Step right up, don’t be shy! Check out this delirious fun to look forward to! Introducing Rear End Rewards Buy any full size glass from the Delirium stand at GABS for the chance to take the plunge and win a prize!
MATSO’S WHEEL OF POURTUNE
The famous wheel of pourtune will take place on the main stage It’s a game show based off some of the best classic game shows like “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, “Deal or No Deal” and “The Price Is Right!”. Spin it to win it!
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JOIN IN ON A
MASTERCLASS
SESSION 1 FRIDAY 30 MAY
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE BEER & SALAMI PAIRING
7:00 PM
Is there a better combo than beer and award-winning salami’s? We think not!
8:00 PM 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
A journey through the abv’s of beer Does higher alcohol mean better beer? You tell us!
MONKEY SHOULDER WHISKY COCKTAILS
9:00 PM
10:00 PM
Cocktails that challenge the perception of Whiskythis masterclass is for anyone who doesn't think they like Whisky (and of course, for those who already do))
I scream for ice cream!
There are so many ice-cream beers this year, we couldn’t resist the urge to taste them all. This may or may not end with the best ‘spider’ you’ve ever had!
SESSION 2 SATURDAY 31 MAY
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
UP & COMING BREWS - PRESENTED BY HPA
Snack and beer pairings featuring U&C brewers & beers
SCHLENKERLA & SAUSAGE PAIRING
One of Germany's oldest breweries, famous for their incredible smoked beers. Meet 6th generation brewmaster and owner, Matthias Trum as we taste our way through one of the best pairings in life… smoked beers and Smokey sausages!
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Is there a better combo than beer and award-winning salami's? We think not!
MONKEY SHOULDER
Cocktails that challenge the perception of Whiskythis masterclass is for anyone who doesn't think they like Whisky (and of course, for those who already do))
SESSION 3 SATURDAY 31 MAY
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
2:00 PM
10:00 PM
SCHLENKERLA & SAUSAGE PAIRING
One of Germany's oldest breweries, famous for their incredible smoked beers Meet 6th generation brewmaster and owner, Matthias Trum as we taste our way through one of the best pairings in life… smoked beers and Smokey sausages!
MONKEY SHOULDER
Cocktails that challenge the perception of Whiskythis masterclass is for anyone who doesn't think they like Whisky (and of course, for those who already do))
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Is there a better combo than beer and award-winning salami's? We think not!
I scream for ice cream!
There are so many ice-cream beers this year, we couldn’t resist the urge to taste them all. This may or may not end with the best ‘spider’ you’ve ever had!
CHECK OUT THE
ENTERTAINMENT
SESSION 1 FRIDAY 30 MAY
TIME ACTIVITY
6:00 PM OPENING BELL
6:30 PM MATSO'S WHEEL OF POURTUNE
6:30 PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING IS KICKING OFF
6:45 PM KEGSTAR KEG CHALLENGE
7:00 PM HOOPS & MAGIC
7:05 PM EATING COMPETITION #1
7:25 PM UNO ONE OF MANY
7:40 PM HOT POTATO BAND - SET #1
7:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
8:00 PM LATIN BEER DANCERS + MUSIC AT THEIR STAND
8:35 PM MATSOS WHEEL OF POURTUNE
8:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
940PM EATING COMPETITION #2
9:45PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING (FINALS)
10:00 PM AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIPS
10:25 PM RHYS THE TRICKSTER
10:45 PM HOT POTATO BAND #2
11:09 PM BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
11:15 PM CLOSING BELL
ENTERTAINMENT
SESSION 2 SATURDAY 31 MAY ( DAY)
TIME ACTIVITY
11:00 AM OPENING BELL
11:30 AM MATSOS WHEEL OF POURTUNE #1
11:30 PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING IS KICKING OFF
11:45 PM KEGSTAR KEG CHALLENGE
12:05 PM EATING COMPETITION #1
12:25 PM UNO ONE OF MANY
12:40 PM HOT POTATO BAND SET #1
12:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
1:35 PM MATSOS WHEEL OF POURTUNE #2
1:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
2:35 PM EATING COMPETITION #2
2:40 PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING (FINALS)
2:55 PM AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIP
3:15 PM MERRICK'S "ARE YOU BETTER THAN A BREWER?"
3:30 PM RHYS THE TRICKSTER
3:45 PM HOT POTATO BAND SET #2
4:09 PM BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
4:15 PM CLOSING BELL
TIME
ENTERTAINMENT
SESSION 3 SATURDAY 31 MAY ( NIGHT)
ACTIVITY
6:00 PM OPENING BELL
6:30 PM MATSOS WHEEL OF POURTUNE
6:30 PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING KICKING OFF
6:45 PM KEGSTAR KEG CHALLENGE
7:00 PM EATING COMPETITION #1
7:00 PM HOOPS & MAGIC
7:15 PM UNO ONE OF MANY
7:25 PM
MERRICK'S "ARE YOU BETTER THAN A BREWER?"
7:40 PM HOT POTATO BAND SET #1
7:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
8:00 PM LATIN BEER DANCERS + MUSIC AT THEIR STAND
8:00 PM MAGICIAN
8:40 PM MATSOS WHEEL OF POURTUNE
8:45 PM CIRCUS PERFORMERS
9.35PM EATING COMPETITION #2
9:45PM BENTSPOKE ROLLER RACING (FINALS)
10:05 PM AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIPS
10:15 PM RHYS THE TRICKSTER
10:45 PM HOT POTATO BAND SET #2
11:09 PM BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
11:15 PM CLOSING BELL
FOODHALL
EL’S FRIED CHICKEN
EMPANADAS CHE
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
FANCY HANKS
BIANCO KITCHEN
THE BRISKET & BRAWN BBQ CO.
BROOKLYN DEPOT
BILTONG TO GO
LORE
HOWTO: TASTE
01
LOOK
Raise the beer in front of you but don't hold it up to direct light Pay attention to the colour, clarity, foam and consistency.
03
SMELL
Take two quick sniffs through your nose and then one long one. Try breathing with your mouth open and closed and take note of what you sense.
05
MOUTHFEEL
How does the beer feel in your mouth? It could be light and airy or it might be heavy and viscous? Is it very bubbly? The mouthfeel will be different depending on the style of beer, brewing methods and ingredient quality.
02
SWIRL
Gently swirl the beer in the glass to unlock its aromas, stimulate carbonation and test head retention.
04
TASTE
Take a small sip but don’t swallow right away. Instead, allow the beer to linger in your mouth which will allow the beer’s characteristics and flavours to shine through. Fruity, smoky, smooth? What do you experience.
06
EVALUATE
Take notes! Beer tasting is an individual experience. The more tasting you do it, the better you’ll get at understanding your own preferences.
AUSSIE HOPS FOR BREWERS & BEER LOVERS
Proudly supporting the Up & Coming Brewers Bar
CRISP
Light, clean & refreshing
Delicate fruit Subtle fruit flavours add depth to these beers.
Maltaccented
Brisk hoppiness
HOP
Hop flavours and bitterness are the hallmarks of these beers
MALT
Expect some sweetness and flavours of nuts, toffee, caramel & fruit
ROAST
The highly roasted malts in these beers give coffee or cocoa style flavours
SMOKE
Smoked malts impart characters similar to some malt whiskeys or smoked meats
FRUITY/SPICY
Pepper, banana, and clove flavours are found in these yeast driven styles
TART/FUNKY
Yeast and bacteria give a combination of sour, rustic and earthy characters
Earthy & Dry
Malty backbone
Bold, herbal & citric
Toasty & nutty
Fruit & toffee
Some sweetness from a biscuity malt profile.
Fresh, refreshing hop aromas with crisp bitterness
Earthy, hay-like, grassy, and woody hop flavours with a dry malt profile.
Bursting with hop flavours and a complex or rich malt profile
Mild malt and heavy use of hops creates citrus, resin and tropical fruit flavours.
Earthy, hay-like, grassy, and woody hop flavours with a dry malt profile
The malts provide flavours such as dried fruit, plums or toffee.
Soft & silky
Dark & dry
Subdued smoulder
Spicy & meaty
Smooth and decadent with flavours of milk chocolate, coffee or hazelnut.
Full on roast characters such as espresso, dark chocolate, and raw cocoa
The smoke is usually gentle, intriguing and in harmony with the other flavours
Bonfire and smoky bacon flavours, with subtle malts and yeast underneath.
Bright Bubblegum, citrus and banana flavours
Dark
Yeast and dark malts create dark fruit, banana bread and rich spice flavours
Delicate Mild acidity and with crisp, tart characters
Fruity & vinous
Vinous with pronounced acidity and fruit characters
Earthy Sour and funky, these are often aged in oak
HOW TO: ORDERAPADDLE
GRABATASTINGPADDLE&CHALK
These will be made available near the 30m long festival bar as you enter
CHOOSEASECTION,CHOOSE5BEERS
Given there are so many beers to choose from, we have split the bar into multiple sections with 20 beers in each The traffic light indicators are a guide to what might suit your tastes.
WRITETHENUMBERSONYOURPADDLE
Each beer has a number. Write the numbers down on the paddle in sequential order
HANDITTOOURBARSTAFF
Our friendly bar team will now fill your glasses with your selected beers!
Work your way through each section or go back for seconds of your most loved brews!
SECTION 1: FESTIVALBREWS
SECTION 2:
SECTION 3:
SECTION 4.
SECTION 5:
