The end of 2016 is drawing closer but there are some awesome beer festivals to keep you preoccupied. With stunning events in South Africa combined with some epic craft beer choices, you are guaranteed to have a blast!
Want to learn more about all of the festivals taking place across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria? Read on to see some of the most exciting beerfest choices.
Johannesburg Bierfest (2 – 4 September 2016)
You don’t have to look far for awesome events in Johannesburg, and the Joburg Bierfest at the Silverstar Casino is set for a weekend of fun, festivities and of course, beer galore.
The festival series, sponsored by South African Breweries, will be taking place across South Africa, with the Johannesburg leg taking place at Silverstar Casino where authentic Bavarian Brauhaus style can be found and enjoyed by all.
The beers that have previously been featured, and some may be featured again, include Krystal Weiss, Munich Dunkel and Royal Bavaria, all of which are unique.
You’ll also find a host of German, and Bavarian twists, with food and drink to enjoy, getting you in the spirit, pre-Oktoberfest.
Image Source: TOPS at SPAR Bierfest Facebook Page.
You can choose from a range of ticket prices to suit your budget, from R125, that includes a free beer tasting, all the way to R875, which includes a 3-course Bavarian meal, as well as 1L beer and access to a premium bar.
Stonehaven Spring Beer Fest (27 August 2016)
There’s not much better than the start of spring, unless you’re celebrating with a cold one. At the Spring Beer Festival on 27 August in Stonehaven, Vanderbijlpark, you can crack open a beer and enjoy the sounds of local bands, including the likes of Francois van Coke, Matthew Mole, Goodluck and many more.
It’s a family friendly event too, with options and river activities for all, from facepainting, jumping castles, to competitions, jet skiing and wakeboarding; as well as a host of food stalls and craft beer on offer. Full price, tickets are R60 and R20 for children.
Image Source: Spring Beer Festival Website.
If you are looking for great events in Johannesburg, this is not-to-be-missed. All in all, it’s a day out at the Vaal River, with good food, great bands and even better beer.
East Rand Beer Fest (27 August 2016)
If you are looking for a beerfest and can’t make it to Stonehaven, the East Rand Beer Festival is another great option. With an outdoor fun fair in Kempton Park, as well as drinks and much more, it’s a day of excitement.
It’s taking place at Arti Q Bar Rooftop and you can choose between General Access tickets that go for R70.00 and VIP Access tickets that go for R150.00.
Image Source: East Rand Beer Festival Facebook Event.
Durban Bierfest (30 September – 1 October 2016)
If you are looking for some epic events in Durban, the Bierfest series will be hitting Durban on the 30th of September, 2016. With festivals across the country this leg of the beer festivals series promises to be to be no less exciting than the ones in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
You’ll be welcomed into a 4000-seater Bavarian Brauhaus to experience a day of beer drinking and delicious Bavarian food. You’ll also have the chance to listen to live music and get festive as the day goes on, with Oktoberfest inspired fun and games, that all can enjoy.
Tickets to the Durban Bierfest range from R145 – R885 depending on the package you choose, from a beer tasting to a full on feast.
Image Source: TOPS at SPAR Bierfest Facebook Page.
Cape Town Bierfest (4 – 6 November 2016)
Beer events in Cape Town are something to behold, and the Cape Town beer festival just got bigger and better. It’ll be hosted on 4 -6 November, at the Newlands Brewery, in the 4000 seater Bavarian Brauhaus that Johannesburg and Durban revellers have come to know.
As with the other beer festivals, you can expect a range of Bavarian food, beer and music, making for a great day, or weekend, out.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without Deutsch Fleischsalat, Deutsch Fleischsalat and rotkohl to indulge in.
As with the Johannesburg and Durban leg, tick prices vary, depending on the package you choose, from R125 – R885, according to how you decide to experience the day and festivities.
Woodlands Craftober (1 October 2016)
Another exciting addition is the Woodlands Craftober festival, the first ever Woodlands School’s festival which will take place on 1 October at the Floreat Riverside Lodge in Sabie.
A craft beer festival of note, you can expect craft beer and live music from Pretoria band Georgetown, as well as a host of games for children, at this family friendly event. Tickets are R130 and include a complimentary beer mug, while children get in for free.
Pecanwood October Fest (29 October 2016)
There is nothing quite like a sport, lifestyle and beer festival mix. Which is what Pecanwood Oktoberfest is set to offer on 29 October.
You can experience a weekend of trail running, 4x4ing, music, beer, wine and much more on offer.
The festival, taking place at Pecanwood Farm, KZN Midlands, is a camping one and you can choose to bring your tent along, or go with a range of accommodation on offer in the surrounds.
Ticket prices range from R250 – R600 depending on when you buy them, so it’s best to do so as early as possible.
Cape Town Festival of Beer (25 -27 November 2016)
One of the most loved beer festivals in the Cape is the Cape Town Festival of Beer, which is making it’s way back for a seventh year.
One of the best events in Cape Town when it comes to beer, the Cape Town Festival of Beer will be taking place at Hamilton’s Rugby Club in Green Point from 25 – 27 November and promises to delight as per usual.
The event showcases local and international craft beers and this year is no different with 200 beers being showcased and over 60 breweries offering limited edition options.
Alongside all the beer, is music, a range of food stalls, with options to pair with many of the beers, as well as rugby being televised, lucky draws, merchandise and raffles. If all that isn’t enough, you can take a guided beer tour and experience the most at the festival.
Other Awesome Beer Festivals and Events
Other beer festivals not to miss include the SAB World of Beer beer pairings, where you can experience a range of delights, across courses and accompanied with beer at World of Beer every month.
SA on Tap Craft Beer Festival
The SA on Tap Craft Beer Festival taking place in Durban and Pretoria is another series not to miss. With over 150 beers, ciders and wines, it is a showcase of what all the best local breweries and wineries have to offer.
The Durban event took place on 30 July at Kings Park and the Pretoria leg will take place on 22 October at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens.
Most of the events are held with big brands and smaller, much loved local breweries taking part, from SAB, to city fare, you can find a selection of beers across all of the festivals.
Image Source: SA On Tap Website.
Craft beer has grown in popularity over the years in South Africa and isn’t slowing down, while bigger and more established companies like SAB are still at the forefront of beer. Sponsors for the events include Spar and Tops as well as a range of city-wide breweries.
As for which festival to choose from, it’s all about taste and what you’re in the mood for on the day, you’ll find a host of options to enjoy across South Africa.
Looking for awesome events in South Africa? Browse through Junk Mail’s Event Classifieds to find tickets to the latest and greatest beer festivals across our beautiful country! Do you have a beerfest coming up or some tickets you would like to sell? Place your FREE AD on www.JunkMail.co.za now!
Did we miss any upcoming beer festivals? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Hi, do any of these have stalls for exhibitors like us? Kind regards, Mrs. Patricia van Vuuren
Hi Trish,
You can click on any of the links to the festivals to find out if there are still stall-space available.
Thanks for using Junk Mail!