If you’re a beer or cider love and you appreciate a cold drink in a beer garden, clear your schedule for Saturday, March 21st. The Canberra Beer & Cider Festival is back to take over the Mercure Canberra. 

From 11 am to 6 pm, the corner of Ainslie and Limestone Avenue in Braddon will become a playground for the senses. With over 250 craft beers, ciders, spirits, and wines to sample, the festival is sure to have a drink for all amidst a display of true mastership in independent brewing. 

 

The Lineup: 40+ Legends of the Craft 

This year’s exhibitor list reads like a who’s who of the brewing world as local Canberra heroes will be rubbing shoulders with award-winning interstate visitors: 

  • The Local Legends: Check in with the crew from BentSpoke Brewing Co (celebrating 10 years of Canberra-brewed excellence), Capital Brewing Co, and Gungahlin’s own Cypher Brewing Co. 
  • The Travelers: Welcome the multi-award-winning Coastal Brewing Company from Forster, the community-focused Broulee Brewhouse, and the iconic Balter from the Gold Coast. 
  • Beyond the Brew: Don’t worry if you’re not a beer fan. Sip on bartender-made cocktails from MXTology, explore the “tree-to-bottle” ciders from Wheel Line Cider, or try something totally different with a session at Stone Dog Meadery. 

 

More Than Just a Drink 

While the beverages are the star of the show, there’s plenty more to keep you occupied between tasters: 

  • Gourmet Eats: Line the stomach with hand-crafted pizzas from Wild & Sour, authentic Spanish flavours from Vamonos Paella, or some local Jono’s Jerky.
  • Live Beats: The main stage will be packed from start to finish:
    11:00 am: DJ Big Deck (Feel-good festival openers)
    12:15 pm: Luca & Lije (Acoustic grooves and sunny vibes)
    2:30 pm: SEAN and The H-Cee Family (Soul, funk, and high-energy live music) 
  • Family Fun: This is a family-friendly affair! There’s face painting, carnival-style games, and prize giveaways at exhibitor stands. Plus, children under 18 get in FREE (though they still need a ticket). 

Why worry about the Uber home? Why not make a night of it? The Mercure is offering a “Beer Fest 2026” Package which includes overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast, entry to the festival, and a 4-pack of Sydney Brewery beers waiting for you.  

 

EVENT INFORMATION: 

Mercure Canberra, Corner of Ainslie & Limestone Ave, Braddon  

Saturday, 21st March 2026 | 11 am – 6 pm 

Ticket information: 

  • General Admission: $30 (Early bird until midnight Friday, March 20th). Includes entry and one $8 drink voucher! 
  • Group Special: $25 per person (Minimum of 6 tickets). 
  • On the Day: $40 (Online purchase). 

Find out more HERE