The ultimate guide to the Gold Coast's Crafted Beer Festival

When: TBC September 2025

If you're a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good festival, the Crafted Beer Festival in Broadbeach, Gold Coast, is an event you can’t miss. This annual celebration of craft beer brings together brewers, beer lovers, and fun-seekers from across Australia and beyond.

Set in the vibrant heart of Broadbeach, the frothy festivities offer a perfect mix of delicious brews, live music, and an electric atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know about the event – and why you should add a few cheeky days on either side to explore more of the Gold Coast.

What is the Crafted Beer Festival?

The Crafted Beer Festival is a weekend-long celebration that showcases more than 400 brews from more than 50 of Australia’s finest craft breweries, from Balter to Newstead, Slipstream, Stone & Wood, and Your Mates. Expect an impressive variety of beers, from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to refreshing lagers, plus some wild and wonderful experimental brews. You’ll also be able to sample a whole stack of alcoholic ginger beers, seltzers hard kombucha, and other ‘hard’ crafty brews, including 0% and low-alc bevs.

Of course, nothing hits the spot alongside a good brew quite like top-notch street food. The festival will feature a drool-worthy lineup of food trucks, slinging everything from calamari to burgers and wieners to wings.

In addition to the great food and drinks, the festival will bring the vibes with live music performances that keep the energy high throughout the weekend. You can expect a diverse lineup of local bands, DJs, and solo artists, all providing the perfect soundtrack to your beer-tasting experience. Leading the charge is Melbourne's indie rock legends, Children Collide, and joining the lineup are Byron Bay’s beachy indie-goths, Seaside, along with Newcastle’s indie-folk favorite, Austin Mackay, Byron Bay surf-rockers Lazy Ghost, and local rockers Lipline.

To top it off, there are plenty of games and activities scattered around the venue (think beer yoga!), making this event as much about fun and socialising as it is about great beer.

Getting to Broadbeach

Broadbeach is easily accessible whether you’re coming from nearby or travelling from further afield. The closest airport is Gold Coast Airport (OOL), about a 30-minute drive from Broadbeach. From the airport, you can take a taxi, Uber, or a shuttle service directly to your accommodation.

If you’re coming from Brisbane, the drive to Broadbeach takes roughly an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can take the train to Nerang Station and then connect to Broadbeach via bus or tram. 

Where to stay in Broadbeach

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, Broadbeach has a range of accommodations to suit every need.

• The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast: Looking to splurge on a luxe experience? The Star Grand has stylish rooms, a casino, and several high-end restaurants and bars right on site.

• Peppers Broadbeach: Offering spacious apartments with ocean views, Peppers Broadbeach is ideal for groups of friends looking for a home-away-from-home experience with the convenience of self-catering facilities.

• Q1 Resort & Spa: For a stay with a view, check out the Q1 Resort & Spa. This iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the Gold Coast and a range of amenities, including a day spa and multiple pools.

• Budget accommodation: If you’re travelling on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options such as motels, Airbnb or hostels in Broadbeach and nearby areas for comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost.

Where to eat and drink nearby

Broadbeach is a food lover’s paradise, brimming with dining and drinking options.

• Social Eating House + Bar: Perfect for groups, this trendy spot offers a tapas-style menu focused on shared plates so you can sample a variety of flavours.

• The Loose Moose: A great spot for beer lovers, The Loose Moose boasts an extensive craft beer selection and a hearty American-inspired menu.

• Kurrawa Surf Club: Recover with relaxed beachfront dining at Kurrawa Surf Club, where you can take in stunning ocean views while savoring fresh, casual fare.

• Elk Espresso: If brunch is your thing, Elk Espresso is a must-visit. Known for its creative dishes and top-notch coffee, it’s a great way to start your day.

• Mamasan Kitchen + Bar: For an evening out, head to Mamasan for an Asian fusion dining experience. The lively atmosphere and innovative dishes make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

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