The craft brew industry is booming in South Africa. Beer drinkers are increasingly excited to try different flavours and a number of local breweries are stepping up to create traditional method brews with distinctive flavour profiles. Anyone care for a pint?
Look out for these up and coming craft beer festivals in South Africa:
Clarens Craft Beer Festival
When: 22 – 24 February 2013 (22 Feb from 12 – 6pm; 23 Feb from 10am – 6pm; and retail sales on 24 Feb from 10am – 12pm)
Where: Clarens Village Square, Clarens, Free State
Tickets: Friday R65; Saturday R85; Friday and Saturday R120; non-drinker R40. Tickets available via Webtickets, Clarens Brewery, or at the gate.
Kicking off the 2013 beer festival front is the Clarens Craft Beer Festival, celebrating more than 50 different craft beers and ciders from across South Africa. Whether you prefer Ambers or Pales, Stouts or Ciders, come to Clarens to sample the incredible variety of award-winning brews. With great food stalls, live entertainment, a kiddie’s play area, and incredible views of the Maluti Mountains, there’s no better place to enjoy a great day out. Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
The Constantia Craft Beer Project
When: 23 – 24 February 2013; Saturday: 10am – 10pm, Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Where: False Bay Rugby Club, Constantia Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
Tickets: R80 via Quicket (20 BrewBucks can also be purchased for R100)
Taking place on the same weekend is the Constantia Craft Beer Project (which is reassuring for the Capetonians who can’t make it to the Free State). After the resounding success in 2012, this year’s festival promises to bring a whole lot more to the table. The festival will showcase 15 local and international craft brewers along with delicious slow food (as opposed to unhealthy “fast” food) stalls and local wineries. A new concept of brew bucks has also been launched to give festival-goers a chance to buy tasters and food with their very own beer currency. The festival is fun for the whole family, so come along and enjoy a picnic-like atmosphere on the lawns with arts, crafts, and fantastic live entertainment. A supervised area will have activities like pony rides for the kids to enjoy while the grown-ups savour fine craft beer and wine. Follow on Facebook.
SA on TAP
When: 23 – 24 March 2013, 10am – 6pm
Where: The Brightwater Commons, Republic Road, Randburg, Gauteng
Tickets: From R80 – R150 via Quicket. Limited passes will be available at the door on the day.
SA on TAP is back to celebrate the widest selection of craft brew in Africa. Craft beer lovers can experience exciting new breweries and a range of beers that cannot be found anywhere else. There will also be a selection of unique summer blends that breweries have added to their already extensive range. Enjoy over 80 different blends from 22 breweries, delicious food, live super rugby matches, and local bands. Whether you prefer to relax on the lawns or take in some fun and games with friends and family, this event is not to be missed. Collectable SA on TAP glasses will be handed to the first 2000 registered and paid ticket holders. Follow on Twitter and Facebook
Jozi Craft Beer Fest
When: 4 May 2013, 10am – 7pm
Where: Marks Park Sports Club, Judith road, Emmerentia, Gauteng
Tickets: Adults pay R100 via Webtickets and R120 at the door; age 3 – 18 pay R50; under 3’s go free. Pre-sale tickets include a branded beer mug.
Gather at the third edition of the Jozi Craft Beer Fest to savour over 70 of the finest South African craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Live music will be playing to your ears throughout the day and gourmet eateries will be offering up superb food. Safe kiddie’s entertainment with qualified child minders will be available. Follow on Twitter and Facebook.
If you need accommodation for any of these festivals, remember to do it the easy way by booking through TravelGround!
What is your favourite South African craft brewery?
