The GABS Beer, Cider and Food Festival, aka GABS, is taking dancing on the bar to a whole new level. Last year the team put an indoor Ferris Wheel inside the Royal Exhibition Centre. This year Ferris Wheel is back again (and highly recommended for a never-before-seen view of the building.) But why stop there?
Now Little Creatures has upped the ante with a sponsored stage on top of the container bar showcasing can-can dancers doing high kicks and splits and scantily-clad men performing circus tricks.
The team from Stomping Ground and The Local Taphouse put on this annual ‘must attend’ event that runs during Good Beer Week (described as ‘Disneyland for beer drinkers’.) Beer lovers can look forward to 170 specialty beers and ciders created for GABS and released to the public for the first time at the event. But you don’t have to be a beer nerd to enjoy the festival fun times.
In addition to the stage shows, the entertainment also includes games like Giant Jenga, a roving three-piece band, and a roller skating duo clad in mullets.
For those looking to learn more about the beers they’re drinking, there’s also the opportunity to attend masterclasses with free samples, chat with enthusiastic brewers, and join Ariston for food and drink experiences. With so much happening at every session, there’s now even an app to help punters plan their schedule.
A word of warning that the cost of the event can add up quickly. Entry alone for a single session is $45 and the 85ml tasters cost $2.20 each. But it’s hard to beat the unique GABS experience.
-Jenny
Jenny S. loves the magic of fermentation and supports local craft beer alchemy.
GABS runs through 21 May in Melbourne. Then it arrives in Sydney on 27 May and is off to Auckland for 16-17 June.
