Thinking of entering GABS? This is what you should know

GABS Festival has unveiled its calendar for 2025, which includes events in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney next April and May.

Recognised as Australia’s leading craft beer festival, nearly 38,000 guests attended GABS 2024 across ten sessions, collectively purchasing 28,140 litres from 174 different breweries.

Ahead of GABS 2025, organisers have issued a final callout for breweries looking to participate. If you’re thinking about entering, these are some key points to consider:

First, registrations will be confirmed by the end of the year, so breweries looking to get involved are encouraged to register now.

Part of the registration process involves creating a GABS Festival Brew. The single golden rule for this release is that it must be a new brew that you have never released before. Having said this, the Festival typically prizes highly creative brews that feature a unique twist or ingredient, with previous years’ examples including releases such as a sushi beer, cookie stouts and lollipop sours.

Only 120 Festival Brews will be chosen for next year, each of which will be purchased by GABS at a set price based on the abv. This will range from $222.50 for sub-2.9% abv 50L kegs through to $402.50 for brews over 10% abv.

Additionally, breweries should apply for an exhibitor stand for their desired session. These vary in price based on size, type, and festival location. The cheapest Brisbane option will set you back $1,350 for two 5.5 hour sessions in a 3x3 metre inline stand, whilst the most expense non-custom spec stands at Melbourne and Sydney retail at $5,5000 for 9x3 metres.

Traditionally, over 80% of exhibitor stands sell out within the first day of opening, so GABS encourages all interested breweries to reserve their space in the Festival soon.

The 2025 GABS Festival dates are as follows:

MELBOURNE
4 - 5 April | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

BRISBANE
23 - 24 May | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank

SYDNEY
30 - 31 May | ICC, Darling Harbour

GABS 2025 event will once again welcome back representatives from Weihenstephan as a special guest of the brewery. Additionally, Bamburg's famous smoked beer brewery Schlenkerla will also be an official guest.

Tickets to the event are available to purchase here.