Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend celebrating Far North craft brewing

Hemingway’s Brewery is all set to host its annual Oktoberfest celebrations this Saturday. See what’s in store.

Five Queensland breweries have teamed up to celebrate beer, bratwurst and Bavarian-inspired fun at the annual Hemingway’s Brewery Oktoberfest this weekend.

The Far North Queensland brewery will host its fifth annual Oktoberfest from midday Saturday at its Cairns Wharf location alongside local breweries Macalister Brewing Company, Maggie Island Brewery, Billycart Brewing Co. and newcomer Copperlode Brewing Co.

Hemingway’s head of hospitality, Roman Haslinger, a proud German himself, said the event was the highlight of his year.

“My heart bleeds this time of year when I’m so far away from Munich but the great thing is we are recreating something very similar here,” Mr Haslinger said.

Each brewery will bring along a selection of specially made beers for festivalgoers to sample.

Hemingway’s head brewer Lee Drummond said the weekend’s event would provide a different taste for their regular patrons.

“We don’t tend to do that many German traditional style beers,” Mr Drummond said.

“If you want to try something more traditional, Saturday is the day to try it.”

An extensive German menu of pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzels, kraut, and spaetzle will be on offer and live entertainment from Cairns musician Tony George will entertain the crowds.

“Everybody sits together, talks, socialises,” Mr Haslinger said.

“People can sing along, swing along and just have a good time.”

Prizes will be up for grabs for best-dressed and for the winners of the keg lifting and stein sliding competitions.

Oktoberfest is a free, family-friendly event and will be open from noon until late. More information can be found at www.hemingwaysbrewery.com.

Originally published as Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend celebrating Far North craft brewing