Beer festival could be lager than life at Howard Smith Wharves

A festival dedicated to showcasing Australia’s best lagers is coming to Howard Smith Wharves over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Felons Brewing Co has created Lagerpalooza to honour the popular style of beer, presenting 34 lagers from 16 of Australia’s best craft breweries and one international brewery.

Howard Smith Wharves will host a festival dedicated to lager.

The festival is split into two sessions – 11am to 4pm and 5pm to 10pm – on September 30 and October 1 before a last slot from 11am to 6pm on the public holiday on October 2.

When Felons brand director Dean Romeo entered the industry 15 years ago, there was a movement towards IPAs and hoppy beer.

But times have changed.

“In the past three to four years, a lot of people have shifted their palates and moved towards lagers,” he said.

“It’s one of the harder beer styles to produce because it needs a cooler fermentation and it’s difficult to mask any unwanted flavours.

“A really well-made lager is crisp and clean like a piece of paper. A single blemish would stick out.”

Some favourites from Range Brewing, Stomping Ground, Wayward Brewing and Eagle Bay Brewing will be available, along with margarita and wine bars.

A drink can be paired with barbecued meats grilled over an eight-metre Argentinian grill, freshly shucked oysters and local seafood, rotisserie chicken rolls and artisanal cheeses.

Lagerpalooza Festival will run over a long weekend.

The family and dog-friendly event will include roaming performers, outdoor music and a street art installation with three artists painting over the long weekend.

Romeo said the timing felt right for a festival, deeming the beer as refreshing and speaking to a wide demographic of drinkers.

“I think there’s been a trend with festivals where they have a bit more of a niche concept behind them like the Blobfish, the sour beer festival in Melbourne,” he said.

“The quality of beer coming out of Queensland is at an all-time high.

“It felt right to bring a festival dedicated to lagers.”

To purchase tickets, visit the website here.