Crafted Festival is preparing for a significant milestone in 2026, marking a decade of championing independent breweries, coastal culture, and good times. Already established on the Gold Coast, the beloved beer, music, and culture festival will anchor its tenth-anniversary celebrations at Broadbeach’s Kurrawa Park on 12 September.
Building on its success on the Gold Coast and in Newcastle, the festival is making its biggest move yet by expanding to Melbourne for the first time. The addition of Melbourne to the 2026 line-up marks a major new chapter for the festival and the brewing community. Co-Founder of Crafted Festival, Anna Cook, says the Melbourne launch represents a celebration of how far the festival has come.
“To see it grow from those early days into the event it is now has been amazing,” Cook said.
While the craft beer and independent brewing sector has faced well-documented challenges and change in recent years, Crafted sees the move into Melbourne as a moment of opportunity, energy, and renewal for independent brewers, drinkers, and the broader beer community.
“Ten years on, and with Melbourne joining the mix, it feels like we’re entering a new chapter while still staying true to what Crafted has always been about,” Cook said.
With GABS pausing its Sydney and Melbourne festivals, Crafted is stepping forward to help invigorate the local brewing scene and create a fresh platform for breweries to connect with people.
“We see enormous opportunity to create fresh energy around Australian beer and give breweries new ways to reach drinkers in meaningful, memorable settings,” said Cook.
Speaking on the new location, Cook noted the excitement of reaching audiences in one of Australia’s great beer cities. “It’s one of the world’s great food and drink cities, and we’re excited to bring Crafted to a whole new audience while continuing to grow our footprint on the Gold Coast and in Newcastle”.
Known for pairing top breweries with live music, great food, and a laidback festival atmosphere, Crafted has built a strong following by spotlighting local makers and delivering a distinctly Australian beer festival experience. More details on brewery line-ups, entertainment, and ticketing will be released in the coming months. Breweries interested in being part of Crafted Festival 2026 are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest now.
Stay tuned for all the details on Crafted Festival 2026
Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach, Gold Coast – 12 September
Foreshore Precinct, Camp Shortland, Newcastle – 7 November
Riviera Beach Club, St Kilda, Melbourne – 21 November
https://www.craftedfestival.com.au
