The first annual Southwest Craft Beer Festival is happening this weekend in Margaret River. It’s a weekend devoted to discovering the region’s beer, produce and musical talent.

The growing number of quality breweries in the southwest is changing the face of the region – and the festival will prove it. On hand will be breweries such as Bootleg, Colonial, Cowaramup, Cheeky Monkey, Duckstein and almost a dozen others. Besides having the chance to taste the beer, you can learn from the brewers themselves during the ’Meet the Brewer’ and ‘Beer Appreciation’ sessions.

When the need for solid sustenance strikes, twenty local food vendors will be on hand. The Margaret River Burger Bar will be flipping patties, Settlers Tavern will be serving their famed paella and Two Fat Cows will tempt you with gourmet, artisan ice cream. Reckon they’ll have stout-flavoured fro yo?

But the weekend is about more than good eating and drinking. The festival has invited a huge line-up of musical guests. Saturday you’ll be able to see the likes of Kris Buckle, Paige Trantham, Ill Starred Captain and local favourite Cowtown. Sunday will see headliners and Triple J Unearthed winners Spilt Seconds take the stage along with Kate Tillman, Qynn and others.

So ditch the chardonnay and head on down to Margaret River. Just don’t tell Ray Jordan.

Where: 3 Oceans Palandri Estate, corner of Bussell Hwy & Boundary Rd, Metricup
When: 25-26 Feb, 11am – 6pm
Price: $25 pre-sale, $35 at the door
Details: swbeerfest.com.au

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