‘What’s that you say, a beer festival? Don’t mind if I do!’ We love that summer is just around the corner as that means one thing – the start or beer and wine festival season! There is nothing quite a like a proper New Zealand beer or wine festival and the Okere Falls Beer Festival is a beauty and marks the start of the season. Running from the 17-23 October, this is a proper week long celebration of all things hoppy and is a great chance to catch up with friends, sample some delicious beers and listed to some great live music – sounds perfect!
Okere Falls Beerfest
Okere Falls Beerfest Horn Band
For those who have not heard of Okere Falls, where have you been? Okere Falls is a small town just outside of Rotorua and they have been holding their fantastic beer festival for a number of years now, growing in popularity every year. This year, the Friday and Saturday events will be ticketed due to high demand so don’t miss out! These two days (21-22 October) promise to be the highlight of the festival with live music and German festivities including the horn-blowing Festival Band.
Friday night should also be a belter with live music from alternative surf sounds band Joe’s Van, acoustic beats from Whitechapel Jak and some high energy funk from Strangely Arousing.
Beer and Food
As well as the amazing live music, the Okere Falls Beerfest is mainly about the beer. This year will be no different and there will be a huge range of local, regional and national craft beers available throughout the week. To go with all this delicious food will be a wide range of German inspired food including German Bretzels, Griller Burgers, Bratwurst Sausages and more. Each night there are some special food promos to go with the delicious beer to keep an eye out or check the calendar of events below.
Okere Falls Beerfest Calendar 2016
Getting there and away
The thoughtful team at Okere Falls have thought of everything and there will be a shuttle bus running from Rotorua for just $10 return – awesome! Monday to Friday the bus will leave from Fenton Street at 5.30pm and return at 10pm. On Saturday there will be three buses heading out to Okere Falls – one at 12pm, 2pm and 5.30pm returning at 6pm, 9pm and 10 pm. Make sure you book your tickets in advance as they tend to be pretty popular!
You can find out more about the Okere Fall Beerfest on the official website and book your tickets through Eventfinda.