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Breweries from Japan and Australia will join New Zealand producers at Beervana 2026, with organisers expecting one of the festival’s strongest international line-ups to date.
Tickets for the two-day event at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on August 21-22 are now on sale, with more than 100 breweries and beverage producers expected to take part.
Growing international appeal
Beervana festival director Ryan McArthur says the event continues to strengthen its reputation as a meeting point for beer culture across New Zealand and Australia.
“There’s been an Aussie connection to Beervana for most of the festival’s existence, but this year feels particularly exciting.
“We’re seeing even more interest from Australian breweries and beer fans wanting to make the trip to Wellington. Beervana has always been a place where brewers come to experiment, collaborate and connect, and that trans-Tasman energy will be huge this year.”
To celebrate the growing Australian connection, Beervana has launched a search for Australia’s Biggest Beer Fan, with the winner receiving a trip to Wellington for the festival.
First-time international breweries
Among the international breweries attending for the first time are Sydney-based One Drop Brewing Co. and Slow Lane Brewing, Melbourne’s Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery, and Japan’s Yellow Monkey Brewing.
Based north-west of Yokohama, Yellow Monkey Brewing has built a reputation around community-focused brewing and modern beer styles.
“Their focus on community, connection and great beer is exactly what Beervana celebrates, so we’re thrilled to welcome them to Wellington,” Ryan says.
Local breweries mark milestones
Returning New Zealand breweries include Panhead Custom Ales, Emerson’s and Garage Project.
First-time Beervana participants will include Canyon Brewing, Searchlight Brewing Company, Big Mountain Mead and Neck of The Woods.
The festival will also mark the 10th anniversaries of Wellington breweries Double Vision Brewing and Choice Bros.
Double Vision co-founder Warren Drahota says the festival has played an important role in the brewery’s growth.
“We started out sharing a stand as the new faces, and now we’ve got a double stand with 12 taps pouring across the weekend.
“The thing that’s never changed is the warm welcome from the Beervana crowd – people come here genuinely excited to discover something new.”
Experimental brews
Among Double Vision’s festival offerings will be a beer brewed using cryogenically frozen hops, a process designed to intensify hop aroma and flavour.
“This year, we’re experimenting with cryogenically frozen hops, and the process does something incredible to the flavour,” Warren says.
“When you take a sip, it’s like biting straight into tropical fruit.”
Tourism impact
Ryan says Beervana has evolved beyond a beer festival into a major tourism and cultural event.
“It’s about creativity, community and discovery. You’ve got world-class brewing sitting alongside incredible food, immersive experiences, musical and theatrical artists and people coming together from all over New Zealand and Australia.”
According to organisers, last year’s festival contributed more than $3 million to Wellington’s economy during the event weekend.
Beervana is organised by the Wellington Culinary Events Trust and receives support from the Government’s Events Boost Fund.
