Kangaroo Valley’s Craft Beer & BBQ More Epic Than Ever!

The Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival is roaring back up this September, promising to be bigger, bolder, and BBQ-ier than ever before. Hosted by The Friendly Inn Hotel, a classic country pub that Justin Hemms is yet to get his gentrified mitts on, is set to deliver a weekend packed with indie brews, smoking meats, and not-your-average-day-in-the-country entertainment.

Published 1st September 2024 By Natalie Harker
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Scheduled from the 13th to the 15th of September, the festival is shaping up to be the most exciting BBQ bash yet, catering to kids of all ages—including those who’ve never quite grown up and those who just pretend to be adults. It’s a backyard BBQ party on roids, making even the most epic Sunday session look like a quiet family picnic.

This year’s entertainment lineup is truly spectacular. Pro Wrestling Australia is making its debut at the festival, bringing the country’s most massive and formidable wrestlers right into the heart of Kangaroo Valley. This high-energy showdown is expected to be a festival highlight, with the ring set up in the back paddock all day Saturday and battles every hour..
“The Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival has become a real highlight of the year for us,” said Caroline Lenati, publican of The Friendly Inn. “We’re pulling out all the stops for 2024. If you thought last year was big, you haven’t seen anything yet!”

The fun doesn’t stop with the food and brews—this year’s lineup includes the ever-popular piglet racing on both Saturday and Sunday, where the cutest little racers will dash for glory and a saucer of milk. You can take a punt for the winning piglet by winning the live auction with monies raised going towards local sports clubs and charities.  Not to be missed is the lawn mower racing, a high-octane 4 stroke event that gets everyone cheering and laughing in equal measure. It’s these quirky, uniquely Aussie events that make the festival an unforgettable experience for everyone. In addition to the pro wrestling spectacle on Saturday, festival-goers can release their own inner lumberjack with outdoor axe throwing. Harness your skills in the new sport craze that will likely replace break dancing at the olympics. Headlining the live music stage Saturday will be Frank Sultana, known for his gritty, soulful blues. Frank has played just about every festival in Australia and even recorded his latest album in Memphis Tennessee. Sunday will be headlined by local legends the Bong Bong All Stars.  And for something truly epic, The Knights of Albion, an armored fighting club based in Albion Park, NSW, and part of the Australian Medieval Combat Federation, will take the stage on Sunday, showcasing full-armor combat that’s as fierce as it is entertaining.

The festival is also home to two BBQ competitions sanctioned by the Australian BBQ Association and the Steak Cookoff Association Australia. These epic battles will see BBQ teams from across the country competing for cash, glory, and the ultimate bragging rights. A few Sunday judging passes remain available for those who consider themselves BBQ connoisseurs, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the action.

The festivities kick off with a Friday night Launch Party at The Friendly Inn, where attendees can meet the brewers, enjoy low ‘n’ slow BBQ from Black Iron Smokers and Brazilian Flame Barbecue. There  and possibly even receive a shout or two from Bentspoke Brewing Co, Philter and Jervis Bay Brew co. The launch party is an ideal way to start a weekend filled with food, fun, and family-friendly activities.

“We’re all about making this a fun and memorable experience for everyone.Whether you’re coming for the craft beer, the BBQ, or just to have a great time with the family, the Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival is the place to be this September.” said Lenati. 

Grab yourself a 1-day pass for a taste, or go all in with a weekend pass and make a proper go of it. Tickets are available now at kvbbq.com.au. Kids under 12 get in free, so there’s no excuse to leave them behind. Want to make a weekend of it? Reserve a $6 camping spot at Bendeela and take advantage of a shuttle bus service to and from the event. Early purchase is recommended to secure a spot at what is sure to be your most talked-about event of the year. Hop on down, you’d be mad to miss it!
The Festival Line up* – The Friendly Inn 159 Moss Vale Road Kangaroo Valley
*The festival schedule is subject to change

Friday 13th September – Launch Party 5-8pm
With Black Iron Smokers,Brazilian Flame Barbecue, Bentspoke Brewing Co, Philter and Jervis Bay Brew co. 

Saturday 14th September Gates 10am – 6pm
10:45am Lawn Mower Race #1
11:00am Pre Wrestling Fight #1
12pm Piglet Race #1
12:45pm Lawn Mower Race #2
1:00pm Piglet Race #2
1:30pm Pre Wrestling Fight #2
2:00pm Piglet Race #3
2:45pm Lawn Mower Race #3
3:00pm Pre Wrestling Fight #3
3.30pm Steak Cook Off Awards
4:00pm Frank Sultana
4.30pm Piglet Race #4

Sunday 15th September Gates 10am – 4pm
10:30am Lawn Mower Race #1
11:00am Knight Battle #1
11.30am Piglet Race #1
12:00pm Lawn Mower Race #2

12:00pm Bong Bong All Stars
12:30pm Knight Battle #2
12:30pm Bong Bong All Stars
1:00pm Piglet Race #2
1:30pm Lawn Mower Race #3
2:00pm Knight Battle #3
2:30pm Piglet Race #3
3:00pm Australian Barbecue Alliance Awards

 

Nat Harker

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