Professor Pilsner (aka Pete Mitcham) is the Editor In Chief of The Critics’ Choice – Australia’s Best Beers, a contributor to The Beer Lover’s Guide to Australia, and host of beer dinners and tastings through his company, Beer Blokes. A conversation with Prof Pilsner is a rich, bubbly journey through beer’s ongoing evolution.

Beer Diva, Kirrily Waldhorn has been involved in the industry for 20 years. She is one of Australia’s go to beer educators and is Dan Murphy’s Beer Ambassador. With experience in presenting on radio, TV and a heady list of consultancy, writing and judging in the beer industry, she brings 15 years’ worth of brewing knowledge to the classroom.

Ok, so it’s not beer related, but it is crazy fun! Think of it as a cross between group flash-dancing karaoke and lip sync battle. Come along and join the off-key singing, two left feet dancing or just be an amused bystander. Prizes will be awarded.

In the tradition of the local Maltsters vs. Brewers Cricket matches of the early 1900s, Joe White Maltings is celebrating 160 years of malting in Ballarat with a Cricket style Bocce Battle.

Step up to the crease for your chance to win spot prizes all afternoon. Maltsters, brewers and festival goers are all welcome to compete in the Ballarat Bocce Ashes!

You may have heard about our quest to find Ballarat’s greatest home brewer. A group of expert home brewers will be entering their liquid gold into the competition to be crowned Ballarat’s greatest home brewer.

Judging and awards will be presented on the main stage in front of thousands with the champion brewer winning a commercial brew at Fed Uni!

The brewery with the best looking stand will win this award, judged by festival sponsor Bintani, who have also proudly supplied the trophy.

Don’t forget to dress up! The best dressed punter will win a picnic hamper for 2 to enjoy on the day – provided by local business Wilsons Fruit & Vegetables. The winner will be announced around midday.

No family festival is complete without face painting!