Caroline Springs is set to host its first-ever Caroline Springs Beer, Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, November 22. The event will transform over three acres of Lake Street, the foreshore, and the WestWaters Entertainment Complex into a vibrant, family-friendly celebration. Presented by Oscars Group, this festival marks the company’s debut in Victoria after achieving success with similar events in New South Wales.
The festival will feature more than 20 beverage producers offering craft beers, boutique wines, and artisanal spirits. These selections will highlight local makers alongside some of Victoria’s well-established brands. Food offerings will range from pub classics at Ruck & Rover Sports Bar to share plates and charcuterie at Miss Caroline, and seafood, pasta, and premium grill selections at Saige Bistro. Attendees can also enjoy cheese platters, dessert trucks, and picturesque lakeside spots to relax for the afternoon.
Festival Highlights and Attractions
The festival promises a day filled with entertainment and culinary delights. Two live music stages will feature performances throughout the day. Headlining the event are Tim Watson from the ARIA double-platinum band Taxiride and Australian Idol top-five finalist Ricky Muscat. Watson will bring the energy of pub rock, celebrating Melbourne’s rich live music heritage, while Muscat will offer soulful pop and R&B. A lineup of local bands and artists will complete the six performances scheduled for the festival.
Stallholders from Melbourne’s west and beyond will showcase their products. Derrimut’s Cavalier Brewing will offer award-winning craft beers ranging from crisp pale ales to rich stouts. Laverton’s Arktika Vodka, a gold medallist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, will demonstrate the region’s distilling prowess. Little Lon Distilling Co. will present small-batch gins, including Miss Yoko Gin, a silver medallist at the 2023 London Spirits Competition. Abbotsford’s Bodriggy Brewing Co. will serve inventive IPAs and velvety stouts.
Family-Friendly and National Favorites
National favorites will also make an appearance, with Byron Bay’s Stone & Wood pouring its iconic Pacific Ale in a dedicated beer garden. An Aperol cocktail lounge will offer refreshing drinks with scenic lake views. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including kids’ games, face painting, and balloon artists throughout the day.
Venues within the WestWaters Entertainment Complex, such as Saige Bistro, Miss Caroline, and Ruck & Rover Sports Bar, will continue to operate during the festival, adding entertainment, pop-up stalls, and lounges. Lake Street will be closed to traffic to create a pedestrian-friendly festival zone along the waterfront.
Celebrating Local Culture and Community
Oscars Group aims to position the festival as a showcase for Melbourne’s west, celebrating the region’s burgeoning food and beverage scene alongside its growing population. With free entry and activities for all ages, the festival aspires to become an annual event that highlights local producers, musicians, and community spirit in Caroline Springs.
The announcement comes as the area experiences significant growth, both in population and cultural offerings. By spotlighting local talent and producers, the festival seeks to foster a sense of community and pride among residents and visitors alike.
As the festival draws near, excitement builds around the potential for Caroline Springs to establish itself as a cultural hub within Victoria. The event not only promises a day of enjoyment but also underscores the region’s capacity to host large-scale, inclusive events that cater to diverse audiences.
“The Caroline Springs Beer, Food & Wine Festival is more than just a celebration of local flavors; it’s a testament to the vibrant community spirit and the region’s potential to grow as a cultural destination,” said a representative from Oscars Group.
Looking forward, the success of this inaugural festival could pave the way for future events, further cementing Caroline Springs’ reputation as a key player in Victoria’s cultural landscape.
