Dunedin Craft Beer Festival Attracts 12,000 Enthusiasts

The 2025 Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival drew an impressive crowd of nearly 12,000 attendees over two days, celebrating the vibrant culture of craft brewing and culinary delights. Hosted at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, the festival showcased an extensive selection of 150 beers from breweries across Aotearoa and featured over 75 food vendors offering a diverse range of cuisines.

As the festival commenced on Saturday, the temperature soared to a sweltering 24°C, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. Attendees, both local residents and visitors, flocked to the stadium, eager to sample the offerings and soak in the summer vibes. The event was designed to celebrate not only craft beer but also the creativity and passion behind the food that accompanies it.

The festival’s promotion included eye-catching street posters that set the tone for an indulgent experience. Despite the heat, the energy among festival-goers remained high, with many eager to explore the various stalls. However, personal circumstances limited some participants’ culinary explorations. For one attendee, the experience was complicated by the discomfort of new ceramic braces, making the festival’s food offerings a challenge to navigate.

With a wide variety of craft beers available, attendees had the opportunity to taste unique brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Local breweries showcased their specialties, allowing festival-goers to engage directly with the brewers and learn about their crafting processes. This interaction added an educational element to the festivities, enriching the overall experience.

The success of the festival underscores the growing popularity of craft beer culture in New Zealand. Events like this not only promote local breweries but also support the economy through increased foot traffic and tourism. As the festival concluded, the enthusiasm for craft beer and food remained palpable, indicating a promising future for similar events in the region.

Overall, the 2025 Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival exemplified a successful gathering that combined community spirit with a celebration of local talents. As the event wrapped up, it left attendees with lasting memories, a taste for new flavors, and anticipation for next year’s festivities.