LET US KEEP YOU POSTED ABOUT 2027
What is it?
Once a year, the picturesque mountain village of Clarens wakes up with a roar — barrels roll in, taps open wide, and the craft beer faithful descend for a weekend of bold brews, loud laughs, and damn good music. This isn’t just a beer fest — it’s a full-blown pilgrimage. With over 150 handcrafted beers and ciders, many brewed just for this weekend, you’ll taste the soul of South African brewing in every pour. Throw in live bands, mountain views, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time, and you’ve got a festival that sells out for a reason. Come thirsty. Leave legendary.
About the fest.
It’s niche. It’s limited. It’s for those who get it. The ones who chase flavour, who care who’s behind the tap, and who understand that the best brews don’t always come from big names — they come from passion, patience, and a bit of rebellion.
Why Clarens? Because something magical happens here. Tucked beneath the Maluti Mountains, this little village becomes a gathering ground for friends, makers, and flavour seekers. It’s not about the numbers. It’s about the craft — over 150 carefully chosen brews and ciders, many made just for this weekend, poured by the brewers themselves.
Friday is the inside track — a connoisseur’s dream where the rare and the risky get tapped early. Saturday? That’s the full festival fire — music, mountains, and a crowd that knows exactly why they came.
This is a celebration 15 years in the making. Built on relationships. Fueled by creativity. Loved by those lucky enough to get in.
Tickets are limited. Because we’re keeping it real. And keeping it special.
24 Craft Breweries
We don’t do average. Every brewery at Clarens Craft Beer Festival is carefully chosen — screened from across South Africa for their craft, character, and commitment to brewing something damn good. It’s the best of the best, no shortcuts, no fillers — just a line-up of real-deal brewers who bring the flavour, the fire, and the passion.
Awesome SA Bands
Bringing in a fresh wave of SA’s finest to stir the soul and shake the mountain. From feel-good nostalgia to full-tilt rock ‘n roll, expect the kind of soundtrack that gets the crowd moving and the beers flowing. This stage doesn’t do background music — it brings the noise.
2 Days of magic
Friday from 12:00 - 20:00
&
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Kindly note that gates close 90 minutes prior to festival closing.
Over 150 brews, ciders and more...
From crisp ciders to big, bold ales and everything in between — the taps are stacked, the options are wild, and there’s a pour with your name on it. Whether you’re a hop head, a sour chaser, or just here for the good times, we’ve got the flavour that fits.
This is where old friends reunite, new ones are made, and missing out means hearing about it for the rest of the year. The stories, the sips, the laughs — they all start here.
LET’S ROCK THIS – TICKETS ARE LIMITED
Our distinguished breweries
They pour with purpose, brew with guts, and show up with something special year after year. Now it’s your turn to get to know them — hear their stories, taste their passion, and discover the craft behind every pint.
Scroll down and meet the legends behind the brews.
Get to know the brewers
Paul - That Brewing Co.
Owner and brewer Serious about brew and also the king of nitro beer. Try out his irish red for yourself. Actually, try any of his nitro taps. Nobody does it like Paul.
Luca - Zwakala
The heart behind the broth - The indomitable Luca Tooley.
Almost always the biggest personality behind any stand and also probably the most entertaining stand to visit. Their beers match their gees, with fresh flavorful goodness from up north.
Greg - Afro Caribbean
Owner, brewer (mostly sometimes) Yes, that's Greg. He knows a thing or two about brewing amazing beers and living his best life while doing it.
Trevor - 1000 Hills Brewing Company
The bar is set pretty high here as this brewery is set and based in the legendary 1000 Hills Chef School, the bar is set
Marius - Hazeldean Brewing Co.
Marius, the sorcerer behind Hazeldean Brewing Company, is a malt magician conjuring elixirs that bewitch the senses. With a wizardry of hops and barley, Marius crafts liquid tales that transport sippers to realms of flavor. Each pint is a potion, a testament to his alchemical mastery in the brewhouse.
Apiwe - Tolokazi Beer
Get ready to meet South African brewing royalty!
There are not many places Apiwe has not brewed and not many brewers she has not inspired with her incredible talent and love for what she does. Her Tolakazi will certainly have you revisiting her stand for more.
Brendan - Copperlake
Owner, brewer & part time model Bren gave up a lucrative career in modelling for pursuit of his true love and happiness. Creating the perfect brew. Bren is also probably the highest qualified brewer in the country.
Megan - Clockworks
Undercover genius. We love chicks that brew and Megan is simply one of the best in the business when it comes to brewing. We recommend you give her Peanut Porter a try.
Trevor - 1000 Hills Brewing Company
The bar is set pretty high here as this brewery is set and based in the legendary 1000 Hills Chef School, the bar is set
Agars Family - Agars Brewery
Baldly and boldly beautiful. The Agars family, custodians of Agars Brewery, are artisans of ale, blending heritage with innovation. Their brewing legacy is a familial tapestry, woven with dedication and a love for craft. Each sip of their creations whispers secrets of generations, an ode to the Agars' timeless commitment to the alchemy of exquisite beer.
Shaun - Standeaven Brewery
Easily one of KZN's finest brewers, the heart and soul behind the Shongweni Market.
Gavin - OC Brewery
These are really big beers, crafted by masters of bold flavor, pushing the boundaries of brewing brilliance. Each pour is a testament to their audacious spirit, a symphony of robust malts and daring hops. These brewmasters don't just create beer; they orchestrate a grand crescendo of taste, leaving an indelible mark on every palate.
Food Stalls
Baha Taco
Death Star Canteen
Griekse Boertjie
Panini Bistro
Bez’t Poitjie
Bez’t Spit Roasts
Sumting Fresh
Eighty8s
Maddison Bakery
Delagoa Bay
The Filthy Moustache
Nut2Nut
Krispy Treats
Namaqualand Biltong
12,458+
liters of beer & cider
13
years of rocking festivals
7,600+
thirsts quenched every year
8+
rocking bands
Gallery
- All
- Gallery Item
A little bit more...
Quality Cuisine
Hydration is important, but good food is paramount. In the interest of that, we include a massive range of mouth watering food options to keep you fuelled.
Explore Clarens
Clarens has been voted in the top ten small towns to visit in SA for over 10 years running. Head out, explore the mountains or take in the art and culture of the beautiful village.
Bands that make em dance
Click a little hoof to some of SA’s top performing bands.
Arrive thirsty
Tickets do sell-out prior to the show, that gives you plenty of time to build up a thirst for SA’s most loved craft beer festival.
Bands that make em dance...
ticket prices
Kindly note that tickets are sold in phases, PHASE ONE HAS SOLD OUT PHASE TWO WILL COME IN OCTOBER : -
Phase one : to waitlist and previous attendees only. Limited to the first 2000 purchasers (sold out)
Phase two : general public. Limited to the first 1000 purchasers (coming October - join the waitlist)
Phase three : limited to locals and accommodation holders
FRAUD AND TICKET SCALPING WARNING :
PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS AND DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS OUTSIDE OF THIS WEBSITE OR FROM 3RD PARTIES.
TICKETS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE, USER GROUP / PURCHASER NAME WILL BE VERIFIED AT ENTRANCE
All access is charged for. Children’s tickets include access and child minding on the festival grounds. You can book for children when following the booking procedure.
More about the locals night...
Can you believe it? This year, we are celebrating 15 incredible years of music, memories, and mountain air. None of this would have been possible without the amazing hospitality of the Clarens Villagers, who have welcomed us into their home year after year.
To say a massive “Thank You” to this wonderful community, we are hosting a once-off, 15th-anniversary celebration to kick off the weekend early!
The Thursday Sunset Session
We’re starting the party early with an intimate, uplifting afternoon of live music and gratitude.
When: Thursday 26 February
Time: 16:00 – 20:00 (The perfect sunset slot!)
The Stage: We are thrilled to host the incredible Jaryd Smith and Jason Hartman for this special occasion.
Local Tickets & Special Perks
Since this is a standalone celebration, tickets for Thursday night are not included in the standard weekend pass—but we’ve made it very easy (and rewarding!) to join in:
Exclusively at Clarens Brewery: To keep it local, all Thursday tickets are sold directly at the Clarens Brewery.
The Anniversary Bundle: If you’re joining us for the full weekend, we have a gift for you! Purchase your Thursday ticket at the Brewery and you’ll receive a 20% discount on your weekend pass when bought at the same time.
Why join us?
This isn’t just another show; it’s a tribute to the village that makes this festival possible. It’s a chance to enjoy the music in a more intimate setting before the main gates open for the weekend.