From Thursday October 15 through to Sunday October 25, watering holes around the coast will be showcasing some of the best craft beer getting around for the inaugural Free The Hops Beer Fest. Kicking things off is the national launch of Stone & Wood Brewing Company’s fifth annual limited-edition Mash Collective beer at Bine Bar and Dining in Nobby Beach. Bringing together beer lovers from all walks of life, the 2016 Mash Collective has been created by free-surfing legend Asher Pacey, Three Blue Ducks and The Farm Byron Bay co-founder Jeff Bennett and Art Park founder and artist Paul McNeil. Friday October 16, head to The Cambus Wallace and sample some of Bacchus Brewing Co’s weirdest and most wonderful creations before backing it up the next night for Battle of the Beaches as our very own Burleigh Brewing Co takes on Sydney’s 4 Pines Beer for ultimate bragging rights. Sunday, hit up House of Brews for beers, bangers and beats.

Among the other must-see events is a magnificent five-course degustation dinner at The Cambus Wallace, a speed-date with local brewers at Ze Pickle, a peek at the coast’s newest gastropub The Institution Gastro Ale House and a journey into the land of Japanese craft beer at Etsu Izakaya. Lester & Earl will be opening the carpark for the anticipated Up In Smoke event and Southport’s Not Tonight is taking the celebrations into the street for its beer and bacon laneway party. The aim of Free The Hops is to be both educational and fun, so don’t worry if you’re not an expert on boutique brews, just come along, have a taste and maybe even learn a little something. Have a read of our chat with the festival’s founder Michaela Fitzgerald or just head over to Free The Hops’ website to start planning your attack.