By Craig Lush
Every November, thousands of craft beer enthusiasts and local families head down to Nelson Place, to soak in the city views across Port Phillip Bay and sample some of Australia’s finest independent brews. But behind the delicious cold beers and the laid-back summer vibe is a hell of a lot of hard work and community spirit.
Ahead of its 12th outing on Saturday 28th November, I sat down with event director Shane to chat about the origins, the behind-the-scenes madness, and what keeps the Willy Beer Fest chugging along at a time when so many independent festivals are pulling the pin.
From Robertson’s Reserve to the Seaworks Waterfront
The festival’s roots go back to 2013, when Scott – publican of Williamstown’s iconic Steam Packet Hotel – decided to mark the pub’s 150th anniversary with a grassroots craft beer and cider celebration at a local reserve.
After building an initial local following on the reserve, the festival made the jump down to the historic Seaworks Maritime Precinct to tap into the venue’s massive waterfront appeal. Following a run there, the event went on a hiatus before eventually finding new life.
Enter Shane. Having dipped his toes into event management while running the Williamstown North Primary School Fete, he jumped at the opportunity to take the reins.
The waterfront location has since become central to the event’s identity. The combination of historic sheds, a wide-open concourse, and direct views over Port Phillip Bay gives Willy Beer Fest one of the most distinctive backdrops of any craft event in Victoria.
“Seeing 2,500 people having a great time, engaging with independent producers and the community—that’s what makes it rewarding,” Shane shares.
What keeps the taps flowing?
In an era where rising costs and regulatory hurdles have forced many festival operators to call last drinks, Willy Beer Fest continues to thrive. Shane credits a simple grounded philosophy: keep the event lean, keep the quality high, and focus on community over profits.
That longevity doesn’t come easy, though. While Shane used to run almost the entire show solo in the early days, he now leads a crew of 20 staff on festival day—including his son, who serves as his right-hand man.
For Shane, event day runs from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM, navigating a mountain of behind-the-scenes logistics such as first aid teams, event safety officers, sign offs from police and council, evacuation routes, RSA checks and strict security ratios.
Walkie-talkies and waterlogged marquees
Running an outdoor event along the bay isn’t without its near-catastrophes, and Shane has plenty of stories from the trenches.
One year, doors were nearly kept shut when the hired security team turned up without two-way radios—a non-negotiable regulatory requirement. An emergency dash to JB Hi-Fi saved the day, with security patrolling the venue communicating via bright, multi-coloured kids’ walkie-talkies.
Local roots, big community heart
Despite its growing footprint, Willy Beer Fest remains an inner-west local at heart. Shane prioritises hiring local contractors for everything from party hire equipment to entertainers.
The festival also gives back directly to the community. Every year, Shane runs a raffle featuring prizes from participating vendors, with 100% of proceeds going to the Les Twentyman Foundation to support vulnerable youth. Local sporting clubs and community groups also benefit through prize donations throughout the year.
While local attendance used to account for roughly 70% of the crowd, word-of-mouth has spread nationally. Today, punters travel from right across Australia—including a large crew who make the annual pilgrimage from Tasmania. Yet, with free entry for kids and a dedicated kids’ zone hosted by local business Peter Sadler Transport, the family-friendly atmosphere remains firmly intact.
What’s brewing for 2026?
The Taps: 100+ craft beers and ciders from over 16 independent breweries and cideries, including inner-west icons like Hop Nation, Mog Brewing, Barbarian, and Cavalier Brewing.
Special Brews: Keep an eye out for exclusive festival releases, as well as a special 4-way Westie collaboration beer brewed jointly by Cavalier, Barbarian, Mog, and Three Greens.
Beyond Beer: Local distilleries serving up artisanal gin, whiskey, wine, bubbles, hard tea, cocktails, and craft ciders.
Food Truck Alley: Slow-cooked American BBQ, fresh bánh mì, artisan cheeses, and plenty of vegan / vegetarian options.
The 80s Twist: Break out the leg warmers and neon – 2026 features an 80s theme, complete with live local bands culminating in a massive 80s afternoon dance party.
Event details
Saturday 28th November 12pm – 7pm. Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Williamstown.
Tickets: Available online via willybeerfest.com.au
