Late February
Beerfest
Hosted by Melbourne Brewers
The first major Victorian competition offers a range of styles that can vary year to year.
- Focus: Varies by year
- Good for: Broad-category entries
Victorian homebrewing
Competition calendar
Club competitions through the year, the Victorian state championships and the national finals.
The annual competition season
Competitions across the year
The timings below are a guide to the usual season. Confirm this year’s dates, entry windows and eligible styles with the organiser.
Late March
IPA Competition
Hosted by Merri Mashers
A focused competition for brewers who want sharp feedback on modern, classic, and specialty IPA styles.
- Focus: IPA styles
- Good for: Hop-forward beers and specialty IPA entries
April-May
Belgian Competition
Hosted by Yarra Valley Brewers
A specialty competition that rewards brewers who can handle complexity, balance, and the broad range of Belgian styles.
- Focus: Belgian styles
- Good for: Belgian ales and expressive yeast-driven beers
July
Stout Extravaganza
Hosted by Westgate Brewers
A style-led winter competition built around darker, roastier, and more robust beer categories.
- Focus: Stouts and porters
- Good for: Dark beer specialists and winter brewing comps
September
Vicbrew State Championships
Victorian state championships
The major Victorian competition of the year, bringing together clubs, judges, stewards, and entrants from across the state.
- Focus: All BJCP styles
- Good for: Brewers aiming for state-level recognition and AABC qualification
October
Oktoberfest
Hosted by Bayside Brewers
A focused competition for brewers working within traditional German styles and fermentation profiles.
- Focus: German beer styles
- Good for: Lagers, bocks, wheat beers, and classic German brewing
National finals
Australian Amateur Brewing Championships
National competition
The final step for Victorian brewers who qualify through the state championships and want to compete at the national level.
- Focus: National final for qualifying entries
- Entry path: Vicbrew placegetters can progress to AABC in the same category
Before you enter
Check opening and closing dates, match your beer to the competition’s style guidelines, and confirm packaging and drop-off details with the host club.
Style guidelines