Vic Brew

Competition Calendar

Find the Victorian competition that fits your brewing.

Victorian clubs run a strong calendar of specialty competitions, culminating in the state championships, where the top three beers in each category advance to AABC. Use this page to see what runs across the year and where to go next.

Club-run season From late summer through spring, Victorian clubs host focused competitions with different styles, venues, and entry windows.
National pathway The top three beers in each Vicbrew category advance to the Australian Amateur Brewing Championships.

How to use this page

Plan your competition year

View Recent Results
Check opening dates Entry windows vary each year, so confirm timing with the host club before packaging your beer.
Match your styles Some comps are style-focused while others cover wide categories. Always confirm guidelines before you enter.
Use Vicbrew as the main milestone Vicbrew is the state qualifier, with the top three beers in each category advancing to AABC.

Season at a glance

Competitions across the year

Late February

Beerfest

Hosted by Melbourne Brewers

  • Focus: Varies by year
  • Good for: Broad-category entries and early-season feedback

One of the first major Victorian competitions each year and a useful way to get a read on your beers before the state season builds.

Visit Host Club
Late March

IPA Competition

Hosted by Merri Mashers

  • Focus: IPA styles
  • Good for: Hop-forward beers and specialty IPA entries

A focused competition for brewers who want sharp feedback on modern, classic, and specialty IPA styles.

Visit Host Club
April-May

Belgian Competition

Hosted by Yarra Valley Brewers

  • Focus: Belgian styles
  • Good for: Belgian ales, strong ales, and expressive yeast-driven beers

A specialty competition that rewards brewers who can handle complexity, balance, and the broad range of Belgian styles.

Visit Competition Site
July

Stout Extravaganza

Hosted by Westgate Brewers

  • Focus: Stouts and porters
  • Good for: Dark beer specialists and winter brewing comps

A style-led winter competition built around darker, roastier, and more robust beer categories.

Visit Host Club
September

Vicbrew State Championships

Victorian state championships

  • Focus: All BJCP styles
  • Good for: Brewers aiming for state-level recognition and AABC qualification

The major Victorian competition of the year, bringing together clubs, judges, stewards, and entrants from across the state.

Explore Vicbrew 2025
October

Oktoberfest

Hosted by Bayside Brewers

  • Focus: German beer styles
  • Good for: Lagers, bocks, wheat beers, and classic German brewing

A focused competition for brewers working within traditional German styles and fermentation profiles.

Visit Host Club
National finals

Australian Amateur Brewing Championships

National competition

  • Focus: National final for qualifying entries
  • Entry path: Vicbrew placegetters can progress to AABC in the same category

The final step for Victorian brewers who qualify through the state championships and want to compete at the national level.

Visit AABC
Style guidelines Check current categories and the AABC guideline documents before entering. Results archive Review recent outcomes and see how competitions have run across the last few years. Need help or updates? Contact Vicbrew if club details, competition links, or key dates need updating.