Brisbane Sake Festival Returns in 2026, Bringing Japan’s Sake Culture to Brisbane🍶✨
Brisbane Sake Festival returns in 2026, transforming the John Reid Pavilion at the Brisbane Showgrounds into a refined celebration of Japan’s national beverage and its deep-rooted cultural heritage. From Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June, guests are invited to move beyond the glass and explore the stories, traditions, and lifestyle that define sake culture.
Sake is more than a drink; it is a reflection of Japan’s history and regional spirit. This year, we are placing craftsmanship at the forefront, connecting Brisbane directly with the sake experts and master brewers who keep these centuries-old traditions alive.
What to expect
Variety of Tastings: Discover over 100 varieties of sake, fruit liqueurs, and other beverages. Attendees can engage directly with visiting Toji (master brewers) from Japan and local specialists to learn about regional profiles and the intricate brewing process recently recognised by UNESCO as a cultural treasure.
Culinary Pairings & Artisan Goods: A curated selection of Japanese-inspired dishes will be available from local restaurants and producers, ranging from traditional favourites to modern interpretations. This culinary line-up is designed to perfectly complement the sake tasting experience and celebrate the rich diversity of Japanese food culture.
Visitors will also be able to explore a variety of Japanese ceramics, crafts and lifestyle goods, along with accessories and artisan items from local creators. Many products will be available for purchase, allowing guests to take home a piece of Japanese culture along with their festival experience.
Educational Seminars: Simone Maynard, Melbourne-based sake educator and recognised Sake Samurai, will host a sake seminar tailored for beginners. The session will introduce the basics of sake tasting, selection and food pairing, helping visitors deepen their appreciation of sake and the culture behind it.
Win a Trip to Japan with EVA Air
To further enhance the experience, the festival will also feature a giveaway in partnership with EVA Air. Two lucky ticket holders will win a return trip to Japan, offering the chance to take their sake journey beyond the festival and experience Japan firsthand. All Brisbane Sake Festival 2026 ticket purchasers will be automatically entered into the draw.
Event information
Venue
John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland 4006
Dates and session times
Friday 19 June 2026
6:00PM – 9:00PM (Last Sip 8:45PM)
Saturday 20 June 2026
11:00AM – 2:00PM (Last Sip 1:45PM)
3:00PM – 6:00PM (Last Sip 5:45PM)
Sunday 21 June 2026
11:00AM – 2:00PM (Last Sip 1:45PM)
3:00PM – 6:00PM (Last Sip 5:45PM)
Tickets Friday & Saturday
General Admission: $69
Group Ticket (4 people): $260
Sunday
General Admission: $59
Group Ticket (4 people): $220
Children under 18 may enter free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult (ID may be required).
A booking fee applies to all ticket purchases.
General Admission includes
A 3-hour tasting session
Take-home tasting cup (ochoko)
Sake brewers from Japan and local wholesalers to meet
100+ premium Japanese sake and fruit liqueurs (for 18+ ticketed patrons)
Sake available for purchase on site (for takeaway only)
Diverse and delicious food and food products from local restaurants and producers available for purchase
Exquisite Japanese Products available for take home purchase
