Melbourne Sake Festival 2026 will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building, one of Melbourne’s most iconic historic landmarks, offering a refined celebration of Japan’s national beverage and its deep-rooted cultural heritage. As the largest sake festival ever held, it marks a major milestone for the event. From Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 July, guests are invited to move beyond the glass and explore the stories, traditions, and lifestyle that define sake culture.

Sake is more than just a beverage; it is a reflection of Japan’s history and regional spirit. This year, we are placing craftsmanship at the forefront –connecting Melbourne directly with sake experts and master brewers who continue to preserve these centuries-old traditions.

What to expect

• Sake tastings: More than 400 varieties of sake, fruit liqueurs and spirits will be available to taste. Attendees can engage directly with visiting Toji (master brewers) from Japan, along with local sake specialists, to explore regional profiles and gain insight into 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 for purchase from Melbourne-based restaurants and producers, ranging from traditional favourites to modern interpretations. This culinary line-up is designed to complement the sake tasting experience and highlight the diversity of Japanese food culture.
  
  Visitors will also be able to explore a variety of Japanese ceramics, crafts, and lifestyle goods, alongside accessories and artisan items from local creators. Artisans from Japan will be in attendance, offering a rare opportunity to experience their craftsmanship firsthand.
  
  This includes a traditional Japanese carpentry workshop making its Australian debut, featuring a visiting artisan from Kyoto and hands-on kanna (wood plane) experiences. The popular Japanese chopstick-making workshop will also return this year.
  
  Many products will be available for purchase, allowing guests to take home a piece of Japanese culture along with their festival experience.

• Seminars and pairing experiences: The 2026 Melbourne event will present a diverse range of seminars, offering opportunities to explore sake through both education and guided tasting experiences, suitable for all levels.
  
  Simone Maynard, Melbourne-based sake educator and recognised Sake Samurai, will host a range of sessions suitable for both beginners and more experienced sake enthusiasts. Her seminars will offer practical insights into sake selection, tasting, and food pairing.
  
  Marie Chiba, a recognised Sake Samurai and Tokyo-based sake sommelier, and owner of the renowned EUREKA! bar, will host a special premium seminar focused on ways to enjoy sake at home, featuring curated sake and food pairings. This exclusive, limited experience is available only at the festival.

Event information

Venue

Royal Exhibition Building

9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Dates and session times

Saturday 4 July 2026

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Sip 2:30 PM)
• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last Sip 7:30 PM)

Sunday 5 July 2026

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Sip 2:30 PM)
• 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last Sip 7:30 PM)

Tickets

• General Admission: $79
• Group Ticket (4 people): $300

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 4-hour tasting session
• Tasting sake cup to take home
• Sake brewers from Japan and local wholesalers to meet
• 400+ sake to taste for free (for 18+ ticketed patrons)
• A variety of Fruit liquors and Spirits to taste (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
• Access to a variety of seminars and food pairing sessions