The Darker Days Festival has come to a thrilling conclusion after three days of non-stop excitement, filled with unforgettable moments of music, delectable food, craft beer, spirits, wine, cider, bonfires, dancing, and even a hot diggity dawg competition!

With all tickets sold out, we welcomed 1200 beer and music lovers who immersed themselves in the vibrant midwinter festival atmosphere.

It all kicked off with our Welcome Party on Friday night where Benny Williams played to a packed Hop Terrace.

Then for the main event on Saturday 17 June, Mother Nature was on our side as the festival unfolded, creating the perfect backdrop for an winter experience that wasn’t too cold (or wet)! The energy was electric as renowned artists such as DJ Saucy Soph, Raging Moby, The Maes, Nicky Bomba, Vaudeville Smash, and the Pierce Brothers took the stage and delivered unforgettable performances that left the crowd in awe (head to our Facebook and Insta pages to see all the action!).

The line up of guest breweries and beers on tap meant that you could quite easily not drink the same beer twice! It really was a remarkable showcase of Australia’s independent beer scene. Special thanks go to One Drop Brewing Co., Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery, La Sirène Brewing, Co-Conspirators Brewing Company, and the High Country Brewery Trail. Additionally, our local boutique cidery and distilleries, Alpine Cider, Reed & Co Distillery, and Backwoods Distilling Co., who added their exceptional spirits and cocktails to the mix, enhancing the festival experience.

But the party doesn’t have to stop there! Relive your fave festival moments at home with our Darker Days collab beer “Frost Fire Australian Strong Ale”, brewed between Bright Brewery and esteemed guest brewers Co-Conspirators Brewing Co, One Drop Brewing Co., and Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery. 

This beer, as well as our official Darker Days merch (hoodys and tees) will be available online soon.

In the mean time, mark your calendars for the third weekend in June, because Darker Days 2024 is already on the horizon. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we brew up something truly incredible for next year. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable celebration.

Bright Brewery is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Darker Days Festival on Saturday, June 17 – an immersive celebration of all things dark and decadent in the heart of the Alpine winter.

With the festival due to sell out today, a crowd of 1200 enthusiastic attendees will converge on the brewery to revel in a night of unforgettable music, art, and unique craft beer experiences.

Taking centre stage at Darker Days will be Australia’s hottest indie-folk duo, Pierce Brothers. This exclusive appearance at the festival is part of their headline tour across the country this year. Joining them on the line-up are an impressive array of Victorian artists carefully curated to enhance the festival’s vibrant atmosphere:

– Vaudeville Smash
– Nicky Bomba
– The Maes
– Raging Moby
– DJ Saucy

With such an exceptional line-up, festival-goers can expect a night filled with exceptional musical performances spanning various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

In addition to the captivating live music, Darker Days will feature an enticing collaboration between Bright Brewery and esteemed guest brewers Co-Conspirators Brewing Co, One Drop Brewing Co., and Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery. This collaboration will unveil a limited-edition beer exclusively brewed for the festival: the Frost Fire Australian Strong Ale. Crafted with care and passion, this special release promises a unique flavour profile that captures the essence of Darker Days.

Bright Brewery’s Darker Days Festival is about showcasing the diverse talents of Victorian artists and providing a platform for the region’s thriving music and craft beer scene. As the Alpine winter sets in, Bright Brewery invites attendees to embrace the allure of the darker side and indulge in an evening that promises to be unforgettable.

Darker Days kicks off on Friday 16th June with a Welcome Party (free event, all welcome) from 7pm.
Gates open for the festival 12pm, Saturday June 17.
Please see below for full event schedule or visit our Darker Days website for more information.