If you were stranded on an island and could only consume one thing—water, beer or bananas—what would you choose?
It’s a question I once heard on a brewery tour (and yes, it stuck with me). The logic? Water will keep you hydrated, bananas will keep you going for a while… but beer? Well, beer, if you drink it slowly enough, gives you a bit of both—hydration and calories! Now obviously I’m not suggesting you ditch water for beer anytime soon, but it’s a funny little reminder of how beer has been a part of human culture for a long time—surviving famines, parties, revolutions and the occasional island survival theory.
So, in the spirit of raising a glass to good times, good brews, and a bit of fun, we’re jumping on board for International Beer Day—Friday 2 August!
Why International Days Matter (And Why You Should Join In)
There’s a whole calendar of fun “international days” out there—from the serious (International Women’s Day) to the delicious (World Chocolate Day) to the downright random (Talk Like a Pirate Day, anyone?).
You might wonder, why do these days even matter?
For us, working in the event and festival world, it’s simple: any excuse to celebrate, connect, and have a bit of fun is a good one. These light-hearted days are an opportunity to do something unexpected—decorate your office, run a staff competition, launch a themed product, or just bring a smile to your team or customers.
We like to keep an eye on what’s coming up using sites like timeanddate.com, which curates a brilliant list of international “fun” days throughout the year. It’s a goldmine for content ideas, team engagement, and event planning prompts. Plus, it’s a great excuse to try something new.
So, What’s the Deal with International Beer Day?
Held on the first Friday of August, International Beer Day is all about celebrating the craft, the brewers, and of course, the drinkers of beer. Whether you’re a lager loyalist, an IPA enthusiast, a sour seeker, or simply here for the beer nuts and good times—there’s something for everyone on this day.
And these days, everyone really does mean everyone. Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way (some of them are so good you’ll forget they’re booze-free), gluten-free options are now a thing of joy rather than compromise, and most beers—even your favourite craft brews—are now vegan. So if you’ve got dietary restrictions or you’re the designated driver, there’s still plenty of room to get involved and raise a glass.
South East Queensland’s Beer Festival Line-Up
It’s no secret that we love a good event—and what better excuse for a festival than beer? Here in South East Queensland, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beer-focused events throughout the year. Here are a few of our favourites:
Brisbane Beer Fest: Held at Eatons Hill Hotel, in August, this event is packed with over 130 different beers and ciders, food trucks, live entertainment, and even a few beer-fuelled competitions. It’s a one-day party and the perfect excuse to grab a tasting paddle and discover something new.
GABS (Great Australasian Beer Spectacular): The big daddy of beer festivals, in Brisbane in May. GABS brings together breweries from across Australia and New Zealand for a celebration of weird, wonderful, and world-class brews. Expect hundreds of beers on tap, plus cocktails, spirits, food vendors and live music. It’s a total sensory overload—in the best way possible.
Crafted Beer Festival, Gold Coast: Set against the stunning beachside backdrop of Broadbeach in September, this one’s all about good vibes, great live music and of course, craft beer. It’s laid-back, it’s colourful, and it’s a must if you’re on the GC.
And speaking of great beer, we’d be remiss not to give a shoutout to our buddies across the road—Helios Brewing. If you haven’t popped in yet, do yourself a favour. They’re passionate about sustainable brewing and consistently put out small-batch beers that punch above their weight.
Let’s Talk: What’s Your Favourite Brew?
Today is all about celebrating beer in all its glorious forms. So tell us, what’s your go-to.
Are you loyal to a classic Pacific Ale? Partial to a sour cherry? Into hazy NEIPAs? Exploring the world of gluten-free or alcohol-free options?
We love hearing what people are into, and there’s always something new hitting the shelves. And honestly, with the range on offer at your local bottle shop, bar or pub these days, it’s a good time to be a beer fan.
So … Beer, Bananas or Water?
Let’s bring it back. If you’re stuck on that island … you know what we’re choosing.
But luckily, today we’re not stuck anywhere. We’ve got great beer, a fun excuse to celebrate, and a calendar full of awesome beer festivals to look forward to.
So whether you’re planning your next event, hunting down the perfect brew, or just keen to share a laugh with mates—International Beer Day is the perfect time to raise a glass and enjoy the moment.
Cheers to good beer, great company, and fun days worth celebrating.
Want more event ideas and seasonal inspo, read the Little Bit Extra below and check out our and Hire page to see how the Brandition team keeps the good times flowing.
Beer-Inspired Styling Ideas for Your Next Event
A little bit extra …
If you’re thinking of hosting your own beer-themed event—whether it’s a backyard tasting with friends, a brand activation, or something bigger like a corporate function or pop-up bar—styling matters. The right look sets the tone and helps people relax, connect, and have fun. And luckily, beer events offer a lot of room for creativity.
Here are a few styling ideas to get those creative taps flowing:
1. Rustic Beer Garden Vibes
Think timber high bars, wine barrels, festoon lighting and long communal tables. Add wooden signage, chalkboard menus, and bunches of hops or native greenery in simple jars for that laid-back, natural aesthetic. This look works beautifully for outdoor events or courtyard settings.
2. Brewery Chic
Create an industrial-style set-up with black metal stools, concrete-look cocktail tables, exposed bulb lighting, and mesh backdrops for signage or branding. Style with clean lines, neutral tones, and pops of amber and copper to nod to beer’s signature colour.
3. Colour Pop Lager Lounge
Build a festival-style chill-out zone with modular lounges, colourful umbrellas, astro turf, and milk crate tables. Think vibrant cushions, casual bean bags, and low-key greenery. Great for afternoon sessions, beachside events, or anywhere you want people to linger and relax.
4. The Hop-Up Bar Cart
Transform a mobile bar or cart into a beer-tasting station. Use custom signage, branded tap handles, and glassware styling to create a hands-on tasting experience. Add bar stools, hanging planters, and a few vintage beer crates for extra flair.
5. Branded Beer Booths
Perfect for larger festivals or corporate activations, this is where styling meets strategy. Use custom-built booths or modular walls to define space, include bold branding, interactive signage (like beer pairing guides or trivia boards), and keep things tactile with timber textures, layered lighting, and lots of merch-worthy moments.
Pro tip from Team Brandition:
Don’t forget the small touches—coasters with fun beer facts, custom stubby holders, LED signage that says “Beer O’Clock”, or even ice buckets filled with different beers at each table. These small details make a big impact on the guest experience.
And this is who we researched (aka sampled) in the making of this blog:
Balter XPA (Balter Brewing Company) — @balterbrewers
Moffat Beach Brewing Co — @moffatbeachbrewing
Green Beacon Brewing Co — @greenbeaconbeer
Range Brewing — @rangebrewing
Aether Brewing — @aetherbrewing
Black Hops Brewing — @blackhops
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co — @headsofnoosa
Soapbox Beer — @soapboxbeer
Brouhaha Brewery — @brouhaha_brewery
Working Title – @workingitilebrew.co
Young Henrys – @younghenrys
Slipstream – @slipstreambrewing
Hiker Brewing Co – @hiker_brewing_salisbury @hiker_brewing_east_brisbane
Revel Brewing Co – @revelbrewingco
Ballistic Beer Co – @ballisticbeer
Newstead Brewing Co – @newsteadbrewingco
Burleigh Brewing — @burleighbrewing
XXXX Gold — @xxxx.beer
Great Northern — @greatnorthern_aus
Carlton Dry — @carltondry
Victoria Bitter (VB) — @victoriabitter
Corona — @coronaextra_au
Coopers — @coopersbrewery
Tooheys — @tooheys_au
