Winter Feast 2026
13 June @ 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Winter Feast is the Merri Mashers and THursty Brewers annual winter party. It’s a celebration of great homebrewed beer, warming comfort food, puffer jackets, fire drums and great people. The event is held at Holger’s farm in Diamond Creek and is free for all club members to attend.
Partners and kids are also welcome, with soft drinks and marshmallows provided for toasting over the fire.
If you’re coming, or even 70% sure you’re coming, please RSVP via the link below as soon as you can. We know people don’t love committing to things too far in advance, but the committee needs to know numbers to make sure there’s enough food, beer and other supplies for everyone.
In the RSVP form you’ll be asked what beer and/or food you plan to bring. You absolutely don’t need to bring anything if you’re not able to, but Winter Feast is all about members sharing the things they make, so we strongly encourage everyone to contribute something if they can.
For some people that might mean brewing a keg of beer or cooking a pig on the spit. For others it could just be a couple of bottles from the shed fridge and a packet of chips from 7-Eleven on the way there. Both are equally welcome, we just ask that you let us know in your RSVP so the committee can make sure there’s plenty of food and beer, and a good variety of both.
Other things you need to know about Winter Feast
Address
The address will be emailed to everyone who RSVPs prior to the event.
Kegs
We should have enough taps available between the club fonts and Holger’s keezer. If you need a tap to serve your beer, please let us know so we can organise it. If we end up with more kegs than taps we may need to rotate kegs throughout the evening.
If you need to update what beers you’re bringing click here
Weather
This is an outdoor event, so we are at the mercy of the weather. Thankfully, the club is well prepared. We’ll have a huge marquee set up along with additional undercover space in Holger’s garage. It has rained during Winter Feast before and we still had a great time.
Warm clothes are definitely recommended, and it can get a little muddy if wet, so maybe leave the brand new sneakers at home.
Transport
Holger’s farm is about an 8–10 minute drive north of Diamond Creek train station. If you need help getting there or home again, sing out on Discord or Facebook. Chances are someone can give you a lift or split an Uber with you.
Keep in mind that rideshare services and taxis can sometimes be slow around Diamond Creek late at night, so plan ahead. Or just camp overnight.
However you choose to get there, please don’t drink and drive. We want everyone getting home safely.
Camping
Many members camp overnight at Winter Feast. Holger has a “camping ground” near the hop field for tents, while others sleep in cars or vans. Both are great options. Just let us know in your RSVP if you’re planning to stay overnight.
Food
There will be limited fridge space available for storing food, along with access to a microwave, oven and electric cooktop for heating things up. Please let us know what you’ll need in your RSVP so we can manage space and heating requirements.
The club will provide plates, knives, forks and serviettes. Please bring anything else you need for serving your food.
To update the food that you’re planning to bring click here
Timing and setup
The event officially starts at 3pm, though you’re welcome to arrive from 2pm if you need extra time to set up tents, beer dispensing gear or cooking equipment.
If you’re bringing a bit of stuff and would prefer to set it up further in advance, the committee will be setting some things up the evening before. If you’d like to set up at this time as well please message Brian for more details.
What to bring
Aside from any food, beer or camping gear you’re bringing, all you really need are warm clothes and a camping chair if you have one. Holger has some seating available, but not enough for everyone.
Who can attend
Winter Feast is open to all paid-up members of the Merri Mashers and THursty Brewers, along with their partners and kids.
This year we’ll also be welcoming a small number of guests of the club. These are people who have helped support the club over the past year, or who are visiting the event and venue as part of planning for Brewstock later in the year.
Further questions
If you have any questions about the event, please ask in the Winter Feast channel on Discord or contact the committee via the website.