Melbourne, VIC – This August, St Kilda will come alive with more than just crashing waves and winter sea breeze — it’s about to get spirited. The St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025, which kicks off on August 15 to 17 at the legendary St Kilda Town, will roll out to be the new winter attraction among the gin/whisky/rum and bottling heads in Melbourne.
Not only is it a three-day tasting of spirits, but it is also a chance to be shaken (literally) and stirred in one of the most hip beachside neighbourhoods of Melbourne.
A First-of-Its-Kind Craft Spirits Celebration in Melbourne
Thanks to excellent wine festivals, craft beer weeks, and artisanal coffee expos, the world already knows that Melbourne is the home of many world-famous events, but the world has not yet realized that one of the hottest, most famous regions of drinking is the craft spirits community.
Meet the St Kilda Spirits Festival, a one of its kind event organised by the Gin Events who have taken it upon themselves to gather only high-quality distilled spirits. More than 30 premium local and international distillers will present more than 200 gins, rums, whiskies, vodkas, liqueurs, and many others during this 3-days festival.
Why St Kilda? A Local Venue With Big Character
The location of the venue, St Kilda Town Hall is located at one of the most iconic suburbs of Melbourne. Referred to as the eccentric tongue of beach spirit, Victorian heritage design, nightlife, and food spots, St Kilda offers the ideal setting to hold a contemporary feast on spirits.
It is also minutes away from Acland Street and Luna Park as well as St Kilda Beach, so there are countless opportunities to fill out your day either with a morning feast or night cap.
Festival Schedule & Ticket Details
Here’s when you can sip and savour:
- Friday 15 August — 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Saturday 16 August — 1:00pm to 4:00pm & 5:00pm to 8:00pm
- Sunday 17 August — 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Ticket prices start from $70–$75, which includes:
- A three-hour unlimited tasting session
- A keepsake tasting glass
- Long Rays mixers
- A branded festival tote bag
- Access to food trucks, live music, and on-site bottle purchases
For those wanting a deeper dive, Masterclass Upgrades are available for around $90–$110, combining expert-led tasting experiences with premium spirits, exclusive pairings (yes, caviar too!), and smaller group access.
What You’ll Taste
The lineup of distillers includes local legends and cult favourites like:
- Naught Distilling (VIC) – premium dry gin and barrel-aged selections
- Old Young’s (WA) – bold, award-winning vodkas and gins
- Dead Reckoning Rum (QLD) – artisanal rums with heritage barrels
- Ancient Wisdom Whisky – rare 8-year-old single malts
Whether you’re into classic London dry, navy-strength, smoked whisky, or peanut-butter liqueurs (yes, really!), the variety promises to be deliciously overwhelming.
Masterclasses That Go Beyond the Bar
Why is this festival unique? It offers curated Masterclasses to the person who would prefer more than a buzz.
Some highlights:
- Vodka meets Caviar: A Hugo Vodka event – Lindsay Silcox spirits judge
- The Future of Gin: A tasting with the head distiller of Naught Chris Cameron
- Rare Whisky Flight Ancient Wisdom releases its 8-year old product and their legends Straight from Rare Whisky Flight
These courses bring content, narrative to the drinking, and are ideal with the spirit nerd and the enthusiastic novice.
Winter Warmers and Good Company
Melbourne’s winters can feel long and grey – Melbourne however this event has got a pulse and feeling of warmth. Picture this:
- The atmosphere is created by jazzy live bands
- Natives grinning and exchanging anecdotes out of tasting glasses
- Standing barrels and cosy lounges to interact
- Gourmet food trucks that will serve you cheese toasties, skewers, sliders and your drinks to match them
This is not a formal dinner or a dry-tasting experience, rather the pretty, fun, and fulfilling afternoon out.
What Melburnians Are Saying
The buzz is building:
“Finally! Something different for spirit lovers. I’ve done the wine thing, the beer thing—now it’s gin time.”
— Emily L., Fitzroy North
“I’ve been following Naught Gin for years. Can’t wait to try their barrel-aged expressions in person!”
— Tom B., Southbank
Socials are filling with hashtags like #StKildaSpiritsFestival and #MelbourneTastes. Foodies, cocktail makers, and hospitality pros are calling this “the must-attend festival of Melbourne’s winter calendar.”
How to Get There
No need to drive — this event is easy to access:
- Tram 96 from Bourke Street or Tram 16 from Swanston Street drop you right near St Kilda Town Hall
- Plenty of on-street parking and paid lots nearby
- Ride share and bike racks available for added convenience
Final Tips for Attendees
- Dress smart-casual – you’ll be sipping, mingling, and likely taking selfies
- Bring your ID – strictly 18+ only
- Come hungry – food trucks are worth exploring
- Consider booking as a group – this event is more fun with friends!
Where to Book
Tickets are available now via:
Don’t wait too long — Melbourne events tend to sell out, and with buzz building fast, this one’s sure to be a packed house.
Why This Festival Matters in Melbourne
Melbourne is known as Australia’s food and drink capital, but we’ve been long overdue for a celebration of craft spirits. The St Kilda Spirits Festival is more than just tastings—it’s a showcase of innovation, local talent, culture, and flavour.
It represents everything Melburnians love: artisan quality, passionate makers, live music, beautiful venues, and shared experiences.
So whether you’re into gin or whisky, curious about distilling, or just looking for a warm winter experience by the bay, the St Kilda Spirits Festival 2025 is the perfect pour.
See you there—glass in hand. 🍸