Beer and sunny days go hand-in-hand, so it’s no surprise that the craft beer scene in our fair land is going from strength to strength.

The ever-popular annual Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival is on again across Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4 to showcase the variety of brews that are being made and to have some fun tasting them.

Held inside the walls of the former maximum security prison of Maitland Gaol, it’s a celebration of the great craft beer being created across Australia, as well as great food and music, but without the criminals and inmates to keep you company.

Over 80 craft beer makers will be on hand at the festival, from local brewers to those further afield. You can meet the makers and learn all about the dedication and technique behind their beers. There’ll be sessions on both Saturday and Sunday so be sure to check the schedule online to find out when your favourite is talking.

If you’re keen to make your own, head to one of the home brew masterclasses with a course on the beer making process and blind tastings. Who knows, you might be one of the craft brewers at the festival next year?

To complement all the amber drops, some delicious street food from local vendors will be at the festival, or you can book a seat at the food and beer matching lunch to learn how to pair them better. Sprout Catering will be serving up a multi-course menu of mouth-watering plates, accompanied by specific beers from your favourite breweries.

There’ll be great music playing all weekend, with live bands and musicians entertaining the crowd from kick-off each day. Cloud Control and Last Dinosaurs will headline the festival and will certainly pump up the festival atmosphere.

Sunday is family fun day, so bring the kids to see Circus Avalon, Dancing Grandpa and the Balloon Bloke. It’s sure to be a tasty and twisted weekend for all.

At a glance:

Bitter and Twisted Boutique Beer Festival
November 3-4
Maitland Gaol
Tickets: www.bitterandtwisted.com.au