Japanese culture takes centre stage at 3rd annual Sake Festival

Sake it to me, Sydney. The signature drink of Japanese hospitality has given rise to the third annual Sake Festival, which takes over Carriageworks for two delicious days at the end of September.

Sydney is packed with wine festivals year-round, but now we finally have two days dedicated entirely to Japanese sake.

The unique beverage, generally made from polishing short or medium grade rice to remove to bran, will be the star of its eponymous festival, of course. But there’s also a wide variety of Japanese food and cultural activities being planned for the occasion, bringing all types of delicious, interesting and engaging stallholders to the Eveligh institution.

More than 200 varieties—yes, you read that correctly—of sake will feature at the event, with many Japanese sake breweries flying in directly from Japan to showcase the drink’s surprising range.

Tradition sits at the core of Sake Festival, so you can expect Japanese drum performances with singers, DJs and dances to round out to entertainment while 100 stallholders come together to celebrate.

The elegant visuals of a traditional Japanese flower show (AKA a Hannaningen show)

Several free Sake 101 seminars will also feature, including masterclasses on how to expertly pair sake with food and panel talks from some of Australia’s foremost experts on the traditional drink.

There are a few more surprises being planned across the two days as well, including a “walk” show. Originating in Japan, these contests simply celebrate the art of walking as a powerful expression of humanity and movement. It’s an example of the cultrual dimension that’s being poured into the Sake festival, beyond just having the country’s largest concentration of sake all in the one spot.

Sake Festival

Where: Carriageworks; 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Tickets: From $60

sake-festival.com.au

Related
what to do in sydney

The best things to do in Sydney this weekend (September 20-22)

Looking to make some last-minute plans for in Sydney this weekend? Whether you’re a local steaming towards the end of the work week or a family looking for the best kid-friendly activities in Sydney this weekend, the Sydney Travel Guide ... Read more
Wunderlich Lane will be Sydney's newest precinct

Surry Hills set for sweeping change as Wunderlich Lane is revealed

Sydney’s impressive growth spurt continues in the coming months with a brand new precinct, Wunderlich Lane, wedged between Redfern and Surry Hills. Before the final curtain closes on 2024, Wunderlich Lane will rise up as one of Sydney’s most transformative ... Read more
Dua Lipa performing live in Sydney

Disco-pop Queen Dua Lipa is bringing her massive world tour to Sydney

Dua Lipa is one of the most recognisable names in modern pop, having carved out a spectacular reputation for whip-smart disco pop and clever melodies. She’s also been highly praised for her vibrant live shows, which is why we’re so ... Read more
Here's where to watch a supermoon in Sydney

Where to watch September’s supermoon in Sydney

It’s time to whip out your telescopes and clock some craters as a rare, harvest supermoon hangs over Sydney this week.