Your cheat sheet to the Botanica Spirits and Food Festival

Posted on 3 September, 2024

This isn’t your average gin tasting.

After taking over the Australian National Botanic Gardens for a cracking weekend in 2023, our favourite botanical-themed spirit and food festival is back just in time to celebrate the start of spring – and it sounds like another glorious weekend filled with food, drink, and fun.

Transforming the Eucalypt Lawns for two days, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, whether you’re something of a spirits connoisseur, a foodie looking to try something new or someone just looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, from what’s happening to what you can eat, we’ve created the ultimate cheat sheet for Botanica: Spirits & Food Festival.

Read on and take notes, because when it comes to this seasonal celebration of spirits and spring, there’s a lot to take in.

What is it?

In five words or less? A sensory journey like no other.

Following a successful launch last year, the Botanica: Spirits & Food Festival comes from the team behind the popular Sunset Cinema and offers a unique experience. From trying a curated variety of Australian spirits, to eating delicious food, watching live entertainment and shopping some botanically inspired markets, think of it as the ultimate seasonal celebration of spring.

When is it happening?

Taking place across Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, the Botanica Spirits and Food Festival is running for one weekend only – so you won’t want to miss out.

If you choose to attend on Saturday 7 September, you’ll need to book yourself into one of the immersive three-hour sessions throughout the day. Running from 10 am until 1 pm or 2 pm until 5 pm, during your chosen time you’ll be able to experience everything the event has to offer.

Looking to take it up a level? On Sunday 8 September, Botanica is hosting one bumper four-hour session from 12 pm until 4 pm, giving you plenty of time to make the most of the offerings (and try all of the goodies on hand).

How much does it cost to attend?

On sale now, tickets cost $79 (plus a small booking fee) and include complete access to the festival, where you can explore the delicious food trucks and markets, take in a demonstration and chill out at the live stage.

You’ll also have the chance to sample gin and spirits from over 25 Australian distilleries, and you’ll receive a free Botanica tote and tasting glass to take home.

What’s happening?

The real question is ‘What ISN’T happening?’ Bringing over 25 distillers and crafters together to help you taste, smell, and learn about the botanicals that are expertly crafted into some of our favourite tipples (including award-winning gins and spirits), this is just the tip of the iceberg.

An immersive – and delicious – celebration of all things sensory, you’ll be able to savour all things native botanicals from a range of the very best Australian distillers, artisans and producers.

How does sipping your way through spirits from 7K Distillery, Ambrosia Distillery, Bondi Liquor Co, Clark and Kealey, Hold Fast Distillery, Threefold Distilling, Renegade Spirits, Jimmy Rum, and The Antipodes Gin Co sound?

And if that’s not enough, for those keen to learn some tricks of the trade, there will also be masterclasses, talks and demonstrations from industry maestros running all weekend (and yes, it’s included in your ticket). The highlights? Bright Night Gin’s Night Lab mixology masterclass, making native truffle chocolates with Studio Cocoa and Karu DistilleriesOrsa Coffee Gin Liqueur Espresso Martini masterclass and tasting!

After all of that, if you’re looking for a location to relax and enjoy your G&T, simply wander over to the stage for live performances from some local musical talent and soak up the atmosphere.

Okay, okay but what can I eat and drink?

You mean apart from your choice in tasting over 150 craft gins and spirits? Don’t worry, because there will also be a myriad of local food stalls and food trucks to keep you satisfied.

Goldie & Van – a beautiful vintage caravan – will be onsite to keep you caffeinated while Bake My Day will be serving up sweet treats (think: cookies, cupcakes, loaded brownies and more). When lunchtime rolls around, the BZBurger Truck will be blessing you with juicy burgers and Tikka Stand will have their signature snacks available across both days.

And that’s just the beginning. Foodies will also be able to discover and shop artisan pantry fillers and unique gifts from Fever-Tree and Studio Cocoa. Hungry yet?

Make sure to also make some time to stop in at the Botanica Fever-Tree Garnish Bar to customise your perfect cocktail, where you can choose your spirit, mixer and garnish – it’s the perfect way to end a big day.

What else do I need to know?

For those not planning to drive – which we highly recommend if you plan on making the most of the 150 spirits ranging from gins, vodkas, rums, whiskeys, and liqueurs – a shuttle service from the Canberra City Interchange will also be available to book when purchasing your ticket.

And, if you haven’t picked up on it, this isn’t a family-friendly event. For 18+ adults only, leave the little ones at home and make the most of your day. Cheers!

Images supplied.