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Never been to a craft beer fest? Me neither.

This may sound strange, especially since I work at a brewery and distillery in Brussels and drink beer regularly, but I’ve never actually been to a beer festival in Belgium or elsewhere. I’ve always talked about going to one with my friends but we’ve never had the chance to. That’s finally changing because the Tipsy Tribe is going to be a guest at Ostara craft beer fest, to be pouring beer amongst some of the best Belgian breweries.


Learning About Beer (Without Pretending I Know Everything)


You might ask what kind of beer I enjoy, the answer is simple: cold, next and free - in that order. I’m not a connoisseur of beer, I don’t pretend to be one, and I’ve never swirled a beer around and said things like “notes of citrus” out loud. I just enjoy having a beer after a long day, whether that’s at home or at a craft beer tasting or event.


I’ve only been working at the Tipsy Tribe brewery and distillery for a month, but I’m hoping that by the time the craft beer fest rolls around, I’ll at least know enough to not embarrass myself… Best case scenario, I discover some new beers I really like and come out of it knowing a little more than I do now. Worst case scenario, I drink a lot of beer and still don’t know what I’m talking about. Either way, I’m fine with it.


Tipsy Tribe at Ostara craft beer fest in Brussels promo image

How I’m Planning to Survive My First Beer Fest


Here are some tips that I already got on how to survive a craft beer fest, especially if it’s your

first beer festival and you’re planning on doing a lot of craft beer tasting. Trust me, you are going to need those as a beer hangover is the worst kind of hangover. 



  • Eat a real meal beforehand.

    This one’s non-negotiable. Drinking on an empty stomach is a fast way to get drunk way too early and to not remember half the beers you tried. If the goal is actually enjoying the fest, food helps.


  • Drink water. Seriously.

    Yes, everyone says this. Yes, they’re right. Bring a water bottle, grab water whenever you can, and alternate if possible. The version of you the next day will be extremely grateful.


  • Take your time. It’s not a race.

    You don’t need to try every beer, and you definitely don’t need to keep up with anyone else. Slow down, enjoy what you’re drinking.


  • Take notes… or at least photos.

    You will forget what you liked. A quick phone note or picture of the tap list saves a lot of “what was that one beer?” later.


  • Research the participating breweries before you go

    Look up the list of breweries that will be present at the festival. It’s easier to enjoy a craft beer fest if you already have a few beers in mind that you want to try. 


See You at the Ostara Craft Beer Fest


If you’ve been Googling “craft beer festivals near me” or planning to check out the Ostara craft beer fest (March 21st, 2026 at Tours and Taxi, Brussels),  make sure to stop by the Tipsy Tribe stand. We’ll be bringing a bunch of beers for you to try, like the Kokelbeer, Criticality or my personal favourite the Goth at Heart. Chances are I’ll be there, probably holding a beer, learning as I go, and hoping I followed my own advice.



 
 
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