Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival will return to Maitland Gaol in 2024 with another smorgasbord of craft beers and a music program of standout national acts.

After a rousing return in 2022, the team really turned up the noise in 2023 raising the roof at Maitland Gaol, once the home to some of Australia’s most hardened criminals. 

Once entering the gaol's concrete compound it was all about the Beats, Brews and BBQ's, all weekend! Over 80 craft beers were pouring including local brewers Method and Shout Brewing Co, alongside craft from further afield like Three Tails Brewery and Principle Brewing.

Heading this year’s bumper lineup was Melbourne Ska Orchestra on Saturday November 4, and Phil Jamieson on Sunday November 5.

Joining the headline acts on the Bitter & Twisted 2023 line-up were Sunsoli, Golden Gaytimes, Big Wheels, Sean Fitzgerald, Felipe Baldomir, Ze Robotz, and Maeve Grant, there was also a DJ on hand pumping out everyone’s favourite country tunes. 

If you wanted to get along just to enjoy the tunes and fab atmosphere, Bitter & Twisted introduced an entry only option of $50 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday.

In addition to the music and craft beer, there was a big line up of food stalls including Smokin Hot ‘n Saucy Barbecue. Throughout the weekend there was a range of activities popping up across the gaol site, as well as add-ons that you could purchase to make your day even more memorable like - Beer Trivia, Private Cell Blocks that you can hang out in with your beer buddies, and Beer & Cheese Matching sessions just to name a few.

The kids were invited along to the 'Family Friendly Sunday' when kids under 17 received free site entry along with plenty of family friendly activities like Zumba Classes and bingo.

* Bitter & Twisted is an 18+ only event on Saturday November 4. On Sunday November 5, under 18s are permitted with an accompanying responsible adult.