OnTap Magazine

ontapmag.co.za | Winter 2025 | 9 BEATS, BREWS & VIBES: INNER CITY BEER FEST BROUGHT THE HEAT RESPONSIBLY If you weren’t in Pretoria on 31 May 2025, you seriously missed out. The Inner City Beer Fest brought a perfect storm of good music, good people, and great beer. Backed by the BASA, the festival wasn’t just a celebration of craft and culture — it was a bold statement about what beer can be: a connector, a conversation starter, and a force for empowerment . A TOAST TO LOCAL BREWERS At the heart of the event was South African beer — craft beer champions set up stalls, pouring pride and passion into every glass. From bold IPAs to easy-drinking lagers, there was something for every kind of beer lover. But this wasn’t just about tasting — it was about supporting. The festival gave these brewers a platform to showcase their work, meet consumers face-to-face, and boost their brands in an authentic, high-energy space. And the crowd showed up. The venue buzzed with everyone from casual beer explorers to seasoned hop heads proving that the love of a good brew transcends generation and background. A SOUNDTRACK TO REMEMBER Of course, no beer fest is complete without the right soundtrack — and the lineup delivered. Headliners Kabza De Small and Julian Gomez brought pure magic, blending deep house and soulful piano into a soundscape that carried us from afternoon sips to nighttime sways. The supporting DJs — Zendra, Le Nanza, Lash T, and M-Touch — knew exactly when to dial it up or smooth it out. Their sets created that elusive sweet spot between relaxation and groove — letting people enjoy the full beer experience while dancing with a drink in hand (and water bottle in the other, of course). BEER CULTURE MEETS CONSCIOUS CULTURE For BASA, it was about promoting a positive, responsible beer culture that feels as natural as a second round with friends. In the lead-up to the festival, the “Beer Right” campaign wove in smart, stylish reminders about drinking responsibly — pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and making plans to get home safe. On the day, festival-goers saw those same messages echoed through subtle signage and content that fit the vibe without killing it. “Our approach is simple,” says BASA CEO Charlene Louw. “We want people to celebrate beer, but also to celebrate smart choices. It’s about owning your experience, enjoying every sip, and looking out for your crew.” THE BIGGER PICTURE Beyond the music and merriment, the Inner City Beer Fest proved that beer isn’t just a drink — it’s a cultural catalyst . Events like this put local brewers on the map, bring communities together, and spark real conversations around responsible enjoyment. As BASA continues to build bridges between beer and broader society, festivals like these show just how powerful — and fun — that connection can be. So, here’s to everyone who danced, tasted, and toasted their way through the Inner City Beer Fest. Let’s keep raising the bar — and the glass — responsibly. #BeerRight | #BeerCulture | #InnerCityBeerFest