Inner West Country Fest wrapped!

In May 2025, a group of breweries in Sydney’s Inner West put on their cowboy boots for a three-week country-themed hoedown: the Inner West Country Fest.

Pitched as a celebration of the music, community and creative spirit that defines the Inner West, the event featured a range of musical and cultural events across 13 different venues.

“The concept of Inner West Country was about country as in place and country as in music and culture. Across the footprint of the breweries, we wanted to create an opportunity to showcase local talent," said Jacqui Stanton, District Coordinator of the Inner West Ale Trail. "It was a real celebration of everything that’s wonderful about the Inner West, and it gave people a reason to go into the venues and travel between [the different venues].”

The event line-up included a collaboration between Young Henrys and First Nations creative collective, Awesome Black, which partnered to deliver Mindjiigari Ngurru – From Sky to Country on Saturday 17 May. Running from 12-8pm, the landmark event celebrated inclusivity, cultural exchange and connection to Country, while bringing together 10 First Nations artists, DJs and cultural performers.

Dave Barnett | Mindjiigari Ngurru @ Young Henrys

We put on a bunch of bands, a little bit of country, a little bit of folk music. I did a special DJ set that was a mix of old Indigenous artists and a little bit of 50s and 60s staple country tunes,” said Travis DeVries, Founder and Executive Director of Awesome Black.

“These venues [on the Inner West Ale Trail] are absolutely ripe for activation potential. They’re unique venues, they’re large format and they’re really, really flexible,” Stanton said.

The collaboration between Young Henrys and Awesome Black brought in a range of fresh faces who were interested both in country music and engaging in the cultural activities enabled by Awesome Black’s involvement.

“It was interesting to see the crowd that came down. There was a mix of family and friends of ours, and blackfellas that had come down specifically because it was a mob music event. It was very cool to do a Welcome to Country as well,” said DeVries.

Green Hand Band & Tristan Field from Awesome Black | Mindjiigari Ngurru @ Young Henrys

Both Stanton and DeVries had positive reflections on the event, particularly on the ability of concept-driven activations to help venues connect with audiences beyond locals and regulars.

“[Turnout was] really great – a solid crowd all day. It’s nice to do this sort of concept-y, theme things that take over multiple venues. I think it brings a whole new bunch of people into some of those venues who are into that concept and that vibe,” said DeVries

“In terms of results, one of the breweries, Wayward [Brewing Co], had their biggest day since before the pandemic. Certainly, Young Henrys absolutely loved working with Awesome Black and this new partnership. When we activate, we find that the people who are coming in are not regulars,” Stanton reflected.

When asked for final learnings and reflections, both also expressed an appetite for further collaboration at future events.

“We had a weaving event, people got to sit and learn weaving in a relaxed pub environment. I think there’s an opportunity to do more of those intimate workshops at venues,” said DeVries.

“We’re hoping to do something similar again next year,” said Stanton.

Learn more

Discover what’s happening in the Inner West Ale Trail at innerwestaletrail.com.

To find out more about Awesome Black, visit awesomeblack.org.

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