Event organiser James Harding said patrons seemed to come all at once about 6pm, to the event in front of the Boag's Brewery, and it took a while to get everyone through the George Street gate.

``So we're encouraging people to prebook online so they can skip the queue and get priority entry,'' Mr Harding said.

Patrons are able to prepurchase tickets at the Esk BeerFest website or at its Facebook page, which could save at least 15 minutes lining up.

More than 3500 had walked through the gates by 9pm yesterday to taste the 150 craft beers and ciders on tap at more than 30 stalls.

Adam Barrie and his partner Jessica Taylor, of Western Australia, had been travelling in Tasmania in their four-wheel-drive when they heard about BeerFest.

``I'm a big fan of the micro-brew here in Tassie, so we had to come and try them out,'' Mr Barrie said.

``We're working our way around the stalls.''

At the far end of William Street, in front of the band was Magner's Irish Cider, which was selling Gaymers English Premium Cider, distributed by Bacardi Lion.

Cider brand ambassador for Bacardi Lion Dylan Baker said the cider was only launched this year so they took it to the festival for patrons to try.

Foo Fighters tribute band Wasting Light ended the night on the main stage yesterday.

Mr Harding said there would be original acts on the main stage today. He expected 1000 people to attend the event  during its two days.

THE FACTS:

WHAT: The Esk BeerFest.

WHEN: Today, gates open at noon, close at 10pm.

WHERE: William Street, Launceston, with entry via George Street.

TICKETS: $20 a person. Tickets can be bought at the gate or at eskbeerfest.com.au.