Welcome to the CBN round-up of beer festivals for the coming week (Friday through Thursday), listed here with a bit more detail than what is featured on our popular Beer Festival Calendar page. Watch for a new instalment every Thursday – assuming there are any events scheduled for the week ahead, of course.
Friday, September 11, 2015 – Saturday, September 12, 2015
THE GREAT CANADIAN BEER FESTIVAL
Royal Athletic Park – Victoria, BC
While the representation at this festival isn’t quite so geographically broad as its name suggests – the vast majority of the 60+ breweries are from BC, with a handful from Ontario, Quebec and the Yukon – it’s still an impressive and always anticipated event. In addition to having a couple of hundred beers to chose from, attendees will also be able to enjoy food from several local vendors. Saturday is sold out, but a few tickets are available online for Friday’s session.
Friday, September 11, 2015 – Saturday, September 12, 2015
PEI BEER FESTIVAL
Delta Prince Edward Hotel – Charlottetown, PE
PEI’s only annual beer festival is back again, this year featuring beer from around 30 local, Canadian and international breweries, including all three of the province’s craft brewers – PEI Brewing/Gahan House, Barnone and Upstreet. All three sessions will also offer a few food options and musical entertainment from local musicians and DJs. Tickets are still available online, and will also be sold at the door.
Friday, September 11, 2015 – Sunday, September 13, 2015
OKTOBERFEST DE REPENTIGNY
Parc de l’île Lebel – Repentigny, QC
More than 30 breweries – most of them from Quebec – are joined by over 20 local food vendors, plus a few wine, cider and spirit makers at this family-friendly event. Entertainment will range from traditional Bavarian music and dancing to more modern rock and pop sounds, and a midway area will feature rides for kids and adults. A variety of ticket options are available for advance purchase online.
Friday, September 11, 2015 – Sunday, September 13, 2015
KINGSTON RIBFEST & CRAFT BEER SHOW
Memorial Centre Park – Kingston, ON
More than a dozen breweries – and one cidery – are lined up to pour over 50 brands alongside some award-winning BBQ ribs and chicken. This free admission event will also feature live entertainment, and all ages are welcome, although minors must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
BRüTOPIA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre – Fort McMurray, AB
Not a lot of details have been announced for this event, aside from it being described as “an evening of craft beer, wine, food and music,” with proceeds to benefit the Fort McMurray SPCA. Advance entry tickets are available online for $35, with drink and food tickets to be sold on-site.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
OTTAWA BREWERY MARKET: THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
Hintonburg Park – Ottawa, ON
The Ottawa off-shoot of Toronto’s Brewers Backyard returns for its third event of the year, with a line-up of 8 breweries set to be on hand. The free admission, pay-as-you-go & family friendly event will also feature food by Sunnydays BBQ & Moo Shu Ice Cream.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
EDMONTON BEER GEEKS ANONYMOUS REAL ALE FESTIVAL
Ritchie Community League Hall, 7727 98 St. – Edmonton, AB
Alberta’s one and only cask ale festival returns for its 4th annual edition, offering ales from a variety of Western Canadian breweries, and traditional pub food favourites by Old Country Meat & Deli. Tickets are sold out, but check the EBGA website for details on other events that they have in the works.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
NORTH BAY CRAFT BEER EXPO 2015
Voyager Inn, 123 Delaware Ave. – North Bay, ON
North Bay’s first ever craft beer show will feature the debut of local brewery New Ontario Brewing along with six other Ontario breweries. Admission is free, with sample tickets available to purchase at the event.
Saturday, September 12, 2015 – Sunday, September 13, 2015
TORONTO CRAFT BREW CRUISE
The River Gambler, Pier 31, 333 Lakeshore Blvd E. – Toronto, ON
A week before Toronto Beer Week 2015 starts, the Toronto Craft Brew Cruise will hit the waters as a preview of what’s in store, with 15 breweries pouring during the four sessions. The $45 advance ticket includes admission and 5 beer samples, with additional sample tickets available on the boat.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 – Sunday, September 20, 2015
WHISTLER VILLAGE BEER FESTIVAL
Whistler Village – Whistler, BC
Most beer festivals take place for a day or two in a single venue, but the Whistler Village Beer Festival isn’t one of those. Yes, there is a typical tasting festival on Saturday and Sunday in the Whistler Olympic Plaza, but there are also numerous satellite events throughout the Village starting on Wednesday, including tap takeovers, seminars, food pairings and much more. See the WVBF website for the full schedule and ticket information.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
THE BEER EXPERIENCE
Berkeley Church, 315 Queen St. E. – Toronto, ON
This official kick-off event for Toronto Beer Week 2015 will feature 20 Ontario breweries pouring samples, with a number of new and unique beers expected to the available. Gourmet food and live music will also be there to enjoy. Advance tickets are available online, with a limited number to also be available at the door.