Let’s keep the good times rolling with even more festivals this summer and into the fall.
We kicked off this spring with a calendar full of road-trip-worthy festivals, and the list for the summer and fall just keeps on growing! With breweries from BC and across Canada, cideries, even a distillery or two and of course some tasty non-alcoholic options, there is plenty to look forward to.
Chilling in the Park Beer Festival • Vancouver
July 29
Join the Mount Pleasant BIA for this free event in Dude Chilling Park, featuring live music, food trucks, and delicious refreshments from Main Street Brewing, Brassneck, and Steamworks.
Farmhouse Fest • UBC
August 12
A celebration of Saison, Sour, Lambic, Wild Ale, & Cider held at UBC Farm. From classic Saisons and Fruited Sours, to 3 year old spontaneously fermented Lambic and Cider, there is something for everyone from breweries from BC, and around the world. New this year, there will be a small line-up of natural, low intervention and biodynamic wines to sample ahead of the following day’s Wine Fair.
Battle of the Brews • Surrey
August 19
The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 5th Annual Battle of the Brews. This fun charity event will offer attendees a great afternoon of craft beer tasting and food trucks. Attendees will get the chance to help choose their favourite beers and all proceeds from the event will help fund Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society youth initiatives.
BCNE Trade Route Ale Festival • Prince George
August 18 – 21
The BC Northern Exhibition is a 3-day fair featuring events, including Super Dogs and 4H demonstrations, a mid-way, pro rodeo, and now a beer festival! Tickets on sale now.
Great Canadian Beer Festival • Victoria
September 8 – 9
Featuring 90+ Canadian craft breweries from coast to coast, the 29th annual edition of Canada’s oldest beer festival returns this September. GCBF showcases breweries from every region of Canada, including the Maritimes, Québec, Ontario, Western Canada and the Yukon.
Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest • Silver Star Mountain
September 9
Celebrate Oktoberfest early this year with Silver Star’s signature craft beer and cider event— a great après to a summer of adventure. Sip some of BC’s finest brews, and enjoy food, a Polson Market pop-up, live music, games, and plenty of fun.
Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler
September 11 – 17
The 10th annual Whistler Village Beer Festival will take place over 7 days. After a week of smaller events at various locations, the main event will feature 50 craft beverage manufacturers, including beer, cider, and RTD’s to sample at the iconic Olympic Plaza, with the mountains as your backdrop. Complete with food trucks, live music, interactive activities and thousands of fellow festival lovers.
Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner
September 15 – 17
This brand-new, three-day festival in Ladner will feature live music from some of Canada’s most iconic bands, including the Sheepdogs and 54-40; the Delta Firefighters Charity BBQ and a wide variety of appetizing food trucks; Paw Pals Sunday, featuring a pet parade route with treats, agility areas and music by top local DJs; and of course tasty craft beers from Barnside Brewing, along with cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm
September 16
Another new festival for 2023, Shuswap Brewers Fest will be a celebration of locally-made craft beer, cider, and spirits, held at scenic Northyards Cider.
Kootenay Beer Festival • Nelson
September 16
Tap into over 16 breweries, cideries and distilleries from 14 communities from across the Kootenay Rockies at this brewtiful festival. Taking place in Nelson’s Railtown, the 2nd annual Kootenay Beer Festival is set to be the perfect event to cure what ales you. Including food vendors and trucks, live music performances from local bands throughout the day, and plenty of garden games.
Fraser Valley Distillery & Beer Festival • Chilliwack
September 23
Join the crowd at the ‘Speakeasy’, paying homage to the 90th Anniversary of Prohibition; so throw on your flapper dress, fedoras, and suspenders and get ready for an unforgettable night! The 6th Annual Fraser Valley Distillery + Beer Festival showcases a selection of spirits and brews, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Chilliwack Academy of Music.
Great Canadian Beer Fest ON TOUR • Cranbrook
September 23
Presented by the BC Ale Trail and Cranbrook Tourism, is coming to the Kootenays! After celebrating in Victoria, GCBF will hit the road for the first time ever in its 29-year history. You’ll be able to experience tasting Canadian craft beer from coast to coast in the base camp of the Kootenay Rockies.
GCBF On Tour will bring forth a line-up of close to 100 beers from breweries in BC and across Canada, including a few ciders and non-alcoholic brews. This festival will also have food available for purchase from local food trucks, music and entertainment, plus local businesses with booths you can browse as you sip on your delicious craft beer.
White Rock Craft Beer Festival • White Rock
September 23
Stay tuned for details on White Rock’s annual Craft Beer Festival. Enjoy spectacular views of Semiahmoo Bay while sampling from local craft breweries.
Brewery & The Beast Vancouver Island • Victoria
September 24
Enjoy the second BC event featuring meat, beer and music. Tickets provide guests with unlimited access to the chefs’ delicious creations, craft beer, cider, cocktails, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and live music. There are no tokens or extra purchasing required; just bring your appetite, sunscreen and good vibes.
Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Chilliwack
October 7
The ever-popular Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival is coming to the Fraser Valley this October. Sure to be a day of music, craft beer, games and good times. Check back for more details to come.
Reel Street Fest • Kelowna
October 7
This Thanksgiving weekend, get ready to experience the first Reel Street Fest, hosted by Rustic Reel Brewing in Kelowna. The outdoor festival will take over Bay Ave, with 35 local craft breweries, distilleries and wineries, live music, delicious bites, and incredible vibes. There will also be a pop-up liquor store on site so that you can take home the beverages you tried and loved!
Penticton Beer Week Block Party • Penticton
October 13 – 22
Get ready for a full week jam-packed with events for beer lovers everywhere. This year marks the 5th Annual Penticton Beer Week, also known as the Penticton Block Party. Penticton has a dynamic beer scene with eight craft breweries, known as the Penticton Beer Blocks, including some of BC’s oldest craft breweries and some of BC’s newest craft breweries. Last year featured 30 events over the course of the week, and this year promises to be just as amazing.
BC Craft Brewers Conference • New Westminster
October 19 – 20
Bringing together BC’s craft brewing community for a weekend of seminars, building community connections, and celebration. Tickets going on sale soon!
BC Beer Awards & Festival • Vancouver
October 21
Sample a variety of BC craft beers while you cheer on your favourite breweries at the annual awards ceremony. Awards will be presented for 30+ beer categories plus top awards including Best in Show, the CBC Judge’s Choice, Rookie of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Innovator of the Year and The Legend Award, as well as the Creative Industry Awards, recognizing breweries for crafting unique items and experiences that enhance the craft beer lovers’ brand awareness.
Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Cloverdale
October 28
Back again for 2023, check back for more details closer to the event.
Grab your tickets, your fellow craft beer lovers and start planning your festival outfits!
No matter where your ale-ventures take you this year, be sure to share your experiences by tagging @BCAleTrail or #BCAleTrail – and always enjoy responsibly.
