Since 2011, October has officially been dubbed BC Craft Beer Month. It may look a little different this year, but nothing can stop the passionate BC craft beer community.
Even in 2020, the beginning of chillier days is easier to shoulder with the annual month-long celebration of our province’s breweries. Between fresh hops season, harvests’ bounty, and the centuries’ old Oktoberfest tradition, October is a great time on the BC Ale Trail.
Here are some of the safely distanced events on tap this BC Craft Beer Month!
Virtual Hoppy Hour with Joe & Friends
Kick-off BC Craft Beer Month with our monthly virtual hoppy hour on October 1st, from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm. Join Joe Wiebe with guests: Lundy Dale, founding member of BC Craft Beer Month (celebrating 10 years!), Kyle from Empty Keg Brewhouse in Merritt, and Dave and Danny from Vancouver Island Brewing in Victoria to do a live tasting of the exciting new Explore BC IPA. Tune into the BC Ale Trail’s Instagram channel.
Beers of the Day
Who needs to wait until December to enjoy the fun of “advent calendars”? BC Craft Beer Month has put together a “Beer of the Day” list throughout the whole month! For each day, they’ve highlighted a different style of beer, provided tasting notes and information on it, and listed specific beer suggestions from breweries across the province. No matter where you are this month, use it to guide your tastings, celebrate your favourites, and expand your repertoire.
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Grab your lederhosen and good spirits. This year, breweries across the province are putting on safely distanced Oktoberfest celebrations with food and drink specials, music, and more. Read on for a taste of where to find them on the BC Ale Trail. (And if you can’t make one, why not throw your own celebration at home with some of the many Festbiers BC breweries are offering?)
Oktoberfest at BREWHALL: October 1-12, 11:00am-11:00pm
Book your table at Vancouver’s BREWHALL and enjoy daily specials including soft-baked pretzels, currywurst, schnitzel sandwiches, and traditional OktoberFEAST dinners. They’ll also have German imported beers, their own German-style ale, and their award-winning Köl Story Bro Kölsch.
Oktoberfest at Kelowna Beer Institute: October 3, 11:00am-11:00pm
In the Okanagan, head to Kelowna Beer Institute for their 5th annual Oktoberfest. Safely enjoy a live band, Bavarian food, German beer features, and good times inside or on their patio.
Oktoberfest at Farm Country Brewing: October 3, 12:00pm-10:00pm
If you’re in Langley, hit up Farm Country Brewing for a brand new beer release, German-inspired menu, limited edition brand mugs, and the Rheinlander Oohmpa pah Band!
Oktoberfest at Trading Post Brewing: October 3, 6:00pm-10:00pm
Alternatively (or in addition to), purchase a six-person “personal beer garden” to safely enjoy live music, Oktoberfest celebrations, and games at Langley’s Trading Post Brewing. Tickets include a table for 6 people and a 500ml Oktoberfest Stein for each person. Beer and food tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Penticton Beer Week
This year marks the second annual Penticton Beer Week! From October 16-24, there will be various craft beer-focused events and tasting opportunities at breweries and restaurants throughout the city.
In 2019, seven local breweries came together to make a special limited edition beer called The Penticton Seven, a fundraiser beer where a portion of the proceeds is donated to a local charity or non-profit. For 2020, the recipient is the BC Hospitality Foundation, a charity that raises funds to support workers in the hospitality industry facing financial struggles due to a health condition.
The beer is a hazy pale ale that will be available on tap at each of the breweries and select local restaurants during the week. It will also be available in 4-packs of 473ml cans at private liquor stores in Penticton and throughout BC during the month of October.
The Penticton Seven includes:
- Bad Tattoo Brewing
- Barley Mill Brewpub
- Cannery Brewing
- Highway 97 Brewery
- Neighbourhood Brewing (opening soon!)
- Slackwater Brewing
- Tin Whistle Brewing
If you’re not in Penticton, catch our virtual event on October 21st. Hosted by Thirsty Writer Joe Wiebe and Cascadian Beer Podcast producer Aaron Johnson, the pair will be doing an online beer tasting featuring Penticton beers that will be for sale in a special mixed pack (available in Penticton and shipped province-wide!).
Whistler Village Craft Beer Month
You’re in luck if you have plans to be in Whistler this October. New this year, Gibbons Whistler has partnered with Tourism Whistler, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and BC Craft Beer Month for a huge variety of craft beer experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for something adventurous like “Zips and Sips” (complimentary beer and discounted food apres zip lining) or a luxurious day of beer-infused spa treatments, they’ve got you covered. Check out the full schedule of events.
Show some love this BC Craft Beer Month
To celebrate BC Craft Beer Month, join some of these events, explore BC Ale Trails, or stock up on your favourite brews to throw your own BC craft beer celebration at home. Also be sure to check out the new Explore BC IPA to mark the occasion!
Whatever you do, show us how you’re celebrating on social media and don’t forget to tag us @BCAleTrail.
Cheers to BC Craft Beer Month 2019, its industry leaders and supporters, and craft beer enthusiasts across the province!
If you plan to attend any in-person events, make sure to look up important information about the area you’re visiting and check on cancellation policies. Practice safe and respectful travelling as you explore the communities in our wild backyard that are open to visitors and make sure to be a considerate craft beer consumer while you’re out and about.
