The craft beer revolution is in full swing in BC and no matter where you travel to in our beautiful province, new BC breweries are popping up to serve craft beer to thirsty locals. In fact, BC is expected to see over 120 craft breweries by the end of 2016, now that’s a lot of options for beer lovers! Even better, the amount of craft breweries opening in small towns across BC is quickly increasing and serving previously “dry” markets. With this growth also comes more BC craft beer events and festivals.
So what does all this mean if you love traveling across BC and love drinking local craft beer? It means that there is also an abundance of ways to celebrate including attending BC craft beer events and festivals. From Vancouver to Victoria, Prince George to Whistler and even the Okanagan, why not plan a craft beer vacation around some of the province’s top craft beer festivals?
So where are these events held? Check out our list below of some of the top BC craft beer events and festivals, and the great thing is there’s so many more out there than what we’ve got listed here. So check back often because we’ll be expanding this list as more pop up!
Great Canadian Beer Festival
When: September 2017
Where: Victoria
Website: Great Canadian Beer Festival
If you live in Canada and love craft beer, attending the Great Canadian Beer Festival is non-negotiable – book your ferry ride to Victoria NOW! Canada’s longest running beer festival and founded in 1993, this outdoor event is so much fun to attend with over 80 breweries in attendance.
Vancouver Craft Beer Week
When: June 2017
Where: Vancouver
Website: Vancouver Craft Beer Week
If Victoria started the craft beer revolution, the torch has certainly been passed to Vancouver. Vancouver Craft Beer Week is one of BC’s biggest craft beer festivals where events are held over an entire week with the premier event being held at the PNE. A must attend for BC beer lovers.
Victoria Craft Beer Week
Where: Victoria
Website: Victoria Beer Week
Celebrate BC craft beer in the city where it all started, Victoria, BC. At Victoria Beer Week, this nine day festival sees lots of beer related events including tastings, educational events and more.
Whister Village Beer Festival
When: September 2017
Where: Whistler
Website: Whistler Village Beer Festival
Held in the beautiful and picturesque mountains of Whistler, the Whistler Village Beer festival is now in its 5th year and gets bigger each year. This 5 day event focuses on events, cask nights, parties and of course the main tasting event.
BC Beer Awards
When: October 2017
Where: Vancouver
Website: BC Beer Awards
Each year, certified beer judges gather to judge the best of the best of BC craft beers most of which you’ll get to sample at this hugely popular event. A unique one day event with over 65 breweries in attendance, this tasting event sells out fast each year.
Hopscotch Festival
Where and When: Vancouver in November 2017 and Kelowna in September 2017
Website: Hopscotch Festival
Celebrate the best of both worlds! Hopscotch Festival is held in Vancouver and Kelowna and brings Whiskey and beer lovers together in one must attend event.
Farmhouse Festival
When: June 2017
Where: Vancouver
Website: Farmhouse Festival
Perhaps the most unique BC craft beer festival, Farmhouse Festival focuses on unique beer styles like wild and sour ales, farmhouse and Saisons. Held in the scenic grounds of the UBC farm, you need to check out this BC craft beer festival as it sells out fast each year.
Beerlesque
When: October 2017
Where: Vancouver
Website: Beerlesque
Beer and Burlesque? If you answered hell yes then you need to check out this event. From craft beer tastings to unique performances, all proceeds go to charity programs.
BC Hop Fest – Fresh Beer Celebration
When: October 2017
Where: Abbotsford
Website: BC Hop Fest – Fresh Beer Celebration
If fresh hop beers are your thing, then this is one festival you will want to check out. Held in Abbottsford, the event focuses on the recent fresh hop harvest in BC and all the beers that pay homage to the style.
Fresh to Death – Victoria’s Harvest Celebration of Fresh Hop Beer
When: October 2017
Where: Victoria
Website: Fresh to Death – Victoria’s Harvest Celebration of Fresh Hop Beer
Fresh hop beers are an annual treat for hop heads, and thanks to the good folks at Fresh to Death, Victoria has a unique event to help beer lovers celebrate the hop harvest.
Okanagan Fest of Ale
When: April 2017
Where: Penticton
Website: Okanagan Fest of Ale
This 2 day event is one of the largest and longest running BC craft beer festivals. From entertainment and food options and the opportunity to sample beer from over 50 breweries there’s something for everyone at this event.
Great Okanagan Beer Festival
When: May 2017
Where: Kelowna
Website: Great Okanagan Beer Festival
Celebrate BC craft beer on the shores of the Okanagan Lake in this annual 3 day beer festival. It offers beer lovers unique cask events, beer and brewing seminars and of course the main event which sees over 3,000 attendees.
