There are two beer festivals happening in the Kootenays during the month of September — offering the perfect way to celebrate the end of the summer season.
KOOTENAY BEER FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 16, 2pm – 7pm
Tickets $40 + include entry and 5 drink tickets.
Taking place in Nelson’s Railtown, the 2nd annual Kootenay Beer Festival is set to be the perfect event to cure what ales you. Add it to your calendars and get ready for an unbeerlievable evening celebrating local craft drinks and their makers. Tap into more than 16 breweries, cideries and distilleries from 14 communities from across the Kootenay Rockies at this brewtiful festival. Attendees will be well fed by food vendors and trucks, and entertained with live music performances from local bands throughout the day. Not to forget many garden games to keep you hoppy!
This outdoor festival will be set in Railtown, a short walk from downtown Nelson along Baker Street. Just don’t forget when the train passes by, and honks, to give it a cheers!
WHO’S POURING?
From stouts to lagers, IPAS to sours, and everything in between, our craft breweries are bringing both their classic and experimental brews for you to sample. Be the first to test out new releases from your favourite local breweries, or crack open something completely different.
- Nelson Brewing Co, Nelson
- Torchlight Brewing Co, Nelson
- Backroads Brewing Co, Nelson
- Tailout Brewing, Castlegar
- Tonik Distillery LTD, Crescent Valley
- Wild North Brewing Co, Creston
- Kootenay West Distilling, Trail
- Angry Hen Brewing, Kaslo
- Erie Creek Brewing Co, Salmo
- Trail Beer Refinery, Trail
- Rumpus Beer Co, Revelstoke
- Jackknife Brewing, Kelowna
- Grand Forks Beer Co, Grand Forks
- Burton City Cider, Slocan Valley
- Fernie Brewing Co, Fernie
- Whitetooth Brewing Co, Golden
For tickets or more information visit the festival website, facebook or instagram pages.
You can also find a place to stay here.
Then, one week later, celebrate in Cranbrook at Canada’s oldest beer festival on tour!
GREAT CANADIAN BEER FESTIVAL ON TOUR: Cranbrook
Saturday, September 23, 12pm – 5pm
Tickets $45 includes entry and 10 beer tokens.
After celebrating in Victoria on the weekend after Labour Day as usual, 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 basecamp 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.
Who’s Pouring?
Wild North Brewing Company
Whitetooth Brewing Company Ltd.
Fernie Brewing Co.
Lillooet Brewing Company
Mt Begbie Brewing Co
Grist & Mash Brewing
Over Time Beer Works
Naito Brewing
Encore Brewing
Fisher Peak Brewing
Three Ranges Brewing Co
*AND breweries from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Foundland and Nova Scotia
PLUS the BC Ale Trail-er pouring an additional 8 breweries from around BC.
For more information or to order tickets visit the event website.
Book a Sip & Stay package to enjoy a weekend in Cranbrook.
