Summer’s nearly here, and the festival season is just getting started!
After an incredible spring lineup of must-visit beer festivals, we’re doubling down with another roster of events stretching through the summer. From a long list of BC’s finest breweries, plus local cideries, artisan distilleries, and thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic alternatives, this season’s festival circuit has something for every palate. Get ready to discover your next favourite brew while soaking up the best of what BC’s craft beer scene has to offer.
Squamish Beer Festival • Squamish
June 21
Located at the Loggers Sports Ground, the Squamish festival brings together more than 55 breweries and cideries for craft beer lovers to celebrate great beer and mountain culture with food, games, axe throwing, DJs, live music, and more.
Parksville Beer Festival • Parksville
July 5
Indulge in your love for craft beer, connect with like-minded individuals, and support local businesses, all within a festival atmosphere curated for enjoyment and discovery. At the Parksville Beer Festival, it’s not just about exceptional beers – it’s also a haven for foodies! Get ready to complement your craft beer experience with a fantastic selection from the specially curated food trucks.
Be sure to stop by the BC Ale Trail booth to say ‘Hi!’ – and don’t forget to log in to the mobile app to check in and collect bonus points!
VCBW Craft Beer, Music and Wing Fest • Vancouver
July 12
Featuring over 150 craft beers, 20 local wines, 10 craft ciders, and 30 non-alcoholic beers. Plus live music, chef pop-ups, and a Michelada showdown.
New this year: Wing Fest! This is NOT your typical chicken wing festival—this is a curated showcase of the best wings in the city, crafted by top restaurants and designed to pair perfectly with Vancouver’s finest craft beers. Wing lovers and beer enthusiasts alike will come together to experience bold flavours & creative recipes. Get ready for Vancouver’s ultimate WING showdown.
Cheesecrafters Beer Fest • Maple Ridge
July 13
Join the folks at Golden Ears Cheesecrafters for an afternoon filled with cheese, snacks, craft brews and other drinks, pairing seminars, live music, games and more!
Farmhouse Fest • UBC Farm
August 9
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. To mix it up, there will be some fun selections of Natural Wine, Kombucha, and plenty of ‘off-style’ beers to take a break from the wild and funky.
BCNE Trade Route Ale Festival • Prince George
August 16 – 17
The BC Northern Exhibition is a 3-day fair featuring events, including Super Dogs and 4H demonstrations, a midway, pro rodeo, and now a beer festival! Tickets for the third annual beer – and cider! – festival include gate admission to the BCNE, five tasting tokens and a charcuterie cup.
Photos from 2023 event – breweries in attendance are subject to change.
Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival • Chemainus
August 16
Enjoy craft beer and cider, and tasty non-alcohol options, artisan food, and live music. There will be free shuttles running from nearby neighbourhoods to ensure a safe ride home for everyone. New this year: upgrade your ticket to include access to the After Party! After a day at the festival, enjoy full-sized brews, ciders, or mixed drinks in a chill environment filled with music and delicious food trucks well into the night.
Battle of the Brews • Surrey
August 16
The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 7th 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.
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.
