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Feature Stories


Barnside Brewing Co. Harvest Festival announces lineup: What you need to know about the concerts

Vancouver Sun • April 14

Canadian rock band Big Wreck. Photo by Photo by Richard Sibbald. /Source: www.looters.cc
Canadian rock band Big Wreck. Photo by Photo by Richard Sibbald. /Source: www.looters.cc

“The 2026 lineup has just been announced for this year’s festival and it’s loaded with big-name acts.

Among the artists appearing are: Big Wreck, Tom Cochrane, Marianas Trench, Smash Mouth, Kim Mitchell, J.J. Wilde, The Washboard Union, The Grapes of Wrath, and Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys, as well as such rising local stars as Hotel Mira and Imogen Clark. The full list is available at barnsideharvestfest.com.

With a focus on family friendly, fun entertainment including live music and other performers, adult beverage areas, food trucks and all manner of additional exhibitors and activities, the event has now expanded to include three stages.”

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Island Rewind: First brewery opens on Vancouver Island in 1983

CHECK Media • April 14

“Nowadays there are over 40 breweries on Vancouver Island, but back in the early ’80s there were zero. For Island Rewind, we’re going back to 1983 when the Prairie Inn in Central Saanich did something about it.”


Beer column: Cannery’s annual Babe Brew is as tasty as it is impactful

NowMedia • April 11

Babe Brew Tropical Hazy Pale Ale (image: Cannery Brewing)
Babe Brew Tropical Hazy Pale Ale (image: Cannery Brewing)

“The Tropical Hazy Pale Ale is the Penticton brewery’s Babe Brew for 2026, following up on their successful Mango Milkshake IPA from last year.

That creation was 8.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), and this year’s is a little more manageable at 5.5% ABV.

…Funds raised by this Babe Brew will support the Beer Babes Family, a North American charitable organization that strives to support and positively engage all women in the beer industry.

‘We are so inspired by their mission and goals,’ Cannery co-founder and general manager Patt Dyck said about the Beer Babes Family.”

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BONUS: Read Hannah Irvine’s blog about brewing last year’s Babe Brew


Ace Brewing and BC Marine Trails teams up for another community clean-up

Comox Valley Record • April 9

Ace Brewing Company at night - photo from the Comox Valley Record
(photo: Comox Valley Record)

“Ace Brewing Company is organizing another clean-up in the Air Park area with BC Marine Trails.

‘Ace Brewing was motivated by several factors to organize the community clean-up in partnership with BC Marine Trails,’ said Jo-Anne Landolt of Ace Brewing. ‘The Comox Valley is a beautiful region, rich in wildlife and scenic waterways, including the nearby Courtenay River and Comox Harbour. Many staff and guests regularly enjoy walking along the Riverway Heritage Walk, but it’s clear that litter, whether left behind or washed ashore during storms, has become an ongoing issue.’

Landolt says that by hosting the clean-up, Ace Brewing aims to help preserve the natural environment and protect local wildlife, all while keeping the area free from unsightly garbage. She also said the company saw it as an opportunity to bring the community together for a worthy cause.

The clean-up is on April 26 and starts at 10 a.m. Volunteers are invited back to Ace Brewing to enjoy 15 per cent [sic] off lunchtime food and beverages. Garbage bags will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gardening or work gloves. People can register to volunteer by going to https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/courtenay-river-clean.”

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Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association partners with Cannery Brewing for fundraising beer

Castanet • April 11

Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association and Cannery Brewing Launch Limited Edition Lakeboat Lager (photo: Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association)
Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association and Cannery Brewing Launch Limited Edition Lakeboat Lager (photo: Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association)

“Grab a special edition Lakeboat Lager next month and help out the Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association (PMLA).

PMLA has partnered with Cannery Brewing to create the Penticton Heat Lakeboat Lager, which bears the Penticton Heat Lacrosse branding.

‘Every can sold will help to build the future of youth lacrosse in the South Okanagan,’ a press release reads.

‘The goal is to build momentum towards a permanent, dedicated box lacrosse facility for the community — a long-held vision that the PMLA is now actively working to make real.’

Pre-sale pricing incluides a 6-pack: $18 + tax/deposit or a flat of 24: $70 + tax/deposit

The Launch / Pickup Party will be held on Wednesday, May 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. in The Cannery Backyard.”

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April 2026

Okanagan Fest of Ale a ‘hopping’ success in Penticton; West Kelowna brewery wins best in show

Castanet • April 12
Featuring: Lakesider Brewing Co
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Highway 97 wins People’s Choice at Fest-of-Ale

Penticton Herald • April 12
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25 top-notch patios in Vancouver you need to check out this season

Daily Hive Vancouver • April 11
Featuring: Parallel 49 Brewing
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Penticton bus routes offer free transit for Fest of Ale

Castanet • April 10
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Wine Guy: Scoping out selections on the B.C. Ale Trail

The Province • April 9
Featuring: Brass Monkey Taproom, Hoyne Brewing, and Île Sauvage Brewing
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New brewpub opens on Hwy 97 in Lake Country

Castanet • April 8
Featuring: Cutwater Brewery (coming soon to the BC Ale Trail!)
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Beer column: This strawberry cheesecake delight will go perfectly with Easter dinner

Now Media • April 4
Featuring: Superflux Beer Co.
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From farms to film sets: Inside B.C.’s most resilient city, the Township of Langley

BC Business • April 2
Featuring: Locality Brewing, and The Barley Merchant
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North Island Craft Beer Fest brings fun to community fundraising

Campbell River Mirror • April 2
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March 2026

North Point Brewing seeks permanent curbside patio approval

North Shore Daily Post • March 30
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Penticton’s Cannery Brewing throwing a big party to celebrate 25 years in business

Castanet • March 28
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Beer column: Camping season is nearly upon us, but this Camp beer is now year-round

NowMedia • March 28
Featuring: Camp Beer Co.
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New Revelstoke brewery opens with aim of tapping into accessible beer

Revelstoke Review • March 27
Featuring: Revystoked Brewing Company
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Saanichton’s Category 12 brewing makes pivotal Shift to new menu and new malt

Vancouver Island Free Daily • March 27
Featuring: Category 12 Brewing
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BC brewery secures international headliners for annual summer music festival

NowMedia • March 24
Featuring: Phillips Brewing & Malting
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Fest-of-Ale right around the corner

Penticton Herald • March 22
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Beer column: Spring calls for sessionable beers and you’ll find that in this box

NowMedia • March 21
Featuring: Four Winds Brewing
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Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats

The Dugout • March 18
Featuring: Vancouver Island Brewing
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Beer column: You might hear the ice cream truck jingle when you crack open this sour

NowMedia • March 14
Featuring: Phillip’s Brewing & Malting
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Beer column: Pick up this new Field House 6-pack and your sweet tooth will thank you

NowMedia • March 7
Featuring: Field House Brewing
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These Pink Boots are made for brewing: KPU Brewing celebrates International Women’s Day with collaboration beer

Education News Canada • March 6
Featuring: Farm Country Brewing
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Penticton’s Fest of Ale tickets now on sale, promising more fun and bigger options

Castanet • March 6
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Two Kelowna craft breweries taking part in Animals & Ales fundraiser

Castanet • March 1
Featuring: Railside Brewing and Three Lakes Brewing
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February 2026

Beer column: From the mountains to the forest, experience the best of BC with these tasty IPAs

NowMedia • February 28
Featuring: Fernie Brewing Co & Beere Brewing
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Music, memories, and malt: Victoria’s Brass Monkey on a new track

Oak Bay News • February 28
Featuring: Brass Monkey Taproom
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Phillips brews up new festival of fermentation for Victoria

Sooke News Mirror • February 27
Featuring: Phillips Brewing and Malting 
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Beer column: Another BC brewery calling it quits after 12 years

NowMedia • February 21
Featuring: Torchlight Brewing
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Kelowna International Airport showcases local food, beer, wine at two new restaurants

Castanet • February 18
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“Never just about beer, it was about connection”. West Kelowna brewery set to close

Capital News • February 17
Featuring: Connector Brewing
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Beer column: A touch of Valentine’s Day red in these farm-to-table IPAs

NowMedia • February 14
Featuring: Abandoned Rail Brewing
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Beer prices could go up again this year

CTV News • February 13
Watch segment

 

North Vancouver brewery closes after less than 4 years in business

The Growler • February 9
Featuring: Braggot Brewing
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Beer column: A farewell to Lighthouse with 4 tasty winter creations in one tidy little pack

NowMedia • February 7
Featuring: Lighthouse Brewing
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January 2026

Beer column: Let’s drink to Groundhog Day with a beer named after the classic film

NowMedia • January 31
Featuring: Backcountry Brewing
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Local brewers weathering a storm in the craft beer industry

Freshet News • January 26
Featuring: Dageraad Brewing, Side Quest Brewing, and Tinhouse Brewing
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Canadians reducing alcohol consumption, impacting beer industry

CTV News • January 24
Watch the segment

 

‘Death by 1000 cuts’: B.C. Brewery closes after 27 years in business

CTV News • January 20
Featuring: Light House Brewing
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Beer column: As one BC brewery closes, another one expands to take its spot

NowMedia • January 17
Featuring: North Point Brewing Co.
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Ellison Field Taphouse now open at Kelowna airport

NowMedia • January 10
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Beer column: You look like you need a winter ale to warm up this weekend

NowMedia • January 10
Featuring: Twin Sails Brewing
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Behind bars: Victoria’s Drake crafting a unique reputation for beer and food

Vancouver Island Free Daily • January 4
Featuring: Driftwood Brewery , Whistle Buoy, Herald St Brew Works, Four Winds Brewing, Brassneck Brewery, Camp Beer Co.
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Beer column: Hello darkness my old friend, we’ve come to drink you up again

Victoria Now • January 3
Featuring: Hoyne Brewing Co
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