Welcome to the CBN round-up of beer festivals and events for the coming week (Friday through Thursday), listed here with a bit more detail than what is featured on our popular Beer Festival Calendar page. Watch for a new installment every Thursday – assuming there are any events scheduled for the week ahead, of course.
Friday, August 21, 2015 – Saturday, August 22, 2015
HAMILTON BEER FESTIVAL
Jackson Square, 2 King St. W. – Hamilton, ON
One of two beer festival’s in the city to make it into its second year – along with last month’s Because Beer – the simply named Hamilton Beer Festival will feature products from more than 20 breweries and cideries, as well as an array of local food vendors, and top notch live entertainment including headliners Maestro Fresh Wes (Friday) and illScarlet (Saturday).
Saturday, August 22, 2015
MCGREGOR MUG RUN & INTERNATIONAL BEER FEST
Co-An Park, 11071 11th Concession Rd. – McGregor, ON
As the slightly unwieldy name suggests, this event will start with a 5km run, followed by beer festival featuring a selection of local, national and international brands. There’s a festival-only ticket option for non-runners, and proceeds from the day will go to support The Epilepsy Support Centre and Trail On.
Saturday, August 22, 2015 – Sunday, August 23, 2015
NIAGARA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
The Market at The Village, 111 Garrison Village Dr. – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Moving from St. Catharines to Niagara-on-the-Lake for its second year, this festival proves that Ontario’s wine country is rapidly becoming beer country as well. More than 20 Ontario breweries will be there – many of them from the Niagara Region – along with a few cider and wine options as well. Local food, live music and DJs are also part of the package.
Saturday, August 22, 2015 – Sunday, August 23, 2015
VANCOUVER CRAFT BREW CRUISE
The Magic Spirit, 750 Pacific Blvd, False Creek – Vancouver, BC
One of two beer cruises hitting the water in Canada this weekend, the Vancouver Craft Beer Cruise will set sail four times over the course of the weekend, with more than 15 breweries on board. The Saturday evening cruise is sold out, but a few tickets remain for the other three.
Saturday, August 22, 2015 – Monday, September 7, 2015
PNE CRAFT BEER FEST
PNE Fairgrounds – Vancouver, BC
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in partnership with Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) has announced that this year’s edition of the fair will be putting the spotlight on some of the province’s many craft breweries for the first time. The festival will feature more than 30 breweries, with some on hand for the full festival, and others switching between the first and second weeks. Advance tickets are available online.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
INDIE BOAT HOP CRAFT BEER CRUISE
Empire Sandy, 539 Queens Quay W. – Toronto, ON
Co-presented by Bar Hop and Indie Ale House, the 2014 edition of this cruise received rave reviews, and there’s no reason to doubt that this year’s will be just as great. The beer line-up will feature collaborations, one-offs and other rarities from a hand-picked selection of local breweries including Bellwoods, Great Lakes, Sawdust City and more. Tickets for the afternoon cruise are sold out, but a few are left for the evening sailing.