BC Craft Beer Events You Don’t Want To Miss

What are the best craft beer events and festivals in British Columbia? Our ultimate craft beer list compiles the 9 best craft brewery events from across the province. Plan your summer beer tour through the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Thompson, and Sea-to-Sky with this list of BC’s best craft beer events.

British Columbians are lucky to have a thriving craft beer industry in every corner of the province. These days no small town is complete without it’s local craft brewery serving crisp ales, lagers, IPAs, hefeweizens, porters, and sours. Beer is best shared which is why communities across BC open their doors to beer lovers for annual festivals celebrating the best in local craft beer.

Okanagan Valley | Fest of Ales

The lakeside town of Penticton, found in the South Okanagan, punches above its weight class in the craft beer industry. Penticton is home to six breweries and the annual Okanagan Fest of Ales. Fest of Ales is among the longest-running, largest, and most successful craft beer events. This is a must-attend event!

Metro Vancouver | Brewhalla Festivals

Brewhalla was originally the Fort Langley Beer + Food Festival and hosted best breweries from throughout the Valley. Over the years Brewhalla has grown into four different events in four different cities. 

Fort Langley

Port Moody

North Vancouver

Cloverdale

Fraser Valley | Harrison Beer Fest

While Harrison Hot Springs doesn’t have a brewery to call their own they do have an amazing Oktoberfest beer festival. The Harrison Hot Springs Beer Fest kicks off with a dozen brewery cask event and full buffet. Followed the next day with the main festival sampling event, party, and dance featuring around two dozen breweries.

Metro Vancouver | Vancouver Craft Beer Week

Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) is the biggest beer celebration in BC. Featuring over 300 breweries from across BC, Canada, Washington, and the World! VCBW is hosted at the PNE.

If you are visiting Vancouver for the VCBW to stay an extra day and book a bus brewery tour.

Greater Vancouver | Battle of the Brews

Cohosted annually by the Surrey Fire Fighters and 102.7 the Peak the Surrey Battle of the Brews is the best value event in the region! Entry tickets provide all you can eat eat and drink at the best food vendors in the breweries in the Great Vancouver area. Bonus it’s all for charity! The event is hosted in Surrey Civic Plaza steps from the Surrey Central Station.

Vancouver Island | Great Canadian Beer Festival

The Great Canadian Beer Festival predates most beer festivals and breweries in BC. This event is a staple in the craft beer industry and a must-attend event for breweries. Attendees can enjoy many opportunities to meet the best brew masters and owners within the industry. This event is hosted in our capital, Victoria BC.

Sea to Sky | Whistler Beer Festival

Pack your lululemon yoga pants, Arc’teryx jacket, rain poncho and head up the Sea to Sky because Whistler hosts a kickass beer party! The main trade-show style event and party is held at the Olympic Plaza but unlike other beer events you’ll find craft beer celebrations throughout the town. The Whistler Beer Fest is the most fun craft beer event in BC!

Thompson Country | Brewloops

Kamloop’s perfectly named Brewloops is unlike any other beer festival in BC or anywhere else; rejoice for 12 oz pours! In the past Brewloops has featured Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and firefighter games. The whole event ends with a late-night concert from Canadian touring and recording bands, such as the Dudes and Zolas.