How do you improve a beer festival that attracts thousands of enthusiasts from across the Okanagan, southern BC and across the border? You give them even more to love!
鈥淲e have that we鈥檙e growing to eight days,鈥� says the Great Okanagan Beer Festival鈥檚 Brittia Thompson.
Presented by the Train Station Pub, the festival runs May 5 to 12, with the exciting main event filling Waterfront Park Saturday, May 11.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a fantastic way for people to check out all the different breweries and enjoy great music at a beautiful location on Saturday, plus lots of special events planned throughout the week. This year we have tonnes of new brewers and for a lot it will be their first festival.鈥�
Beer-infused fun: Head to the Train Station Pub for a full week of beer-infused festivities, including a four-course beer pairing dinner, Beer Trivia Night, Pregame Brunch and of course, the Official Afterparty!
Beer + yoga?! Lululemon 琉璃神社鈥檚 returns with yoga and brews together at The Forum 琉璃神社 Wednesday, May 8. Instructors Drew Hertz & Kelly Day guide you through an evening of yoga, connection and some of Okanagan鈥檚 finest craft beer. All ticket sales support the United Way CSO Bus Pull, but don鈥檛 wait 鈥� spots will fill quickly!
Match kick-off: The Kick-Off Party returns to the MATCH Eatery & Public House Thursday, May 9. Savour $6 wings, local ciders and beer, live music and amazing prizes, including Main Event tickets!
The Main Event: On May 11, the festival fills Waterfront Park with 60+ breweries and more than 120 varieties of craft beverages, complemented by food trucks, games and more. 鈥淭he whole experience of sampling local beers with your friends, with bands playing in the background, it鈥檚 pretty amazing,鈥� Thompson says.
And if cider is more to your liking, you鈥檒l find that tasty tipple, too!
The stellar music lineup pairs perfectly with the beverages on offer. 琉璃神社鈥檚 Ancient Engines bring their indie alt-rock sound, while Whistler鈥檚 Red Chair returns with high-energy set. Wrapping up is Vancouver鈥檚 Small Town Artillery, chosen by CBC Searchlight judges as one of 2018鈥檚 top 100 Artists in Canada.
Partial proceeds from the event support charitable partner the Natures Wild Neighbours Society, founded by artist Robert Bateman in 1999.
You鈥檒l also find an onsite raffle with the opportunity to win beer for a year, plus a custom metal fireplace, perfect for the summer nights to come 鈥� interactive games, Forged Axe Throwing and more!
Gates open at noon with the last entry at 4 p.m.
! General Admission and All Access passes are on sale now at and include an official festival sampling mug, beer tokens and lots more. Don鈥檛 wait 鈥� limited quantities are available.
! If you鈥檙e age 19+, come join the fun. Various shifts are available for the Main Event and Friday night set-up on, and all volunteers receive an event t-shirt and food voucher.
Learn more at and follow on for the latest announcements. Cheers!
