Categories: Food & Drink

Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is back and here’s everything you need to know

Photo via Sydney Butters Photography/Après Beverage & Food Festivals

An iconic festival dedicated to craft beer and community is back in Edmonton this spring, and it’s sure to be a weekend of brews, bites, and great times.

The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is happening at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, and tickets are on sale now

From beers, spirits, and ready-to-drink sips to live music, DJs, games, and a buzzing crowd of fellow festival-goers, the whole experience is designed to be as much about the atmosphere as what’s in your glass. Here’s everything to expect.

Beyond the brews

Photo via Après Beverage & Food Festivals

Don’t let the name fool you – this festival goes beyond the titular beverage, with cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks available for sampling alongside the craft breweries you know and love. Whether you’re tasting local favourites such as Odd Company Brewing, Bent Stick Brewing, and Lone Pine Distilling, or taking your taste buds on a tour of Canada with picks like 33 Acres Brewing Co, NWT Brewing Co, or Luby Bower, there’s so much onsite to sip and savour.

Be sure to bring your appetite because you can also use your tickets on the many food vendors serving up cultural cuisines and local faves. Think classic pub fare from Leopold’s Tavern, fresh bánh mì from Van Loc, Filipino favourites from Flipside BBQ, and lots more.

Between sampling, eating, and enjoying the games set up throughout the event (cornhole, anyone?) Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is the place to be, and the fun doesn’t stop at last call. Epic afterparties are on the roster for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. Although the headliners haven’t been announced yet, you can expect some great music to take the good times deep into the night.

Admission options

Photo via Après Beverage & Food Festivals

There are a few different ticket options to help you get the most bang for your buck. General admission is $29.99 and includes entry into the festival and a commemorative sample mug, with food and drink tickets to be purchased separately onsite. A general admission package is $89.99 and includes entry, a sample mug, $40 in sample tokens, and admission into the afterparty.

Or, kick things up a notch with VIP admission for $, which includes entry, early admission, a new VIP lounge, VIP private washrooms, a separate entrance, VIP lanyard, sample mug, and free admission to each beverage seminar. A VIP package includes all of the above, plus $40 in sample tokens and an after-party ticket. (We think the private washrooms alone are worth it!).

Thirsty? Visit apresfestivals.com to purchase your package and get ready to enjoy a weekend full of a variety of beverages, mouthwatering eats, and live music in a celebration of the craft and community that make Edmonton so great.