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Your guide to Victoria Beer Week, March 3 – 11

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March is here and that means it’s time for the annual Victoria Beer Week! The craft beer-focused celebration will take place March 3-11, 2017 and is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

Featuring 50 craft breweries from across British Columbia and 15 events happening in and around the city, including favourites from past years and some very special new ones, here is what you need to know.

1. Kick off the fun with Friday Night Casks

What: The 9-day event begins with the ever-popular opening Cask Night. Sample from a selection of 25 unique cask-conditioned beers from BC breweries, along with delicious food from the Victoria Public Market’s fantastic vendors.
When: 7:30 PM Friday,  March 3, 2017, and again on March 10 with Friday Night Casks #2
Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas St
Tickets: $52.50 (including GST) available here. 19+, 2 pieces of ID required.

2. For the beer-loving foodie

So much food and beer to enjoy, and only 9 days, so let’s get started! Begin your gastronomic journey with Brewmasters Brunch. Your table will be hosted by one of the participating brewers, as you discover new brews, alongside some delicious food offerings. Last year’s Fishing for Beer is returning in 2017! Sample a variety of craft beers with the freshest fish and shellfish from local vendors. Beer, Pizza, More Beer is a collaboration of four of BC’s best breweries with Prima Strada, to create custom pairings with specialty pizzas. Brand new in 2017, Taco Tuesday brings together great local tacos and awesome BC craft beer. The super popular Beer, Cheese, More Beer is set to sell out fast, because who doesn’t love beer and all the cheese and crackers you can eat? The London Chef will be Cooking With Beer, pairing and integrating craft beer to create a mouthwatering three-course gourmet meal. Leave with a full belly, as well as the recipes and a Cooking With Beer Guide.

3. Learn while you imbibe

Because learning is fun, and even better if it involves the amber nectar. Start your education with Beer School Class 1 – “Let’s Get Brewing” and see the inner workings of a brewery, as well as learn a thing or two about how beer is actually made. Participants will get to taste the beer that they help brew! For those venturing into making their beer at home, the Homebrewing Workshop is a must and will be led by Michael Kuzyk, homebrewer-turned-brewmaster at Category 12. A brand new event in 2017, All About the Wood introduces exclusive barrel-aged beers. Taste the difference that barrels make in a wide range of beer styles. Three of BC’s Craft Beer Legends will take turns sharing their tales at Drink in the Story. Sample a special beer chosen by each speaker and at the end of the evening, all three beers will be on tap, as you socialize with the legends themselves. Sour beers are growing in popularity and so is attendance at Pucker Up – the celebration of those delicious tart brews – this year the event moves to the larger space of the Victoria Public Market.

4. Show off your beer knowledge

What: Think you know your craft beer? Bring your own team of experts (up to 6 people per team) to try to defeat VBW’s, Joe Wiebe at The Ultimate Craft Beer Quiz. There’s a sweet prize package for the winning contestant. Your ticket includes one beer and a discount on food, so arrive early for dinner and to cram of course.
When: 7:30 PM Monday,  March 6, 2017
Where: Northen Quarter, 1724 Douglas St
Tickets: $15.75 (including GST) available here. 19+, 2 pieces of ID required.

5. Hop on the classiest Pub Crawl

What: Upscale event planners Brink Events are bringing the most sophisticated pub crawl to Victoria with The Definitive Victoria Brewery Crawl. Dress in your finest attire, as a limo bus takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey of the craft brewery scene, while you savour 3 taster samples at each stop.
When: 4 PM, 4:30 PM and 5 PM departures, Saturday,  March 4, 2017
Where: Starting Point: Lighthouse Brewing, 836 Devonshire Rd, Victoria
Tickets: $68.25 (including GST) 4 PM and 4:30 PM departures still available (5 PM has SOLD OUT). 19+, 2 pieces of ID required.

6. Lift off!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BC4HKa0D7zl/?tagged=vicbeerweek

What: Last year over 500 people sampled a dozen brand new beers at Lift Off! in Market Square. This year, there will be up to 15 new beers from BC craft breweries with packaged versions of those beers available at a pop-up liquor store on-site. Sample brand new, unreleased beers from some of BC’s best breweries then buy your favorites and take them home!
When: 1:00 PM Saturday,  March 11, 2017
Where: Centennial Square
Tickets: $26.25 (including GST) available here. 19+, 2 pieces of ID required.

7. Bundle up and SAVE!! 

With so much to do, take a look at these amazing packages to save you time and money:

 

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Jitka Zhttp://www.itkasanimages.com
Meeting people from all walks of life and sharing their stories is my passion!

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