The Great Canadian Beer Festival (GCBF) is coming back to the Royal Athletic Park in Victoria this weekend.
This local event is one of the oldest beer festivals in Canada and 2019 marks its 27th year running, featuring a range of new developments thanks to a change in ownership.
See also: Victoria’s 27th annual Great Canadian Beer Festival announces 2019 brewery line up
The Festival opened its gates in 1993 and since then has maintained its focus on supporting great beer and the communities surrounding breweries.
But as you may expect, there have been a lot of changes since 1993. The original owners, Gerry Hieter and John Rowling, have now passed the pint onto the team behind the Victoria Beer Society, Chris Nohr, Ryan Malcolm and Glen Stusek. Despite the change in hands, it’s safe to assume the festival is still all about the beer.
For those attending the festival this weekend, expect to see a larger event than ever before with over 90 breweries from all over Canada.
See also: Victoria is one of the 15 best beer cities in the world, according to CNN
Despite breweries coming from all over the country, Victoria is the perfect spot for this festival as it is home to the oldest brewpub in Canada: Spinnakers.
The number of beers being offered is not the only thing that has grown this year. Their overall capacity has increased and credit and debit payment options are now available.
A variety of local food trucks will also be on hand to help you soak up all those beverages, including Taco Justice, Roast, Ali Baba, Deadbeetz, and more.
With hundreds of people slated to attend, the GCBF is mostly sold out but a few tickets are still available online for the weekend. Full weekend passes are $78 and single-day passes cost $45.
Cheers to all your great beers, Canada!
Great Canadian Beer Festival
- When: Friday, September 6th, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 7th, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. - Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave
- Admission: Click here to purchase tickets
