The rain has stopped (sort of), the roads have cleared, and it’s smooth sailing to the Interior for the first time in forever—which means conditions are perfect for the Okanagan Fest of Ale this weekend in Penticton!
This year marks the 23rd annual (!!!) edition of one of B.C.’s most beloved and longest-running beer festivals. Why has Fest of Ale been around so long? Because it’s FUN.
Penticton is one of the top beer towns in Canada and Fest of Ale is a big part of the reason why (having five breweries and brewpubs doesn’t hurt, either).
Close to 70 breweries and cideries (serving 190+ beers and ciders) will be taking part this year, as well as 12 local restaurants that will be serving up snacks and special food and beer parings. There’s also live music and DJs on three stages throughout the festival.
You can drink all weekend without guilt, too: net proceeds from the event help support local charities, with more than $637,000 being raised so far.
The main event takes place Friday (4-9pm) and Saturday (12-6pm) at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. There’s tons of great events happening around town, too, including a beer education seminar by The Growler’s own Joe Wiebe (Thursday, April 12 at Bad Tattoo Brewing), a screening of the hosercore classic film, Strange Brew (Thursday, April 12, at Craft Corner Kitchen), the always-popular Murderers’ Row cask event (Saturday, April 14 at Kettle Valley Station Pub), the Red Eye Brunch (Sunday, April 15 at the Barking Parrot) and the Weekend Wind Down at Cannery Brewing (Sunday, April 15).
For tickets and info, visit FestOfAle.ca. See you there!
