Calgary International Beerfest to welcome thousands

The Calgary International Beerfest is set to return to the BMO Centre Friday, and more than 43,000 people are expected to attend.

In what is expected to be a return to the 2019 event, craft breweries and distilleries will set up in the city to bring their beverages to the people. More than 40 restaurants are also expected to be a part of the show.

Alberta Beer Festivals president Bill Robinson said that attendees will see some new features at this year’s event, including the addition of lounges.

However, the biggest change is expected to be the sheer amount of vendors, as the festival is the first of its kind giving pandemic-born brewers a chance to pour one out to a wider audience.

“We’re just really excited for the year. The response has been overwhelming — we’re very close to sold out already,” Robinson said. “I think that just, overall, there’s just a ton of great energy.”

Interest in craft brewing and distilling increased over the pandemic, with many businesses starting during the days of lockdown and stay-at-home orders.

So, Robinson said a number of vendors will be attending Beerfest for the first time — an event that brings their product to a bigger market.

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“A bunch of them opened up during COVID, but they weren’t able to do festivals, so in some cases, this is the first time you’ll be able to see them and taste some of the stuff that they’ve made,” he said. “They might be known in their neighbourhood or their small town, but festivals are a great way for them to announce to western Canada that they exist.”

All vendors, new and old, have extremely high levels of creativity, according to Robinson.

And, despite its title, Beerfest has something for everyone — whether you like spirits, cocktails, meads, ciders, ready-to-drink beverages or non-alcoholic ones.

“The number of things you’ll be able to try at the show is almost unlimited,” he says.

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The event sees three sessions over two days — an evening session on Friday, a Saturday afternoon session and a Saturday evening session. Tickets are still available but limited and can be purchased online.

Robinson recommends attendees plan in advance how they will get to and from the event, adding that public transit, e-scooters and bikes, Ubers and taxis are great options for safe transportation.

He also says it’s best to get there early, and have your tickets and I.D. out and ready as volunteers will make sure people are processed as fast as possible to have the best experience.

The festival runs May 5-6.