Beyond the Beer: Top 5 Things About Beerfest That Don’t Include Beer

Listen, I’ve never been accused of being particularly creative when it comes to naming things – just ask my son and daughter – also known as Boy and Girl (yeah, I stole that from the movie Birdbox…. If you haven’t seen it, you definitely should…). When people hear the name ‘Beerfest’, they assume that the only thing you can get at the festival is beer. And while they aren’t wrong that beer is the central theme to the event, people underestimate just how much more there is to Beerfest than just beer. In celebration of the many other amazing things about this festival, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5. Here we go!

#5 – Other Beverages – I always love the challenge of taking someone who says they don’t like beer around at one of our festivals. With a far wider flavour range than say wine, there is a good chance that the person just doesn’t know just how many different flavour profiles fall under the beer umbrella (note, I always start with sours on these journeys and often that’s a hit….). All that being said, whether you’re someone who has tried all the styles and found beer isn’t their thing, or a beer lover who enjoys trying other new things, then Beerfest has absolutely got you covered. From meads, ciders, and spirits, to cocktails, RTDs (Ready to Drink beverages) and non-alc options, a non-beer person can attend beerfest and experience a festival within a festival. The real key here is the ‘craft’ element to things. The one commonality of our exhibitors is that they are passionate about their craft – and will be bringing their best libations to the festival for you to try.

#4 – The Food – With over 30 of Calgary’s best restaurants, pubs, and eateries, there will be no shortage of great foods to come out and try. Not only will the food be delicious, sampling from the food vendors is a great way to find great pairings with beverages, and take a break from sampling so you can continue to have a fantastic time. You’ll definitely want to come hungry so you can leave happy!

#3 – Are You Not Entertained? – Your biggest challenge at Beerfest will be trying to decide where to spend your time when you aren’t sampling food and drink. You could check out the Cooking with Beer Seminars or the Let’s Meet for A Beer Sessions to taste the samples and hear the stories of some great local businesses. You might head to the sports lounge to watch the game on the big screen – or play a game yourself at some of the many different lounges throughout the venue. You’ll also probably want to catch some of the vibes from the DJs in multiple locations and lounges through the festival as well. There will be so much going on, you’ll have to plan your route well.

#2 – Rise By Lifting Others – You will be supporting our Charities of Choice just by being at the festival. This year, we’ll once again be supporting Kids Up Front and AAFS – by coming out to the event, you’ll be helping make great things happen for these amazing organizations.  ABF has donated tickets to help with fundraising to over 70 Alberta charities and have helped raise over $300,000 for our charities of choice.

#1 – Festivals Bring Out the Best In Us All – Festivals are where unforgettable moments can happen.  The atmosphere, everyone having a great time, the chance for shared experiences with friends that can bond you together for life. Beerfest can open your mind to new tastes and new experiences. Maybe you’ll find a new favourite food or drink, find a new love, or take a new path that will lead to the adventure of a lifetime. Remember, great things happen at Beerfest – so gather your team and make every second count!

Calgary Beerfest is considered one of the premier beer festivals in the world – and this year’s version is shaping up to be the best year ever! The event runs May 5th and 6th at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park.  

Get tickets here! 

Sincerely,
Bill Robinson
President – ABF

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