TOP 10 REASONS YOU CAN’T MISS THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST THIS YEAR!

Unless you’ve attended the Calgary International Beerfest in the past couple of years, you might not realize it has evolved to become one of the best beer festivals in the world. ‘So much goes on at the event, it really is a festival everyone can enjoy,” says Mark Kondrat, CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals. ‘You don’t actually have to love beer to love Beerfest. And you don’t have to love every beer or spirit being sampled. The whole point is to try things you might not normally try and find a new favorite.There is such a great energy and atmosphere at the festival – so much going on – everyone can have a great time.”  And since this is the 15th anniversary of the event, we have some extra special things planned for this year. With that in mind, here are our top 10 reasons to attend the festival this year:

1. Come Thirsty!

Reason #1? Beer. There are over 190 breweries to sample and enjoy. ‘Alberta has always enjoyed a great import beer selection, and with the rapid expansion in the number of craft breweries in the province, we now have an equally impressive local beer scene,’ says Dillon Stecyk, Director of Sales for ABF. With new launches, one-of-a-kind casks, and seasonals, Beerfest might be your only chance to sample some of these incredible beers. And title sponsor Sobeys Liquor will have a store on site, so when you’re ready to leave, you can take your new favorite beer with you.

2. Spirit, Spirit – Let’s Hear It!

The Craft Distillery District is an event within an event that will let you meet the distillers who craft their amazing spirits, and also learn how to mix them to make unique and flavourful drinks.

3. Lounging Around!

There are many lounges and destination area of the festivals you’ll want to check out. Two of the most sought after areas are going to be the ABF Loung – with media wall, the RAHR Malting Cask Stage and more; and the Brightside #BeTheBrewer Contest Lounge – where you’ll not only be able to sample this year’s Brightside #BeTheBrewer Beer – CTRL-ALT-D’WHEAT Hefeweizen for the first time with this being the public launch of the beer – you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in a one of a kind installation that brings the beer to life!

4. Hear the Stories Behind the Beer!

The ever-popular Brew Master Seminars hosted by Craft Beer Market allow you to hear the stories behind the brewers, the breweries, and the beers – all while sampling some of their amazing libations.

5. Yummy, May I Introduce You to Yummy!

The Cooking with Beer Seminars are back – you’ll want to make sure you get there early as these seminars are always lined up and always full.

6. Come Together!

Community. Nothing brings people together like good food and beverage. The Calgary International Beerfest is about coming together – having fun together – celebrating Calgary and Alberta together. Every ABF event supports charities. For this event, ABF has donated tickets to over 70 Alberta organizations to help with fundraising – and their two charities of choice are once again Kids Up Front and the Autism and Asperger’s Friendship Society. It takes over 200 volunteers and organizers ten months and countless hours to put together this festival. ABF is very proud of the work they do to support community across the province.

7. Never Miss A Beat!

If you like live music, it doesn’t get much better than Beerfest! New this year, we are proud to be showcasing the Sled Island Music Festival, where you’ll be able to hear incredible local talent . Also, back again is the ever popular Barley Belt Stage – surrounded by a collection of breweries from SE Calgary – this area brings its own unique vibe to the festivals.

8. Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

In addition to the already mentioned beers and spirits you can sample at the festival, you’ll also be able to taste delicious food from over 35 fantastic local pubs, restaurants, and eateries, along with ciders, meads, and a selection of other mixed beverages.

9. Keep Things Going with the After Party!

Back for the 2nd year is the Official Calgary International Beerfest After Party held at the Calgary Stampede’s newly renovated Big 4 Roadhouse. DJs will keep the party going late so you can continue to enjoy delicious craft beer – and best of all, this year the event is FREE for anyone who attends Beerfest. Just show your ticket, your sample mug, a left over token, or some other kind of proof and you’ll get in no charge.

10. You Are A VIP!

We like to think everyone who attends the Calgary International Beerfest is special, but those who get VIP Beer Geek tickets experience a few special features including private VIP lounges with exclusive VIP washrooms; free entry into their choice of seminars, special prize draws, and more.

…oh and one more: Great Deals!

We want our festival to not only be an incredible time – but also affordable. Right now, you can save 20% off your festival tickets when you use the promo code SAVE20 when you go to www.albertabeerfestivals.com. Of course, if you are close to a Sobeys or Safeway – Liquor or Grocery – you can get incredible deals by purchasing your tickets there.

 

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The Calgary International Beerfest is already considered one of the premier beer festivals in the world – and this year’s version is shaping up to be the best one ever!

For tickets to our spring festivals, visit:

CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST – MAY 3rd & 4th

Get Tickets At: https://www.showpass.com/2019-calgary-international-beerfest/

EDMONTON CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL – MAY 31st & JUNE 1st

Get Tickets At: https://www.showpass.com/2019-edmonton-craft-beer-festival/