Will Going to Beerfest Make you a Better Person? Yes. Yes it will.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. The people telling me that going to Beerfest will make me a better person are also the people who are organizing the festival – that seems a bit suspect. Fair enough. If you don’t want to take our word for it, then check out this research study from Yale University and this follow up article we found on the internet – and as we all know, if it’s on the internet it must be true!

All joking aside, our personal experience running festivals has shown us their importance in connecting each of us to our greater community. Walking into a well-run festival, you’ll immediately feel a different kind of energy. You’ll feel the effort the exhibitors, organizers and volunteers have put into making the day special. You’ll feed off the enthusiasm of the other attendees as you make your way in. And most importantly, you’ll be able to step out of your day-to-day life for a few hours, and in that time, get a glimpse of who you are and what joy you take from your environment. 

That connection to your community often leads to expanded moral fortitude and desire to do well for the community as well as seeing oneself as an integral part of the community. After all, the more connected you are to something, the more effort you’ll put into making it a success.

You might still harbour some doubts that attending a festival can make you a better person. Many of the people surveyed had zero expectation of attending a festival as a transformative experience – but afterwards reported just that. Our experience at Beerfest over the years has shown us again and again that festivals, a sense of community, and the desire to do better go hand in hand. Hosting Beerfest every year requires thousands of hours of planning, hundreds of volunteers, and contributions from hundreds of people. That shared sense of purpose gives each of the people involved a sense of meaning in their lives. Whether earning money for one of our charities of choice, seeing a stag and stagette walk through the door because the couple met at Beerfest and are now planning to get married, or just seeing so many people coming together to celebrate life, it isn’t hard to imagine how festivals like this can motivate you to be a better you.

These findings are also an important indicator of just how important it is to step away from online meetings and ‘virtual’ reality – festivals are tangible – they are important gathering places – and throughout history, the best ideas, solutions to problems, and interpersonal relationships have happened over food and drink. 

As Beerfest draws closer this year, consider coming out to connect with a few friends or maybe volunteering to help make this festival a success. Most importantly, whether it is our festival or one of the other amazing festivals out there, make sure you get out there, support them, and in doing so, find your best and happiest self. 

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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