Your Guide to Vancouver Craft Beer Week 2018

We’ve rounded up the can’t-miss events for this year’s Vancouver Craft Beer Week

Back for its ninth year, Vancouver Craft Beer Week will be taking over venues throughout the city starting on May 25th, culminating in a two-day festival on the PNE grounds June 2nd and 3rd.

The festival’s format has been switched up a bit, so we’ve put together a list of where to find the best beer across the city this year. Keep checking the VCBW event page as exciting additional activities are being announced as the week approaches…

1. VCBW Kickoff Party at Maritime Labour Centre – Friday, May 25

The opening night party has moved back to East Vancouver, where it will take place amidst the busy brewery district. It’s going to be a can-crushing affair (instead of showcasing mini mugs), and will incorporate a fan-favourite event: the Copper & Theory Feats of Strength. Make sure you try the official VCBW Collaboration beer while you’re there—and enjoy the live music too!

2. Chicha & Strange Fellows Collaboration Dinner at Chicha – Tuesday, May 29

Great food and great beer combine for this dinner at Chicha, featuring a five-course meal paired with Strange Fellows beers, like Popinjay Dry Hopped Sour and the Boris Russian Imperial Stout. Your taste buds will thank you for this one! Click here to see the full menu.

3. Sour Seminar at Strange Fellows Brewing – Wednesday, May 30

Are you interesting in learning more about beer-making and history itself? Strange Fellows Brewing is holding a seminar with co-founder Iain Hill discussing sour beer on May 30th. This, of course, comes with a welcome beer and tasters for you to sip while you nerd out–and learn!

4. Forbidden Fruit at Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House – Thursday, May 31

In the fourth year of this event, attendees will sample a range of beers from sour to fruity. If variety is your jam, this is the event to sample 23 different beers from as many breweries. With your ticket, you will receive 10 tokens that can be traded for beer or food, but be sure to get there early as the beers might not last the whole night!

5. The Festival at the PNE Grounds – Saturday, June 2 & Sunday, June 3

This is the main event! More than 100 craft breweries and cideries gather on the PNE grounds for two days of beer and cider samples (300+ kinds!) with bands and games and food trucks galore. There is a variety of ticket types, including VIP (think private washrooms!), as well as single day tickets and weekend passes. My tip is to get there right when gates open so you’re not disappointed if varieties you are hoping to sample run out. Also… shorter lines. It’s been sunny the last few years, so wear a hat, drink some water and have fun.

6. Public tours at various times and locations

Feeling overwhelmed at the choices laid out before you during the week? Then maybe a public brewery/pub tour is the answer. Enjoy a guided visit to beer-rich neighbourhoods with history lessons, brewing secrets and, of course, samples galore. The tours range in size and style, so it should be easy to pick one that works for you and your group.