Beer lovers looking to sample local craft beer don’t have to go far for a pint at the fourth annual Vancouver Island Beer Fest Saturday.
Thirteen breweries and two cideries from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will be on hand to show their wares, with dozens of beers to choose from. It is an intimate affair that allows beer lovers to interact with the brew masters on hand for the festival. (A larger event, the Great Canadian Beer Festival held annually in Victoria in September, includes brewers from across Canada and the U.S.)
Organizers expect to welcome more than 500 thirsty beer lovers.
“Last year we had 450 people,” says Marc Babin, spokesman for the Strathcona Hotel, which hosts the festival. “This year we have more vendors and more beer, so we’re expecting more people.”
Live music will play while people quaff their favourite suds.
Admission includes two four-ounce beer tasters and a slice of pizza. Additional tasters are $1.75.
Tickets are $20. The festival runs 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Club 9ONE9 at the Strathcona Hotel, 919 Douglas St. For more information, go to strathconahotel.com.
