Every spring, the city begins to see a buzz of excitement as the Calgary International Beer Festival approaches. Since 2005, beer lovers from Calgary and beyond have taken part in an elevated beverage-tasting experience with new exciting elements every year.
As the two-day event unfolds, tens of thousands of attendees gather, connect, eat, drink and discover new drinks. This year, the Calgary International Beer Festival will be held May 3 and 4, and everyone, even non-beer drinkers, can find something to love — including new exciting after-party events.
New this year
For years, Alberta Beer Festivals (ABF) has been listening to feedback from festival attendees. Bill Robinson, ABF president, explains that as the festival organizers, ABF always wanted the public to go out after the event and support local bars, pubs and restaurants. But what happened is local businesses were getting slammed with festival goers late in the evening so ABF felt that support wasn’t as beneficial as they hoped.
So instead, this year, following the Friday and Saturday events, the festival will host two exciting after-parties to help manage the demand, featuring White Light along with headliner acts, Felix Cartal and Glass Petals.
“It’s a chance for people to continue gathering in the community and have a ton of fun,” says Robinson. “We keep trying to add new and fun things, and I think that’s what brings people back every year.”
Something for everyone
Despite the name, the Calgary International Beer Festival is about so much more than just beer. BMO Centre transforms into a lively hub where attendees enjoy live music, luxury VIP spaces, interactive seminars, food and drink pairings from over 40 local restaurants, and more than 400 different beverages to sample including beer, cider, mead, distilled spirits, non-alcoholic and ready-to-drink options.
Guests can choose from a range of packages depending if they want to join in on this year’s new after-parties that keeps the fun going all night or if they want general admission or VIP access.
Community-centred
There are over 200 breweries and over 60 distilleries in Alberta, and ABF has been on a mission to highlight and celebrate their tasty creations and contributions to the local beverage industry. As the years have gone by, the Calgary International Beer Festival has become a celebration of more than just leading beverage companies — it’s a celebration of the community at large. Cocktail connoisseurs, beer buffs and even those who prefer non-alcoholic options can gather, celebrate and share stories over a crisp drink.
“The environment and the energy are completely different from what you might expect to experience. It’s very community-focused. As people are mingling and trying things, they meet new people, they make new friends,” says Robinson. “There’s a community spirit here. It’s such a positive vibe, and people connect in ways that they wouldn’t normally.”
To learn more about Alberta Beer Festivals and get your tickets for the Calgary event, visit albertabeerfestivals.com.
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