There are beer festivals, and then there is the Whistler Village Beer Festival, an event that takes celebrating beer in the mountains to a whole new level. Don’t believe us? We’ll let the numbers do the talking — 20 different events, 70+ breweries, five solid days packed with beer seminars, dinners, and more, all happening right in the heart of Whistler Village. We’ll raise a glass to that.
Tips to Celebrating at the WVBF
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re celebrating everything about beer in the mountains.
1. Get a Good Base
Whether it’s sunbathing or drinking beer, it’s all about the base. You’ll be trying a lot of beers this weekend and you’ll need something to coat that stomach, something that will keep you in the game for the long haul. Look no further than the Bannock and Beer event at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on Thursday Sept. 17. A little traditional baked bread in your belly will set you up nicely for soaking up the weekend ahead.
2. Get Smart
Alright, you’re at a beer festival and you didn’t think you’d need a pen and paper. Have no fear — this isn’t your typical classroom; you get to drink beer in this class. Think of how many more university lectures you would have attended with this format. These beer fest seminars are designed to enlighten… tastefully enlighten. Craft Beer 101, the History of Beer, Hops 101 and, new this year, Cider 101.
3. Get to Know the Competition
It can’t hurt to see who’s made it the top in the past; it’ll give you a sense of the taste buds of the craft beer masses. Last year, first place went to Parallel 49, a cheeky brewery out of Vancouver everyone is talking about. Second place was local brewery, Whistler Brewing Co. and third place went to Old Yale.
4. Get a Game Plan
There will be a lot going on at the main events on Saturday and Sunday — live music, food trucks, giant Jenga, foosball tables. There will be 70 breweries on display on Saturday, 50 on Sunday. If you’re serious about finding the best in the fest, you’ll need to focus. Check out the map and plot your days.
5. Get Your Posse
If wine is better aged, beer is better with your buds.
Enjoy the Whistler Village Beer Festival with friends. Photo: Tobias C Van Veen
6. Get the Inside Scoop
Notable newcomers to the festival this year are: Fuggles & Warlock, Steel & Oak and Strange Fellows Brewing. We’re not going to say any more about this. We’ll leave the judging up to you.
7. Most Importantly, Don’t Forget to Vote
There will be four tablets on scene at Whistler Olympic Plaza — two roaming and two at the voting stations. The Best in Fest winner will be revealed at the Longhorn on Sunday night at the end of the festival.
So go forth, enjoy, and may the best beer win.
If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet visit the Whistler Village Beer Festival.
