In case you’re unaware, Vancouver Craft Beer Week starts on Friday, which is awesome. My liver will take the necessary hits in order to fully appreciate the awesomeness of the local beer culture. And so should yours.
Because there’s a lot going on over VCBW’s 10 days, I’ve curated for you – yes, YOU – a list of seven events you should spend all your hard-earned cash on. I’ve listed only events with tickets still available (which is why signature events like Rare Brews & BBQ aren’t listed) and from those, only events that can help the average beer drinker get a feel for where Vancouver’s beer culture is circa 2015. Do it!
The VCBW Opening Night Gala
What: Everyone loves a gala, right? Especially one with a red carpet, which, of course, this event will have, because VCBW’s opening night doubles as the award ceremony for the first annual Vancouver Magazine International Craft Beer Awards ceremony. It’ll be hosted by comedian Dino Archie and all the winning breweries will be pouring their winning beers.
When: Friday, May 29, 6-10pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre
Price: $60 (plus taxes and fees, which is true for all prices I’ve listed, so this is the last time I’ll state it), which includes unlimited beer samples and canapés.
Gigantabiroomcobaltapalooza!
What: Formerly called Hoppapalooza, this event features four hours of rad local music (courtesy of Zulu Records) combined with four of the grooviest breweries on the West Coast taking over the taps: Portland’s Gigantic, Brassneck, Parallel 49 and Strange Fellows.
When:Sunday, May 31, 2-6pm
Where:The Cobalt
Price:$65 for unlimited food and beer.
Battle of the Bartenders: Beer Cocktail Competition
What: In which eight local bartenders compete for the title of Ultimate Beer Cocktailer (my terminology). There’s also a chance for you – yes, YOU – to win a trip for two to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
When: Wednesday, June 3, 6pm-late
Where: The Blackbird
Price: $20, which includes 18 fluid ounces of Driftwood New Growth (the special competition beer), a raffle ticket for the Denver trip and limited samples of the competitor cocktails.
Brothers in Hops
What: Four like-minded West Coast brewers devoted to hops showcase their beers. Ben Love of Gigantic Brewery, Gary Lohin of Central City, Jaime Floyd of Ninkasi and Graham With of Parallel 49 will all be there, taking part in a Q&A session while everyone is treated to good food and deliciously hoppy beers.
When: Thursday, June 4, 6-10pm
Where: The Butcher and Bullock
Price: $60, which includes beer samplings, food and a raffle ticket for a door prize.
Rookies & Legends
What: A good ol’ fashioned mingler, with 24 breweries – 12 “rookies” and 12 “legends” – pouring on tap. This is a no-brainer. Good food, good beer and, if it’s anything like every other craft beer industry event I’ve ever been to, really good people. This doubles as a fundraiser for the BC Craft Beer Guild, so if you care about the future of the BC beer industry, help support these guys by drinking lots and lots of beer.
When: Friday, June 5, 6-10pm
Where:12 Kings Pub
Price:$49, which includes beer samples and “sample-sized food offerings.”
Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival
What: The main event. The climax. The Big Lebowski. You – yes, YOU – can familiarize yourself with 100 breweries and roughly 400 beers, though we don’t recommend actually familiarizing yourself with all 400. This is the biggest VCBW event yet, partly because 10,000 people are expected over two days, but mostly because The Growlerteam will unveil its brand-spanking-new tent, where we’ll sell merch, give away copies of our book and grace everyone with the presence of our awesome new tent.
When:Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2-6pm
Where:PNE Fair Grounds
Price: $34.99-$39.99, which includes entry to the festival, a souvenir tasting glass, and a chance to touch The Growler tent (the metal poles only; contact with the tent itself is prohibited and strictly enforced).
• Vancouver Craft Beer Week takes place May 29-June 7. Visit VancouverCraftBeerWeek.com for full event info and online ticket sales.