Countdown to Fest of Ale
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer connoiseur or a craft brew newcomer you won’t want to miss the 23rd annual Okanagan Fest of Ale taking place in Penticton April 13-14. A favourite for patrons and participants alike for more than 20 years, this “must-attend event” is one of the largest and longest running beer festivals in the Pacific Northwest. The two-day festival features 65 brewer booths and over 175 craft beers, craft ciders, and cask ales to enjoy, fabulous food, live entertainment and more.
Guests of the #FestofAle2018 can look forward to tastings from 68 breweries from B.C. and beyond. Ten of the breweries participating are new to the event, five will be featuring craft ciders, and a selection of gluten free beers will be available.
Find a favourite? The crew from Clancy’s Liquor Store will be setting up a pop up shop making it easy for guests to take home their favourite festival finds.
Twelve local restauranteurs will be serving up an array of dishes and a number of them will be offering special food and beer parings.
Watch for Cannery Brewing paired with Brodo Kitchen; Howling Moon Cider paired with Craft Corner Kitchen; Tin Whistle Brewing paired with Nest & Nectar; and Tree Brewing paired with Surf Side California Street Food.
On the entertainment front, The Thursday Night Jazz Band will be returning to the main stage for the 23rd time, with the popular Dung Beatles also set to take to the main stage on Saturday.
Throughout the weekend, DJ Nathan Shakes will be spinning tunes in between lively performances from an eclectic mix of craft beer loving single and duos.
Festival goers with a thirst for knowledge may want to plan to stop by the at the Trellis and Vine Crafthouse Brewing Education station, while those with a passion for fashion are encouraged to “get crafty” and come to the event in their best teamtees.
Travel Penticton will be onsite Friday, camera ready to capture team-tee tasters with prizes for best team tee and bragging rights up for grabs.
Organizers report tickets sales to date are more than double what they were this time last year.
The event often sells out so early sales are highly recommended.
Tickets to the event are available online at www.ValleyFirstTix.com or can be picked up person at the Valley First Box Office at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Single day admission is $29 and a weekend pass for both days is $49, plus tax and service charges. There are discounts for groups of 12 and more with special accommodation specials starting at $135 per couple.
For additional information: www.FestofAle.ca