Beer Me in Whistler
ALISON NEARINGBERG There’s only one thing better than an autumn beer festival, and that’s when it’s held in the heart of beautiful Whistler. As mountain bikers take their last few laps and the anticipation of winter begins, it’s perfect timing to sample craft beers at the 2018 Whistler Village Beer Festival. If you’re a fan of ales and ciders, join like-minded enthusiasts for six days of tasting events, cask nights, beer battles, entertainment, beer yoga and axe throwing, from September 11 to 16. “The festival is considered to be ‘the’ event of the fall season for brewers and people who like to check out new beer styles,” says Katrina Frew, festival and events director for Gibbons Whistler. “This is a time for the industry and fans to celebrate! We’re hosting about seventy breweries and over 130 styles of beer and cider. Most hail from across BC but we’ve slipped in some of the best from Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia.“ Frew believes the increased popularity of craft breweries is the result of west coast forward thinking and enthusiastic support for local and entrepreneurial initiatives. “And it’s just plain fun to sample exciting and wacky infusions like tea, honey and a mysterious ingredient from someone’s beard!” The main event kicks off Saturday where a pocketful of tokens buys you an impressive array of frothy selections at vendor stands in the Olympic Plaza. On Saturday, groove to tunes from DJ Stache, R and B band JennaMae and The Groove Section, and tribute band, The Hip Replacements. Sunday DJ Angry Bear starts things off, followed by The Whiskeydicks, Redeye Empire and crowd favourite, Red Chair. Pair your beverage with lunch or a snack from local food vendors serving up delicious snacks like Oktoberfest wieners, brisket sliders, waffles, or a good old-fashioned grilled cheese. Plus, try your hand at beer yoga or axe throwing. Or take a brewery tour and stop for lunch at the Whistler Brewing Company’s Tap House, just a few minutes south of the main Whistler Village in Function Junction. Tickets are now on sale and hotel rates cool down with the weather in September, so you can find some great deals. Leave your car at home or parked because local transit is great and walking through the village on a clear, crisp fall day is even better.