Toronto beer festival includes a tour geared toward women

Beer connoisseurs and thirsty drinkers will be able to find a world of options at Toronto’s 18th beer festival, with a wide-ranging music lineup and samples of tasty food.

The festival, which runs July 27-29 at Bandshell Park in Toronto’s Exhibition Place, celebrates Canada’s brewing heritage with more than 200 brands of the malty beverage.

Friday, July 27, will be headlined by Grammy Awardwinning artists Salt-N-Pepa, along with other acts including Kreesha Turner, D-sisive, My Son the Hurricane and Michie Mee.

On Saturday, July 28, July Talk sets the stage for headlining act Gentlemen Husbands from Cobourg, Ont. Other acts include Emerson Street Rhythm Band, Taj Weeks, Brett Caswell and the Marquee Rose.

The festival wraps up Sunday, July 29, with Hollerado, Detroit Rock City All-Stars, Frank Ryan and the day’s headliner – Big Wreck.

Along with the music and bevvies, a grilling tent will feature meat creations by some of Toronto’s top culinary artists.

Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery will offer sessions with brew masters and experts from around the country.

There will also be a guided beer tour geared toward women. Despite its historic association with men, beer has many qualities that appealto women. beer hasf ewer calories than a mixed drink, juice, milk or cola, it has up to four times more antioxidants than wine, and the yeast and hops in beer have strong probiotic qualities.

Visitors must be of legal drinking age (19 and over) to attend the event. For more information and tickets, visit www.beerfestival.ca.