Okanagan Fest of Ale 2019 – 2 Week Countdown to Bigger & Better

Okanagan Fest of Ale is Bigger & Better in 2019

24th Annual Okanagan Fest of Ale – April 12 & 13, 2019

Craft brewers and craft beer enthusiasts from BC and beyond will soon be gathering in Penticton, BC to celebrate at the 24th annual Okanagan Fest of Ale.Bigger and better in 2019, the 24^th Annual Okanagan Fest of Ale will showcase a record number of craft breweries and cideries and includes an expanded outdoor tasting area and amped up recognition for the best dressed festival goers. This must-attend festival takes place at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre April 12^th and 13^th and features over 200 craft beers and artisanal ciders from 75 exceptional BC based craft breweries and cideries. There will also be fabulous food, great entertainment, onsite attractions, education stations and a pop-up liquor shop.“We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding and relocating our outdoor tasting plaza,” explained John Cruickshank, Okanagan Fest of Ale Society President. “We had a waiting list of breweries that wanted to participate, so we decided to move our outdoor tasting area to a bigger location. The new outdoor tasting plaza means we can welcome a few additional brewer booths and accommodate a few more guests to the fest.” A record breaking 75 breweries are now confirmed to participate, including 19 new to the event and 8 craft cideries.

“The list of participants is incredible and includes breweries who have been attending since the very first festival, and some highly anticipated new breweries attending for the first time. The lineup of beers and ciders being offered is outstanding with a great mix of core favourites, new releases, collaborations, cask ales and experimental brews to try” says Cruickshank. You can find the listings on the Fest of Ale website and under Okanagan Fest of Ale on the Untappd App. “With over 200 craft beverages for sampling, there is definitely something for everyone at Fest of Ale 2019”.

When you find some new favourites at this year’s event, the crew from Clancy’s Liquor Store will be onsite for tasty take-aways at their pop-up liquor shop. Plus, the Canadian Craft Tours team will be on hand to collect your vote for the Cascades Casino People’s Choice Best Beer, Cider and Food as well as your top picks for Best Label, kindly sponsored by Super Deluxe Creative and Westkey Graphics.

Fest of Ale festival goers with a passion for fashion are encouraged to show off their spirit and their crafty side. The friendly folks from Visit Penticton and SUNFM will be on the hunt for the Best Dressed guests with bragging rights and great prizes up for grabs. “The Best Dressed contest is a fun way for us to acknowledge our patrons, who go all out with creativity in celebration of the event” says Cruickshank.

On the entertainment front, DJ Nathan Shakes will be spinning tunes in between sets from an eclectic mix of talented performers with styles as diverse as the selection of beers being offered at the event both indoors and out. Hungry guests can choose from 13 different and delicious onsite vendors while festival goers with a thirst for knowledge can drop by the brewing education station manned by the friendly folks from Trellis and Vine Craft house or stop in at the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) booth to find out more about the local and provincial craft beer scene.

Strike a pose at the onsite photo booth manned by Flash & Frame Photography, and plan to enjoy the Fest of Ale and get home safely. $2 discount vouchers will be available to all attendees.

For local craft beer enthusiasts and out of town guests extending their Okanagan craft beer getaway, a number of craft themed events are taking place around town including “Every Beer Has a Story” a fun-filled educational seminar, hosted by The Thirsty Writer, Joe Wiebe at Bad Tattoo Brewing; Strange Brews for you to savour at Craft Corner Kitchen; “Songs of Karaoke” at the Barley Mill Brew Pub;“Walk the Plank – Murderers Row Cask Event” at the Kettle Valley Station Pub; the “Hair of the Dog” buffet brunch at the Barking Parrot; and celebrate the end of the festivities on Sunday evening as you relax and wind down with some free live music at Cannery Brewing with Justin Koshman.

With just over 2 weeks to go until the kegs roll in and the casks are tapped, organizers report ticket sales have topped their expectations and encourage anyone wishing to attend the event to purchase their tickets soon! Ticket and accommodation packages will be offered until April 1^st with a number of partners already reporting a sellout. Ticket and tour packages are available for guests travelling from Kelowna with space subject to availability, as shuttle seats are filling up fast!

Tickets to the event are available online at www.ValleyFirstTix.com

Or can be picked up in person at the Valley First Box Office at the SOEC

Single Day Admission $29; 2-day Weekend Pass $49 (inclusive of tax and fees)

Groups of 12 or more enjoy 10%+ off single day or weekend passes

Tickets at the door are subject to availability – don’t be disappointed and pick yours up in advance!

For more information on #FestofAle 2019 & other events around town, visit www.FestofAle.ca

Good fun for a great cause! Operating as a non-profit society, and managed by a Volunteer Board of Directors, the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society hosts an annual Consumer Craft Beer Festival that functions to support and promote the growing craft beer industry, enhance local tourism, and donate to charitable organizations within the South Okanagan Similkameen region. Since its inception, $697,660 in net proceeds has been gifted back to qualifying registered charities and other not-for-profit societies.