Suds and sunshine make for the perfect afternoon party, not to mention delicious street eats and great tunes, something craft beverage fans are gearing up for as the first-ever Brewhalla New Westminster launches its epic good time, Aug. 10 at 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Queen's Park in New West.
Hosted by Red Door Events, you'll be in craft heaven as you sip, sample and snack your way through the tasty festival, as over 25 different craft makers bring their best boozy beverages for you to imbibe. Expect your favourites to be among the local craft offerings—from beer, cider, wine and spirits to mead and zero proof options.
Attendance is anticipated to swell up to 2,000 attendees, at least that's the goal, according to an optimistic Hannah Cratty, marketing manager, Red Door Events.
"The craft beverage scene in New West and surrounding cities has continued to steadily grow over the last 10 years, proving there's a strong desire to consume high quality, local, crafted beverages and to know where products are coming from," says Cratty.
"We'd love for Brewhalla New Westminster to become an annual event!"
Local craft makers, brewing lab scholarship
You needn't be a full-fledged hophead to find something you'll enjoy. Beverages from more than 25 different local craft breweries, cideries and wineries will be featured, including:
Trading Post Brewing, Mariner Brewing, Five Roads Brewing, Tinhouse Brewing, Another Beer Co., Steel & Oak Brewing Co, R&B Brewing, Shuswap Cider, Sea Cider, Bali Water, Heart Berry Soda, Roots & Wings Distillery, Taylight Brewing, Greyfox Brewing, Fuggles Beer, Humblebee Meadery, Driftwood Spirits, Oddity Kombucha, Edna’s Cocktails, Smugglers Trail Caskworks, Hoyne Brewing, Bricklayer Brewing, Farm Country Brewing, Changing Colours Brewing Project, Silverstar Brewing Co., Temperance, Lolo Drink Co and Dry Goods.
"We're the most inclusive craft beverage festival in B.C.," reveals Cratty. "Instead of focusing on one style of drink (beer, wine or spirits), we have options for everyone, no matter what they drink, and if they don’t drink; we have non-alcoholic craft, too."
Red Door Events has created a $1,000 scholarship for a second-year student to the Brewing Lab at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
"We're excited to be part of the craft beer industry and want to support a young student in their goals to get their Brewing and Brewery Operations diploma to keep the industry growing," explains Cratty.
"A lot of graduates from the program have gone into brewing roles at the breweries that attend our events, so it’s very full circle for us."
Food truck bites and bands
There's nothing more satisfying than grazing among seven delicious food trucks to pair with your libations. Choices range from sweet to savoury with The Brownie Bakers, Meet2Eat, S For Skewer, Munchu Picchu, Super Thai, JAPADOG and Mr. Arancino.
"There’s always a dance party at Brewhalla, so we’re excited to have two local bands playing to keep the vibes high," says Cratty.
Look forward to performances by Side One (dance song classics and favourites) and Big Fuzz (up-and-coming rockers with New West roots), as well as a DJ set.
Fun and games, admission
Test your skills with some friendly competition with Cornhole, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, and spike ball, and gain bragging rights and gift cards to local businesses during games of flip cup, bounce ball and beer pong.
Take part in the "Life on the River" theme by dressing your best to fit the theme (think fishers, mermaids, pirates, scuba divers, riverboat dancers, etc.) and take your shot at a chance to win a paddleboard and prizes for best dressed. Or test your luck on their inflatable, stand up surfboard challenge.
Get your tickets early! General admission: $45 (+ taxes and fees), includes 4 oz commemorative tasting glass, three drink tokens; VIP: $75 (+ taxes and fees), includes the same as general admission, plus four additional drink tokens and early entry at 11:30 a.m.; 6 Pack: $225 (+ taxes and fees), six tickets for the price of five.
Additional tokens: $2.50 each or 11 for $25.
"Brewhalla brings all these amazing makers together in one place while also fostering a fun environment with great food, amazing live music, games, competitions, themes and more," says Cratty.
"There’s no better way to spend a summer Saturday."
For more information and tickets, visit showpass.com.
