If you love craft beer, you already know the thrill of discovering a new favourite: that first sip of something unexpected, the bright citrus of a summer IPA, the smooth roast of a perfect porter. Now imagine doing that again and again — more than a hundred times — in one afternoon.
That’s the promise of the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival, returning to Chemainus on Saturday, Aug. 16 and now officially crowned the largest craft beer festival on Vancouver Island. It’s the kind of event that only happens once a year, and for beer lovers, it’s Christmas in August.
From 1 to 6 p.m., Doc Lewis Park will be transformed into a tasting paradise with more than 30 breweries pouring more than 100 beers. Organizers have curated a lineup that stretches from Victoria to Kelowna, bringing together everything from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to inventive sours and rich stouts. Some breweries are festival veterans; others are making their Chemainus debut. Serious Brewing – newly opened in Chemainus – will be pouring a taste of what’s on tap at their pub.
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While the majority of pours are proudly Island-made, the selection goes well beyond local shores. Breweries from the Lower Mainland and B.C.’s Interior are bringing their best to the party, giving festival-goers a chance to sample beers they may not have encountered on tap before. It’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the pints, swap tasting notes and discover new go-to brews in a single afternoon.
And did we mention gluten-free beer options?
While beer is the headliner, the festival doesn’t leave anyone out. Cider lovers can sample from producers like Salt Spring Wild, Merridale Cidery & Distillery and Big Bang Cider. They’ve got non-drinkers covered too. There are small-batch sodas, fresh lemonade and zero-proof beers.
It’s not called a beer and food festival for nothing! Enjoy a bite with your brew from a wide variety of food trucks. (Courtesy of Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival)
Food, of course, is part of the fun, with vendors serving everything from street eats to local favourites. Enjoy a snack between tasting rounds or pair your pick from the food trucks with a pint for maximum flavour.
This year brings two new twists: an official after-party at The Travel Bar from 6 to 10 p.m., keeping the celebration going well into the evening, and a partnership with the Canucks Autism Network that will see $1 from every VIP ticket going toward Island programs.
The festival has grown steadily since its early days, both in size and in reputation. It’s on the radar of beer fans far beyond the Cowichan Valley, drawing attendees from Vancouver, Alberta, the North Island and beyond. That out-of-town interest means more than just bragging rights; it’s a major boost for local businesses during peak summer.
Krystal Adams, executive director of the Chemainus Business Improvement Association which organizes the event, said the festival is a celebration of both craft beer culture and community.
“We’re proud to host the largest craft beer festival on Vancouver Island right here in Chemainus,” she said. “It’s an incredible mix of hand-selected breweries from across B.C., delicious food vendors, and an exciting live music lineup. There’s nothing else like it on the Island.”
Tickets are available at craftbeerandfoodfest.com, and start at $32 for admission only or $48 for general admission, which includes a commemorative tasting glass and five tokens. VIP passes offer early entry, more tokens and a few extra perks. Shuttle service is available from Duncan, Ladysmith, Crofton, Nanaimo and designated parking in Chemainus, making it easy to leave the car at home.
Whether you’re in it for the hoppiest double IPA, a tart kettle sour, or just the chance to taste something new, this is the one day you’ll find it all in one place at the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival.
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