Now recognized as the largest craft beer festival on Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival is returning this summer!
Hosted by the Chemainus Business Improvement Association (CBIA), this marvelous community event will take place on Saturday, August 16th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Doc Lewis Park in Chemainus.
Lucky attendees will be able to try over 30 different breweries with up to 100 (or more) craft beers, alongside delicious eats from local vendors and popular food trucks from across the island.
Some of the food choices will feature Artisan Empanadas, Bite me Cookie Company, Canada Crepe and More, 2 Rae’s Jacks Grilled Cheese, Hot Dog Hustlin, Island Pastry Haus, Phat Bastard Eats, Souls Toast, The Steel Pan, Taco Papi, and more!
“We are ecstatic to host an event of this scale in our charming town of Chemainus, which is typically reserved for larger markets like Victoria or Vancouver,” says Krystal Adams, Executive Director of the CBIA.
“It’s grown into one of the most anticipated celebrations on the Island, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Chemainus this summer.”
Throughout the day, music will provide entertainment and set the mood, with four bands set to keep you grooving.
The headlining act is Chase the Bear, a Canadian rock band who just got back from their first American tour. The opening bands include Dirty Harriet, Trouble on the Outskirts and Lost Octave.
Tickets for the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival start at $32 for ‘admission only’ tickets, and $48 for a general admission ticket, which includes five tasting tokens, a tasting glass and a chance to win exciting prizes (on top of admission to the festival).
VIP tickets are also available for $76, and will offer early entry of one hour before general admission ticket holders, and double the tasting tokens.
Additionally, with every VIP ticket sold, a $1 donation will be made to the Canucks Autism Network.
The fun doesn’t stop here! Brand new this year is their After Party event, hosted at The Travel Bar from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.!
The party will have plenty of full-sized beverages, music and fantastic vibes to go around, and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the main event’s location.
All of the proceeds from this festival are reinvested into the local economy and the initiatives that support small businesses and tourism!
“It’s going to be a full day of flavour, fun, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of our community,” added Adams.
In order to provide safe rides for those who wish to participate in the festival’s many offerings, there will be simple shuttle services running from key communities: Duncan, Ladysmith, Crofton, Maple Bay, Cowichan Bay, Nanaimo and designated parking areas around Chemainus.
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Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival
- Where:
- Main event: Doc Lewis Park, Elm Street, Chemainus
- After Party: The Travel Bar, parked steps away from the main event
- When: Saturday, August 16th
- Main event: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- After Party: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
