Beer festivals are popping up at locations all over Toronto. Here’s the lowdown on upcoming events featuring food, music and, of course, some of the best brewskis around.
Hart House Craft Beer Festival
July 28, 7 pm. $35, stu $30. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca
University and drinking beer? Now, that’s a crazy idea. Hart House goes with a less-is-more approach by dedicating itself to local craft beers. As at any craft beer festival, a number of brewers bring down one-of-a-kind specials just for the event.
In addition to multiple quality beers, Hart House executive chef Marco Tucci serves up the barbecue. And, um, CIUT DJs spin for the crowd. Given the scale of the event and the beautiful setting of the Hart House quad, this is an evening the Ontario craft brew industry really looks forward to. Don’t hesitate – it usually sells out.
Toronto Festival of Beer
August 5 to 7, Friday 4 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1 to 7 pm. $38.50-$48.50 per day. beerfestival.ca
This is the big one. Stroll, cup in hand, from the Davids of the craft brew world to the Goliaths of beer who arrive in 18-wheelers of sudsy chug-a-lugging good timez. The event spreads across the relatively scenic yet accessible grounds of the CNE’s Bandshell Park.
Show exclusives include a brewers mashup where craft brewers like Beau’s and Black Oak or Nickel Brook and Flying Monkey pair up to create collaborative kegs. The Girls Tour happens at this fest, too, on August 7. And don’t miss Great Lakes Caskapalooza, with 20 different cask beers on tap. With chefs like Ted Reader, Cowbell’s Mark Cutrara and Marben’s Carl Heinrich showing their chops, you can eat and drink like there’s no Monday.
Queer Beer Festival
August 4, 4 to 10 pm. $38.50-$48.50. queerbeerfestival.ca
“OMG! Did somebody thay there’s a Woody’s shuttle bus?!” Yes, just because this event is out at the CNE grounds, there’s no excuse for Church Streeters not to get aboard the Queer Beer Festival express.
Immediately preceding the Toronto Festival of Beers, Queer Beer features an extensive lineup of beer tastings and food tents spread about the grounds of the Bandshell Park. Said bandshell is graced by a Queer Beer-specific night of entertainment, emceed by comedian Maggie Cassella, featuring Ace of Base, Lucas from the Clicks and Hunter Valentine.
For an additional fee, novice lesbeerians can take Mirella Amato’s Girls Guided Beer Tour starting at 5 pm. How come I never got that merit badge?
