The largest craft beer festival on Vancouver Island is back, and it鈥檚 bigger than ever.
Taking place Saturday, Aug. 16 from noon to 6 p.m. at Doc Lewis Park (2940 Elm St.) in Chemainus, the Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival features more than 30 breweries and more than 100 craft beers on tap.
Organized by the Chemainus Business Improvement Association (CBIA), the non-profit festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the small town, thanks to a lineup of live music, food trucks and community spirit.
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to host the largest craft beer festival on Vancouver Island right here in Chemainus,鈥� said CBIA executive director Krystal Adams. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 event will feature an incredible mix of hand-selected breweries from across B.C., delicious food vendors from all over the Island, and an exciting live music lineup.鈥�
Beer is the main event, with participating breweries from across Vancouver Island, along with a handful from the Lower Mainland and B.C.'s Interior. In addition to local favourites like Red Arrow Brewing and Bayview Brewing, there are plenty of exciting newcomers and guest taps to check out. Serious Brewing, set to open soon in Chemainus, will be pouring samples of what鈥檚 to come at their future pub.
The festival isn鈥檛 just for beer lovers. Cider drinkers will find offerings from Island producers like Salt Spring Wild, Merridale Cidery & Distillery from Cobble Hill, and Nanaimo-based Big Bang Cider.
Non-drinkers can enjoy a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including craft sodas, fresh squeezed lemonade and zero-proof beer options. Gluten-free drink choices will also be on hand.
More than a dozen food trucks and local vendors will serve everything from grilled cheese and gourmet hot dogs to Greek cuisine and pastries. Participating names include Artisan Empanadas, Bite Me Cookie Company, Greek on the Street, Taco Papi, and many others.
New this year is an official after-party hosted by The Travel Bar, running from 6 to 10 p.m., with full-size drinks and live music just steps from the festival grounds. This year鈥檚 edition will also support the Canucks Autism Network, with $1 from each VIP ticket going toward on-island programs.
Festival-goers can enjoy performances from four live bands throughout the day, capped off by headliners Chase the Bear, fresh off their first U.S. tour. Also hitting the stage are Dirty Harriet, Trouble on the Outskirts, and Lost Octave.
Tickets are available at, with admission-only passes starting at $32, and general admission tickets starting at $48. The latter includes entry, live music, a commemorative tasting glass, and five tasting tokens. VIP tickets offer early access, twice as many tokens along with some additional perks.
To make things easy and safe, shuttle service will be available from surrounding communities, including Duncan, Ladysmith, Crofton, Nanaimo, and designated parking lots in Chemainus.
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