Dates: April 9-10, 2010 (Future dates: April 8-9, 2011, April 13-14, 2012 and April 5-6, 2013)
Website: www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca
Location: Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
Cost: $20.00, plus service fees
Tickets: Available starting March 1, 2010 in person at the Days Inn Penticton (152 Riverside Drive, Penticton) or by phone at 250-493-3200 or toll-free 1-800-663-1900. Advance ticket sales only.
On most occasions that a toast is made in Penticton, chances are fairly good the raised glasses contain one of the award-winning wines for which this area is so well-known. For at least two days each year, though, the odds would be wrong. The reason? Most likely it’s the return of the wildly popular Okanagan Fest-of-Ale.
Every April, brew masters from across the Pacific Northwest load up a selection of their finest ales and converge in Penticton to tap their kegs for microbrew enthusiasts. For twenty dollars, plus the cost of your samples, thirsty festival-goers can try a wide variety of traditional beers, like lagers and porters, as well as more unusual ales bearing mouth-watering descriptions that boast of bananas, cloves, cherries and chocolate. Mmm…
Feeling hungry? A number of local restaurants will be set up on site to serve you some of their tastiest dishes. Have fun pairing your meal with your new favourite microbrew. (And don’t forget to vote for your top picks in the People’s Choice Awards. Categories include: Best Beer, Best Booth and Best Food.)
You don’t have to drink beer to have a good time at the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale. Really. In fact, because teetotallers won’t be distracted trying to decide which refreshing beverage they’ll sample next, they can focus on the impressive line-up of energetic rock and pop bands performing on the main stage.
In addition to enjoying a fun evening filled with high-quality ales, food and music, net proceeds from the event go towards local charitable organizations, which is just one more to attend. (Not that you needed it.)
With a cult-like following that has grown as fast as the micro-brew industry itself, the Fest-of-Ale is guaranteed to sell out so be sure to purchase your tickets early. Special accommodation and ticket packages are also available for out-of-town beer lovers.
For more information, please visit the official event website at: www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca.