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Taking place at Bandshell Park in Exhibition Place and featuring an impressive 300+ brands onsite, Toronto’s Festival of Beer (@TOBeerFestival) is without a doubt, the event of the summer.

Beer Fest

This year’s event was held this past weekend and I have to say, it was another incredibly successful year! The best part about Beer Fest is the sampling. While tickets to the event started at $39.95,  they included 5 tokens and a sampling mug. Oh, and samples are always cheap! Tokens are purchased for $1 each which gets you half a mug or 2 tokens for a full mug (at most brewers). At those prices, it gives you the opportunity to try a ton of different beers you’d never otherwise try. You’re bound to come out of the festival with a few new favourites!

Beer Fest

With a selection of beers ranging from local breweries (like Liberty Village Brewing Co., Kensington Brewing Company and Left Field Brewery, to name a few) to big brand names (including Corona and Carlsberg), there’s a bit of everything and something for everyone – even for those who aren’t beer drinkers!

Big and small local brands made an appearance

While beer obviously takes centre stage, I was incredibly impressed with the cider offerings. While well-known cider brands like Somersby made an appearance, I was introduced to some delicious ciders including Pommies, Brickworks and Angry Orchard. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for these brands at my next BBQ!

More than just beer!

While the sampling is a big draw of the festival, there’s more to beer fest than just beer sampling. Everyday during the three-day festival, the Bandshell stage features an amazing line-up of live music. This year’s line-up included K-OS, The Trews and Matthew Good. Really, really, great entertainment!

Games, live music and Brewmaster sessions

Other activities at the festival included Brewmaster Sessions (think home brewing and creating beer cocktails) presented by Prud’Homme Beer Certification and the “Beerlicious Grilling Experience” which featured a number of great chefs from around the city.

Beer Fest

You really can’t have a beer event without great food – it’s the second most important part! Thankfully, Beer Fest had us covered with their fantastic selection of food. We were overwhelmed with choices!

Here’s a round-up of some of the festival’s food offerings:

Bacon & Cheese Sandwich from Rashers (@rashersto)

Rashers

Freshly Shucked Oysters from Oyster Boy (@OysterBoyTO)

Oyster Boy

Porchetta Sandwich with truffle sauce, parmesan, mustard, hot sauce  from Porchetta & Co  (@PorchettaAndCo) with a side of roasted potatoes

Porchetta & Co

A selection of stuffed buns from Hot Bunzz (@HotBunzzTO). We loved the Surf n’ Turf!

Hot Bunzz

Grilled Corn on the Cob from Ontario Corn Roasters

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Beef n’ Beer pie from the Pie Commission (@PieCommish)

The Pie Commission

Mini Lobster Roll from Rock Lobster (@RockLobsterFood)

Rock Lobster

Poutine from Smoke’s Poutinerie (@poutinerie)

Smoke’s Poutinerie

Pepperoni Pizza from Pizzeria Libretto (@PizzaLibretto)

Pizzeria Libretto

Other vendors at the Beer Fest:

Fidel Gastro’s, The Grilled Cheese Company, Chicken Fajitas and La Brea Food

A fantastic beer (and cider) selection, amazing food and great entertainment. This is an annual event you won’t want to miss! See you all there next year 🙂



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