Oktoberfest isn’t the only event that marks October as beer month. More than 90 craft beers have emerged in British Columbia and the goal is to celebrate each and every one. BC Craft Beer Month returns in its fifth year to cheers for 31 days of craft beer cask nights, tap takeovers and beer dinners, starting today with the launch at Central City Brewers in Surrey. The fundraiser supports the BC Craft Brewers Guild, promoting ale sales with a tap-takeover showcasing seasonal and specialty beers from across BC. Ticket includes entry and four 10-ounce BC Craft Beers, with proceeds going straight to the BC Craft Brewers Guild. During the remainder of the month, there will be numerous events throughout the province including Powell River Craft Beer, Cider, & Spirits Festival, BC Hop Fest, Harrison Beer Festival and Brewphoria Cask Festival.
Special events reign supreme, like the Stein and Dine, held in Victoria, is a Bavarian-themed conjunction of Victoria Beer Week, Oktoberfest and BC Craft Beer Month, together for a party of dancing, food and craft beer. Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop will come prepared to honor the classic Oktoberfest cuisine and flavors of fall with chicken bratwurst with potatoes and grain mustard, along with pork schnitzel with braised cabbage and apples. Music from the accordion will resonate for all to sip and savor selected craft beer and cider.
Fall harvest is another moment of October to clank steins in celebration, and Fresh to Death is the event that revolves around the emergence of autumn. Many BC craft breweries turn over the new leaves of fall with brewing fresh hops. The mighty hop is the focus at this event as breweries such as Driftwood and Hoyne are well known for their hoppy beers and seasonal brews.
Raise a glass to the burgeoning British Columbia beer scene and take a swig of local beer.
