Calgary International Beerfest
May 4-5, 2012 BMO Centre, Stampede Park Calgary International Beerfest is now in its 8th year, and has moved to a new location. Beginning at SAIT, then moving to the Big Four Building on the Stampede grounds, the festival is now to be held at the BMO Centre there. Having sold out for the past 6 years, the new, bigger space will allow for up to 15,000 people over the weekend to pass through the doors. Each year the Calgary International Beerfest strives to add new elements to its repertoire. Gluten-free beer (a growing category) will now be added to the judging, and there are new Mill Street Beer Geek VIP Weekend and Daily Passes, allowing a limited number of people into the hall one hour earlier than the general public. Also new is an “Alberta Beer Passport” for this year’s festival. So far Wild Rose, Village, Big Rock, Brew Brothers, Alley Kat, Amber’s, Banff Ave, Jasper, Ribstone Creek and Grizzly Paw will all be participating in the passport. In addition, there are two brewmaster seminar areas, where interested people will get information from the creators of the brew around them. There is also a new Pilsner Urquell Cooking Stage with beer and cooking seminars presented by chefs from different restaurants around Calgary. The Calgary International Beerfest is a celebration of beer to increase beer knowledge and maybe even help find a new favourite, with more than 200 different choices. Attendees are welcome to take part in beer seminars, vote for the People’s Choice awards, meet new people, sample delicious foods, enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment, and have a great time. Upon entry, each guest will receive an official Calgary International Beerfest sample mug to use throughout the event and take home with them afterwards.
photos: Mike Bradley
Friday, May 4: Beer Geek VIP- 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. General Admission: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Saturday, May 5: Beer Geek VIP- 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. General Admission: 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tickets (subject to capacity): $17 early bird / $19 in advance / $25 at the door Weekend Pass: $29 Beer Geek VIP Daily Ticket: $22 early bird Beer Geek VIP Weekend Pass: $35
event preview by David Nuttall
C U L I N A I R E M A G A Z I N E.C A
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