We had you at “Beer Festival” didn’t we. Now we know that the summer is a great time to hang out with the kids, but let’s face it; they could use a little time for themselves, and you could certainly use a break, so why not earmark Friday July 26 as the perfect evening to let them sleep over at their friends’ while you and your friends head down to the historic Art Deco Bandshell at the CNE grounds to experience Canada’s biggest beer extravaganza, the nineteenth annual Toronto’s Festival of Beer.
This yearly summer celebration runs the whole weekend long, Friday evening until Sunday. It is a “+ 19” event, and is not pet friendly, so maybe you can work out a deal with your neighbours; “You look after little Johnny and Fido on Friday night, and we’ll look after them Saturday.” Or not. With over two hundred brands of beer, it might take you a while to get through it all.
“The Festival boasts over 60 brewers featuring more than 200 brands from all over the globe. From lagers to stouts, fruit beers to ales, we have something for everyone! The Festival features more than just beer though; there are several non-malt based beverages available including wine, ciders and ready-to-drink beverages. There are also a number of food vendors onsite serving up delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for oysters, poutine, or a burger, you’ll be able to find the perfect thing to satisfy your appetite!”
You will want to check out the grilling tent for sure, where Ted Reader of Ted’s World Famous Barbeque will be doling out the wisdom and sharing his grilling secrets. Be sure to be on the lookout for the dapper and charming Peter Neal of Neal Brothers Fine Foods who will be showcasing what just may be the best potato chips you will ever have: Pink Himalayan Salt chips and Sweet & Smokey Barbeque Kettle Style chips.
To keep your toes tapping while you wash down poutine from Smoke’s Poutinerie, lobster rolls from Rock Lobster, or oysters from Oyster Boy, to mention just a few of the food items available, musical guests this weekend include hip-hop legends De La Soul, alternative rockers the Spin Doctors, blues rockers Big Sugar and more. Justin Bieber will not be there. We promise!
All this for an entry fee of about the cost of a two-four.
Don’t say we didn’t tell you.