You Need To Add These Massive Alberta Beer Festivals To Your March Calendar
By Britanny Burr on February 27, 2025.
Alberta’s craft beer culture is thriving, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year for beer lovers across the province. With two of the biggest beer festivals in Canada on the horizon, there’s no better time to raise a glass to the artistry of brewing and, of course, treat yourself to some of the best brews in the province. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just looking for something fun to do, these events promise an unbeatable mix of world-class beer, gourmet bites, and a whole lot of entertainment. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable experience at two of Alberta’s premier beer festivals.
Edmonton Craft Beer Festival
Dates: March 7 & 8, 2025
Location: Edmonton Expo Centre
Kicking off the festival season, the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is all about bringing together community, creativity, and craft brewing. Over 150 breweries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies will be showcasing their finest creations, offering more than 500 different drinks to sample. From hoppy IPAs and smooth stouts to refreshing ciders and bold spirits, there’s something for everyone. While it may sound odd, we can promise that even folks who don’t like beer or can’t drink beer will have a blast and find more than enough options to drink.
But it’s not just about the drinks. This festival also has a hard-hitting food lineup. More than 20 of Edmonton’s top restaurants and pubs will be serving up mouthwatering dishes that perfectly complement the brews on offer. Live music lounges will keep the atmosphere lively throughout the weekend, and for those who want to keep the party going, there’s even an exclusive after-party.
Tickets & VIP Perks:
General Admission tickets start at $19.99, with VIP options available up to $79.99. VIP attendees enjoy early access, a private lounge, and exclusive seminars designed to deepen their appreciation of craft beverages. This is an 18+ event, so be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID.
Calgary International Beerfest
Dates: May 2 & 3, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
If you’re looking for the ultimate beer festival experience, the Calgary International Beerfest is the place to be. As Canada’s largest beer festival, this event brings together over 200 breweries, offering more than 700 different beers to explore. Whether you prefer a crisp pilsner, a rich porter, or an experimental sour, you’ll find no shortage of incredible options. We are always impressed by how creative our local makers can be, so you can expect to sample some truly unique flavours.
Beyond the beer, the festival offers a variety of engaging experiences. The “Let’s Meet For A Beer” seminar series, hosted by Alberta Beer Festivals Co-Founder Mark Kondrat, provides attendees with insider knowledge and fascinating stories from industry experts. For those interested in spirits, the festival’s Distillery District showcases the growing craft distilling scene, featuring locally produced gins, vodkas, and whiskeys. And, of course, no beer festival is complete without food. Calgary’s top restaurants will be serving up delicious dishes designed to complement the wide range of beverages available.
Tickets & VIP Perks:
Similar to the Edmonton festival, tickets range from $19.99 to $79.99. VIP tickets grant early entry, access to a private lounge, and exclusive seminars. As an 18+ event, attendees must bring valid identification.
Festival Tips for a Great Experience
- Plan Ahead: Check the list of participating breweries and eateries to prioritize your must-tries.
- Stay Hydrated: With so many samples to try, it’s a good idea to drink water in between tastings.
- Use Safe Transportation: Consider public transit or ride-sharing services to ensure a safe trip home.
- Buy Tickets Early: These events are highly popular and tend to sell out quickly.
For more details and to secure your tickets, visit the Alberta Beer Festivals website.
Whether you’re sipping on a crisp lager in Edmonton or discovering a new favourite stout in Calgary, these festivals promise an experience that celebrates the very best of Alberta’s craft beer culture. Cheers to an unforgettable 2025!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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