2022 saw many restrictions lifted post-pandemic. This allowed a degree of normalcy and for physical interaction with friends and family, and to some degree, absolute strangers. But beer, cider, wine, and spirit festivals are not only for consuming alcoholic beverages. There are also great places for food from top-notch restaurants; music and performances – sometimes with top-tier artists and bands, which would be great for those who love to dance. In addition, it’s an excellent opportunity to participate in engaging masterclasses and forums, as well as meet up with the brewers and other artisans. The upcoming festivals promise fireworks; just remember to take it easy and ensure you have your hangover recipes ready by taking advantage of shopping deals on Best Buy or in the Freshco flyer.
Here are a few festivals that stand out and are essential to look out for:
Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
St. Catharines, the Ontario, Friday 16-18 & 23-25 September, niagarawinefestival.com
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is celebrating its platinum anniversary this September, and they plan to supersize Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival. The Festival annually contributes around $25 million to Niagara’s economy. It aims to help support local businesses that could use a boost in business, especially after the Pandemic. A parade, regional vineyard events, and recognisable festival-sponsored activities are expected. Other activities include wine and culinary events from local restaurants, guided outdoor hikes and vineyard yoga, interactive winery experiences, and wine-themed events offered by area retailers and arts organisations.
Toronto Oktoberfest 2022
Festhalle Tent in the Ontario Place Parking Lot, Toronto, OT, Friday, September 30 -1 October, torontooktoberfest.ca
Toronto Oktoberfest is the city’s maiden Oktoberfest in the Bavarian style. The 2022 festival’s goal is to replicate the essence of Munich’s renowned Oktoberfest in a way that captures the essence of Munich’s iconic event. Currently, the festival is a two-day affair that honours Bavarian cuisine, beverages, music, and dance, and has some interesting VIP offers. Their variety of brewers will also allow an amateur beer drinker to taste the difference between craft beer and commercial beer first-hand.
The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival
BMO Centre – Stampede Park, Calgary, A.B, October 14 – 15 2022, & Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, A.B, November 4 – 5 2022, rockymountainwine.com
The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival (RMWFF) boasts an amazing selection of wines, spirits, and beers from around the world, all under one roof. It was first held in 1998 and is one of Alberta’s biggest and most renowned food and beverage festivals, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to come from all over Western Canada. This year is anticipated more than before due to cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Vancouver Convention Centre, B.C. 24 – 30 April 2023, vanwinefest.ca
This is one of the largest wine festivals, showcasing wines from around the globe, some of which come from as far away as Croatia and Uruguay, so there is definitely something for every wine lover. The event includes; massive general tastings, intimate winery dinners, educational seminars, and a legendary gala winemakers’ dinner. It’s one of North America’s largest wine events.
Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper, AB,10 – 12 February 2023, albertabeerfestivals.com
These feature craft breweries and distilleries from across Canada and the US that host cooking classes, tastings, interactive seminars, and wonderful Grand Tasting Dinners each year. As a bonus this year: You will be able to add on a Super Bowl Sunday viewing party package, as well.
