The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors B.C. Hop Fest 2016

Staged on a Sumas Prairie farm, B.C. Hop Fest: Celebrating Fresh Beer is a unique Fraser Valley experience. This year’s event will take place Saturday, October 1, from 1 to 6 p.m., and will double last year’s lineup of the province’s best, with over 30 breweries participating. 

As they eat and drink among hops still on the bine, beer lovers can visit with their favourite brewmasters, kick up their heels to live music, and learn everything they want to know about hops. The 2015 People’s Choice winner, Abbotsford's Ravens Brewing Company, will be defending its title against local favourites Field House Brewing and Old Abbey Ales, plus a lineup from all over the province.

B.C. Hop Fest is the first beer festival to focus on wet-hopped beer, an exclusive variety only available during harvest. Hops are pulled off the bine, and to fit the fresh-hop designation, must be in the kettle within 24 hours. If hoppy beers aren’t your thing, this year’s participants will also be offering one or two additional selections on tap.

Between tours of the hop farm, the farmer’s market, brewer’s panel, home-brewing exhibition, and visits to the Chilliwack Museum display, guests will learn all they want and more about hops.

Also on hand will be mobile eateries including Reel Mac and Cheese, Wings, Big Red’s Poutine, and Poomba’s Smokehouse. Lepp Farm Market will be back with the infamous Hop Dog and Hoparoni specialties they created just for Hop Fest.

Vine&hops is providing transportation from Vancouver to Abbotsford. Seats are limited and must be purchased in advance here.

Tickets for B.C. Hop Fest are available for purchase here.