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How Toronto's Festival of Beer Returned Sudsier Than Ever

The festival is an ode to all things ale—with more than 400 brews to sample on-site—and debuted the “Change Makers Pavilion” this year to spotlight 10 trailblazing brewers.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer Returned in 2022
Toronto's Festival of Beer returned after a two-year hiatus July 22-24. It was the 26th edition of the beer-loving bash.
Photo: Courtesy of Toronto's Festival of Beer

TORONTO—Toronto’s Festival of Beer (TFOB) raised a pint to its 26th anniversary when it returned for its 2022 iteration at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place July 22-24. The 160,000-square-foot, open-air venue “has been the home of the festival since 2010, after 15 years at Fort York Garrison Common,” explained Les Murray, the president of TFOB.

With that being said, it’s safe to say that the beer-clad bash is a standout in Toronto’s summer programming (it was launched in 1996), and so following a two-year, COVID-induced hiatus, 25,000 excited fans attended the ticketed event. Once inside the park—which Murray noted is the perfect venue for its “landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains, mature trees, and natural pathways”—guests received a branded mug and tokens, which are the currency for sampling brews.Toronto’s Festival of Beer Returned in 2022“Once inside, festival guests have arrived at beer wonderland,” explained Les Murray, the president of TFOB. "With over 80 exhibitors and vendors in the park, guests can explore over 400 different brands of beer on-site.”Photo: Courtesy of Toronto's Festival of Beer

Murray accredited the festival’s bold return as one of the greatest challenges—it was tough to “shake off the cobwebs and get the team back together after two years,” he said—but noted that it was simultaneously the greatest success. “We had over 4,000 tickets purchased by fans in 2020 that kept their tickets, and we can’t thank them enough for sticking with us,” Murray said.

“Once inside, festival guests have arrived at beer wonderland,” he added. "With over 80 exhibitors and vendors in the park, guests could explore over 400 different brands of beer on-site.” Aside from local craft brewers, national and international brewers encouraged guests to wet their whistles in search of their favorite summer ale. “In addition, there were seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails, wine,” and other beverages available for sampling.Toronto’s Festival of Beer Returned in 2022There were three-plus hours of entertainment on the main stage. Headlining performers included NAS (pictured), Run The Jewels, and Sam Roberts Band.Photo: Courtesy of Toronto's Festival of Beer

A standout activation this year? The “Change Makers Pavilion.” Here, 10 brewers were spotlighted for the “interesting and game-changing things [they’re doing] to create a positive impact in their respective communities,” Murray explained. “From highlighting social justice issues, to working in indigenous brewing ingredients, to developing sustainability in brewing processes, and more, it was exciting to share their stories and sample their brews.”

The pavilion was such a success that Murray said fans can look forward to “a renewed focus on our festival spotlight programs” during 2023’s TFOB, plus “additional immersive experiences, killer tier-one headlining acts, and an improved festival layout.”Toronto’s Festival of Beer Returned in 2022Branded tokens act as currency for "purchasing" beer samples.Photo: Courtesy of Toronto's Festival of Beer

And for when the munchies kicked in, local restaurants were also on-site to save the day. “We bring some of Toronto’s best, including Oyster Boy, Burger’s Priest, Meltwich, and so many more,” Murray explained, adding that “our goal is to curate a variety and diversity of food offerings to ensure there is something for everyone’s taste.”

Once cravings were curbed, attendees were invited to peruse the grounds, where exhibitors created immersive experiences (think: silent discos, games, and giveaways), and head to the main stage for headlining performances courtesy of NAS, Run The Jewels, Sam Roberts Band, and more. Over the course of the three-day festival, the Bandshell stage boasted “three-plus hours of musical magic.” And in an aside—for other planners putting together events with entertainment programming—Murray suggested: “Know your audience, then find someone that books talent for a living—don’t do it yourself.”Toronto’s Festival of Beer Returned in 2022The three-day fest took place at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place. The 160,000-square-foot, open-air venue has hosted the event since 2010.Photo: Courtesy of Toronto's Festival of Beer

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