138 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

And now with Phillips' tasting room you've got a plethora of their beers at the ready whenever you are.

[gstc84]

And if you feel like sitting outside, the Drake's patio in Market Square has been my favourite spot this summer to have a beer from their also quite extensive list.

[spanky123]

I don't think anyone really comprehends what a dire state the gcbf is in right now. I don't know whether it's red tape or what but between the price increases & other beer events on throughout the year I don't think it can last more than 5 more years. Either it will become just a BC thing or it will move somewhere else, or both. It had a good run I guess. It would be great if the city didn't charge for the venue as at some events in Oregon.

 

They priced themselves out of the market. $50 to get in and then the equivalent of $8 a beer for what you can essentially get many places in town was outrageous. 

[amor de cosmos]

I've heard some Oregon festivals take place on a farm or city park where the city donates the facility. They also draw the beer from refrigerated semi trailers instead of a ridiculous ice-bucket system that's currently used at gcbf, probably because it takes place on a sports field. Could there be a local farm that would donate (or for minimal fee) their property for a week or two, and allow a dozen or so semi trailers to park there? Like the Beckwith Farm or the sod farm on Blenkinsop? Both of those are still relatively close to public transport and I think are pretty secure due to ditches, bushes or the lake, requiring minimal fencing. Or what about the Sandown racetrack area? There's got to be a better way to do it (that doesn't involve complaining about the government), if similar events elsewhere can break even without any admission charge and cheaper tokens we should be able to also, and also keep it in the victoria area.

Edited by amor de cosmos, 28 June 2018 - 09:24 AM.

[tanker]

So is this cancelled officially or is it still possible this year?

[pontcanna]

Haven't seen anything official, but it's WAY too late to do anything this year. The red tape alone, never mind booking breweries from all over the province...

[Matt R.]

Not happening.

Matt.

[JohnsonStBridge]

I hear the organizers are looking to put together a couple smaller scale events in place of the full festival. Seems like they are waiting to have these plans in place before making an 'official' announcement on cancelling the 2021 festival.

[Victoria Watcher]

Ribfest, Great Canadian Beer Festival and the Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival returning this weekend

Esquimalt Ribfest, Great Canadian Beer Festival, Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival

https://www.timescol...weekend-5798492

[Victoria Watcher]

Canada’s oldest beer festival will celebrate its 30th on September 6 & 7 at a new location.

 

Its new home is Topaz Park in Victoria, a move from Royal Athletic Park where the festival has been held for the last two decades.

 

“The move to Topaz Park gives us a blank slate to re-imagine the festival not only for the 30th anniversary but many years to come,” said Ryan Malcolm, executive director of the Victoria Beer Society in a press release.

 

 

https://www.vicnews....ocation-7404237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://victoriabeersociety.com/gcbf/

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 23 June 2024 - 03:42 AM.

[Matt R.]

Almost worth it just for the bus ticket!

[Mike K.]

That’s two festivals no longer at RAP, beer fest and Riff.

[pontcanna]

I heard the BC Lions game had a lot to do with the Beer Fest moving to Topaz.

[Mike K.]

That would make sense.

[Matt R.]

See you there, Mike?

[Mike K.]

Nope, but if you go, protect turf with some shade.

[Matt R.]

Haven't ever been actually!  Won't start this year haha.

 

Although I do know Ryan, and he's a great guy.  I am sure the event will be a huge success.

[Victoria Watcher]

Explore: Esquimalt Ribfest; Great Canadian Beer Festival

Upcoming events: Esquimalt Ribfest, Sept. 6-8 at Bullen Park; Great Canadian Beer Festival, Sept. 6-7 at Topaz Park

 

https://www.timescol...estival-9475706

[Victoria Watcher]

Rising costs and increased competition has led to two beer festivals on the South Island being “paused” so the organizers can find a “financially sustainable path forward.”

 

The Langford Beer Festival and Great Canadian Beer Festival have been paused for 2025.

 

“Like many of our partners, we’ve faced rising costs, increased competition, and other challenges,” the Victoria Beer Society board of directors said in a news release.

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-costs-1252640/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 May 2025 - 08:50 PM.