Victoria's brewing traditions run deep. In fact, the iconic Victoria Brewing Company was first founded four whole years before the city was officially incorporated!  

With such a rich history in this field, it's no wonder that this area is home to the Great Canadian Beer Festival. This two-day annual event is one of the biggest craft beer showcases in the country. Many of our real estate agents visit every year and always have a great time. This year marks the event's 30th anniversary, and the organizers have big things planned to mark the occasion. Want to see what they've cooked up? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this beloved celebration of Canadian craft brewing.

GCBF History 

The first Great Canadian Beer Festival was held more than three decades ago in 1994. The organizers had just held the first CAMRA Victoria Microbrewery Festival the year before, and it had been such a resounding success that they were eager to try something bigger this time.  

Instead of a smaller festival showcasing beers from local breweries, they envisioned a massive event that would attract small-batch brewers from all over the country. 1994's GCBF did just that. It was a hit, and the event has grown larger and more popular every year since then. It has also been organized by the Victoria Beer Society since 2019, a move which secured more exposure and resources for the event without compromising its ability to give exceptional local brews special attention.  

The GCBF had to take a year off in 2020 due to COVID, so this year's event is considered to be its 30th anniversary. 

Event Details 

The 2025 GCBF will be held on September 6th from 4 to 9 p.m. and on September 7th from noon to 5 p.m. Separate tickets are required for each day. This year will feature more than 200 craft beers and ciders from across Canada, including many excellent brews from breweries near our Victoria homes for sale.  

As always, this year's GCBF is a 19+ event. This age restriction will be strictly enforced with no exceptions, even for infants and young toddlers. You will need to show two pieces of government-issued ID to prove your age before you can enter.  

In addition to beer and cider, there will also be food available for purchase at the event. No outside food or drink besides water is allowed on the festival grounds, so come ready with some cash for meals and snacks if you think you'll be hungry during your visit.  

GCBF Ticket Information 

There are three tiers of tickets available for the festival this year.  

• Basic entry-only tickets cost $25 each and offer admission to the festival grounds and access to all of the performances, activities, and games taking place that day. You'll also get a tasting cup and a BC Transit bus ticket to help you get home safely.  
  
  
• $45 general admission tickets get you everything listed above plus a set of 10 beer tokens you can exchange for 4-ounce beer samples. You can purchase additional tokens for $2 each if needed.
  
  
• $80 premium tickets get you 16 tokens as well as access to the premium lounge tent and a curated set of food and beer pairings from the Courtney Room.  

Remember that you will need a separate ticket for each day you want to attend. There are only so many available in each tier for each day, so it's best to purchase yours as soon as you know when you'd like to attend. 

Locals Enjoy Great Beer All Year Long 

The GCBF may only come around once a year, but Victoria's many standout breweries are always coming up with innovative new ales, stouts, pilsners, and more. Contact us today and let our real estate team help you find a local home where a handcrafted pint is never far away.