E very May, the doors of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park swing open to welcome a flood of craft beer lovers, culinary explorers, and music fans as Calgary transforms into one of the world’s great destinations for beer culture. The Calgary International Beerfest is more than just a tasting event — it’s a spirited celebration of community, craft, and creativity that has grown into one of Canada’s largest and most beloved beer festivals. A Festival with Global Footsteps and Local Roots What started modestly in the early 2000s has, over nearly two decades, evolved into a grand showcase of craft beverage culture. Early iterations were small affairs — humble gatherings barely larger than a coat check area — but they captured something essential: a shared passion for flavour, experimentation, and communal enjoyment. As Alberta’s craft beer scene exploded, so did the festival. By the 2010s, it was hosting hundreds of breweries with thousands of different beers, ciders, meads, and spirits under one roof. Today’s Calgary International Beerfest brings together over 150 breweries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies, and RTD (ready-to-drink) producers from across Canada and around the globe. Attendees
ABF’S CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST A Celebration of Brew, Culture, and Community Photo courtesy ABF
by Ryan Myson
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