and education. Brewers mingle with patrons, sharing the inspiration behind their creations and offering insights into emerging trends and techniques. In addition to the core festival experience, the festival organizers have also partnered with local initiatives that extend the celebration beyond the Convention Centre. One highlight is the YFC Burger Battle, a city-wide burger showdown where Fredericton’s favourite eateries compete for fan-favourite status — the perfect partner event for beer lovers looking to pair their pints with memorable food. The Down East Brewing Awards: Celebrating Excellence Adding extra prestige to the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival is the Down East Brewing Awards, a competition that spotlights the best beers in the region. Open to licensed breweries across Atlantic Canada and beyond, this awards program evaluates entries through a panel of certified judges and industry experts — ensuring that excellence rises to the top. Award winners are announced at a special reception in Fredericton on March 5, the
Photo courtesy of the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival
A Riverside Gem of Craft Brewing in New Brunswick
T he Fredericton Craft Beer Festival has become more than just a tasting event — it’s a gathering place for community, culture, and collaboration within Atlantic Canada’s rapidly growing craft beer scene. Between expertly crafted pints, memorable conversations, and the unmistakable buzz of discovery, the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival promises a weekend that’s equal parts celebration and craft education. A Festival Built on Passion and Progress Launched in 2013, the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival has grown from a local tasting to one of the East Coast’s most anticipated beer events. Each year, it brings together the largest selection of craft beer available on the Atlantic seaboard — a true reflection of the region’s growing brewing excellence. Brewers, aficionados, and casual drinkers alike flock to Fredericton not just for the beer but for what the festival represents: community, creativity, and connection. In a world where craft beer is now a global cultural force, this festival champions the small-batch, the innovative, and the local — providing a stage for brewers from New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, and even the Gaspé and New England regions. The heart of the event is its commitment to showcasing diversity in brewing — from crisp lagers and hazy New England IPAs to rich stouts and experimental sours, the range of flavours reflects the passion of brewers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of craft fermentation.
www.bigaxe.ca
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What to Expect at Fredericton Craft Beer Festival 2026
it’s about discovery, interaction, and education. ”
This year’s edition of the festival is structured into three distinct sessions, giving attendees flexibility to explore at their own pace: Friday Night (March 6), Saturday Afternoon, and Saturday Evening. With over 300 beers and beverages featured and more than 2,500 guests expected, each session promises a rich sampling experience. The format allows visitors to immerse themselves in a curated atmosphere where breweries can present their stories alongside their brews. It’s not just about sipping — it’s about discovery, interaction,
537 Otis Drive Nackawic NB E6G 1H6 • 506-575-1093 • info@bigaxe.ca
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