The West Coast of BC is a veritable hotbed of brewing – just look at the communities included in the BC Ale Trail if you need more proof. Like a fancy tap handle, standing out amidst the crowd is important, and amongst all the other beer-related events and activities happening throughout the year, the Whistler Village Beer Festival, presented by Gibbons Whistler (September 8 – 14, 2025) should be an experience making the top of your beer-focused to-do list.
1. All the Breweries (plus more)
Coming into its 12th year, the festival has 40 craft drinks producers on board, which means 80+ varieties of beverages for you to sample at the Main Event on Saturday, September 13, at Whistler Olympic Plaza from noon to 6 PM.
Along with craft beer, there’s also cider, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages for you to wow your tastebuds with this fall.
2. It’s Beer… with Atmosphere
Unlike other beer fests, this tasting event is held outdoors – no stuffy event hall or conference centre décor in sight. The grassy lawn of Whistler Olympic Plaza offers a delightful place to stroll and sip, and the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop.
Add in live music, yummy food trucks (think pretzels, grilled cheese, tacos and plant-based goodies) and lawn games, and you’ve got the recipe for a hopping beer fest. Will rain wreck the party? Previous years’ experience has certainly proved not, thanks to the shelter under the plaza building and some smart clothing choices.
Although smart clothing is a great idea, it’s good to note there are prizes for the best fancy dress, so dust off those Lederhosen!
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3. Potential for Pairings
The huge number of beers and other beverages on offer (see #1) means it’s likely you’ll come across a brew you haven’t tasted before. Adventure is the spirit of the Whistler Village Beer Festival, and the potential for pairing new beer with new activities is vast.
There’s plenty going on in fall in Whistler so you can mix and match to your heart’s delight, from hiking to biking, ziplining to ATVing.
The festival has some well-thought-out pairings, including a Sip & Stretch session and a Pups & Pints fundraising event for Whistler’s animal shelter. There are also beer bingo, quiz and bandaoke nights.
4. No Designated Drivers Needed
There’s no need to draw straws to see who will stay sober for the festival – driving is not required. The tasting events are in the heart of Whistler Village, meaning you can walk to the location from your accommodation plus find post-event eats within easy wandering distance afterward (reservations are always a good idea). We recommend staying in town so you can get out and see a bit of Whistler the next day (a brisk walk around Lost Lake is the ultimate hangover cure).
If you are staying further afield, there’s local transit to get you there and back, plus Whistler’s 24-hour taxi service kicks in if you decide to stay out and take in a little Whistler nightlife.
Take a read of our guide on how to get to Whistler, so you can pick the best option, save money on parking and feel good about one less vehicle on the road.
5. Whistler’s Oktoberfest Celebration
In line with the celebrations in Munich, Oktoberfest is happening at the famous Longhorn Saloon after the main event on Saturday, September 13, bringing a bit of Bavaria to the Pacific Northwest.
The bar will be transformed into a lively beer hall to bring this renowned German event alive in Whistler. Raise your stein high and toast to good times, great company, and to Oktoberfest cheer. Prost!
Bonus: Brunch
Late checkout? Pah. Go all in and stay an extra day so you can sleep in and then engage in one of the finest dining traditions out there – brunch. Stonesedge Kitchen has a Boozy Beer Brunch during the festival, but if you’re looking for something less sudsy, check out our dedicated blog on where to go for brunch in Whistler.
The Whistler Insider encourages guests to consume responsibly, so you can remember both the views and the brews. Cheers!
Stay 3+ Nights and Receive a Free $100 Whistler Dining Voucher
Secure your lodging for the Whistler Village Beer Festival with rooms starting at $229 CAD per night. Extend your stay to 3+ nights to receive a free $100 Dining Voucher.
