Top craft beer festivals in Ontario
Hamilton | Destination Ontario
Companies like Carling, Labatt and Sleeman Brewing were first established in the early 1800s, paving the way for the wide variety of craft brewers today. The unique character and size of these breweries add their own flavours to the mix, creating a diverse community of craftsmanship and artistry to explore.
Celebrate Ontario’s rich beer culture and explore exciting new flavours with fellow beer lovers at local beer festivals.
Tickets to these top beer festivals sell out quickly so get yours before they're gone. Age restrictions apply.
Greater Toronto Area
Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival
One of Toronto’s favourite winter events, Steam Whistle Brewing and the Toronto Railway Museum invite you to the annual apres-ski-themed outdoor beer festival.
Pull out your most retro ski attire plus your warmest woollies, toques and mitts and join fellow beer-lovers in celebration of Ontario’s amazing craft brews and ciders.
When: February 22, 2025
Where: 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Toronto's Festival of Beer
One of Toronto’s favourite beer celebrations is back at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place with over 100 vendors and live music performances by top artists. Experience an unforgettable event with top-rated beer, amazing food and electrifying music performances.
When: July 25–27, 2025
Where: 100 Prince Edward Island Crescent, Toronto
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Bayfield Beer and Food Festival
Sample local craft beer and wine and enjoy restaurant fare and live music at this annual event held at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena in Huron County.
When: May 10, 2025
Where: 4 Jane Street, Bayfield
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
The crown jewel of Ontario’s beer festivals, Kitchener-Waterloo’s annual Oktoberfest is Canada’s largest Bavarian event. Head to Kitchener City Hall and enjoy traditional German tracht (outfits), dancing, food, festivities and beer. Prost!
When: September 26–October 18, 2025
Where: 2 King Street West, Kitchener
I Heart Beer and Taco Tour
Starting in February, the I Heart Beer team is rolling out a nine-city taco tour and craft beer festival across southern Ontario.
Get tickets for the casual day session or the bustling night session. Both feature a wide range of beer, cider and spirits samplings, plus delicious tacos and entertaining games.
When: February–March 2025
Where: Various locations across Ontario, find an event near you.
Cambridge Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
From time-honoured classics to delicious new brews, enjoy top beer choices from Ontario breweries at the Cambridge Ribfest and Craft Beer Show in Riverside Park. Pair your beer with ribs, chicken, corn on the cob and other great barbecued foods.
When: August 8–10, 2025
Where: 49 King Street West, Cambridge
York, Durham and Headwaters
Durham Craft Beer Festival
Since 2013, this event has been celebrating the best of Ontario craft beer in Oshawa and Durham region. Located on the grounds of Oshawa's Botanical Gardens, the indoor Children’s Arena venue protects from the weather.
When: May 10 and October 4, 2025
Where: 155 Arena Street, Oshawa
Newmarket Craft Beer Festival
Community Craft Beer Festival hosts a series of Ontario festivals dedicated to supporting and promoting craft breweries, including one at Fairy Lake Park.
When: June 20–21, 2025
Where: 520 Water Street, Newmarket
Southeastern Ontario
YGK Craft Beer Fest
The YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry’s beer garden brings some of the area’s favourite craft breweries together along with a line-up of great local bands.
Previous participating Kingston-based breweries include MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co., Riverhead Brewing Company, Skeleton Park Brewing, Daft Brewing, Fine Balance Brewing Company, and Hard Way Cider Co.
When: June 14, 2025
Where: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston
Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
Savour cold craft beer at the Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show, hosted at Memorial Centre Park. In addition to a diverse selection of Ontario beer, enjoy barbecued ribs, live music and a fun zone with inflatable activities to keep the kids entertained.
When: September 5–7, 2025
Where: 303 York Street, Kingston
Southwestern Ontario
The London Beer Fest
Sample some of the best beer from Southwestern Ontario in downtown London at Dundas Place. The festival will also feature diverse food and local music. Admission is free.
When: Check back for the 2025 date.
Where: 190 Dundas Street, London
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Because Beer Craft Beer Festival
Head to Pier 4 Park for some of Hamilton and the area’s best breweries, along with live music.
From Bench Brewing Co. in Beamsville to Wishbone Brewing Co. in Waterford, the line-up of participating craft breweries and cideries has been impressive. In the past, local favourites included Clifford Brewing Co., Collective Arts Brewing, Fairweather Brewing Co., Grain and Grit Beer Co. and Merit Brewing.
When: July 11–12, 2025
Where: 64 Leander Drive, Hamilton
Head for the Hills Craft Beverage Festival
Head For The Hills is a day of craft beverage sampling, gourmet food and live music in the beautiful countryside at Trafalgar Sports Park.
When: September 2025
Where: 11494 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Kawartha Craft Beer Festival
Enjoy a weekend of great food, drinks and live music at Del Crary Park on Little Lake. The festival features craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, a meadery for sampling and seven restaurants serving up delicious food. There’s also a kids’ zone and lawn games.
When: June 6–7, 2025
Where: 100 George Street North, Peterborough
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
The Georgian Bay Craft Beer Festival
Trestle Brewing Company will again host this two-day extravaganza featuring great food, music, entertainment and some of the best craft beer in Ontario.
When: May 9–10, 2025
Where: 9 Great North Road, Parry Sound
Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival
The laid-back cottage country culture of Muskoka goes hand-in-hand with refreshing craft beer.
Enjoy the long weekend at River Mill Park along the Muskoka River with music, food and a variety of flavourful beers, including local favourite, Muskoka Brewery.
Buy your tickets online in advance to get three beer coupons, plus the official festival glass.
When: May 17, 2025
Where: 10 King Street, Huntsville
Beerhurst-at-Deerhurst Craft Beer Festival
Hosted at Deerhurst Resort in the heart of the Muskoka region, this annual event brings samples from the best Ontario breweries, food station items and incredible live music.
You have the option of a two-night weekend package that includes resort accommodation and extra perks such as tickets to the Friday Welcome Party and an afternoon beer skate.
When: February 28–March 2, 2025
Where: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Northeastern Ontario
Beerfest
Held at the McIntyre Curling Club in Timmins, Beerfest Ontario welcomes breweries and distilleries from across Northern Ontario to showcase their flagship and seasonal brews.
When: Check back for the 2025 date.
Where: 85 McIntyre Road, Schumacher
North on Tap Craft Beer Festival
Catch up with your favourite local breweries and discover some new ones during the North On Tap Craft Beer Festival, on the shores of Lake Temiskaming.
Enjoy the food vendors, live music and join the “Hop to It” five-kilometre beer run. Among others returning are Full Beard Brewing Co., Whiskeyjack Beer Company and Underground Brewing.
When: July 12, 2025
Where: 325 Farr Drive, Haileybury, Temiskaming Shores
Northwest Ontario
BrewHa Festival
Gather on the shores of Lake Superior in the Festival Area at Prince Arthur’s Landing for Thunder Bay’s annual BrewHa, a round-up of great food, entertainment and craft beer, from the likes of local Dawson Trail Craft Brewery, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company and more.
When: Check back for the 2025 date.
Where: Sleeping Giant Parkway, Thunder Bay
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Last updated: December 4, 2024