On July 13th to the 15th, fans of specialty beers and Quebec microbrewers will reunite for the annual Festival des bières de Laval. As in previous years, this 4th annual event will take place at Centre de la nature and will feature 100 exhibitors, 25 more than last year. Out of the 100, 40 are microbrewers. Quebec cider producers will also be present along with food trucks to complete the experience for the 30 000 visitors expected at the festival. Alexandre Goyette, Quebec author and television/film actor, is the official spokesperson for the festival.

Each year, an official beer is prepared specifically for the festival, and this year, the beer will have a uniquely Laval flavour, as the hop (plant ingredient) used in the brew will be from the Laval region.

More than simply a beer-tasting festival, Laval’s event adds a little something extra where food pairing and high-quality concerts are spotlighted just as much as the beer. Though the official event program will be revealed at the end of May, the organizers have confirmed that there will be food-pairing workshops and cooking demonstrations offered. Concerts will be given by well-known artists on the Quebec music scene, as well as an animated show for children on Sunday afternoon.

The organizers are well aware that Laval has 110 000 families with children on its territory, and though beer is at the forefront of the event’s specialty, the festival is designed to be a family event with plenty of activities for children of all ages. There will be inflatable games, circus workshops, arts n’ crafts workshops, face-painting kiosks and mascots to entertain the little ones.

To respond to feedback from visitors from previous years, this year the organizers have planned for a larger variety of food available on site, as well as healthier choices and vegan or vegetarian options.

The event is open from 3 pm to 11 pm on Friday, from 11 am to 11 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. An entry to the festival is $7 in advance or $10 on-site. Admission is free for children accompanied by a parent. Beer sampling costs are anywhere from $2 to $10 depending on prices set by the microbrewers and the type of beer.

To find out more about the event’s program, head over to festivaldesbieresdelaval.com and mark your calendars for the weekend of July 13th!

Translation by Lisa Cipriani