The Whistler Village Beer Festival (WVBF) has grown from a two-day event into a weeklong celebration. Now in its 13th year, the festival offers a variety of activities, from yoga classes to food and drink pairings, culminating in the Main Event weekend.
The Main Event weekend features live music from local favorites Big Love Band, Red Chair, DJ Foxy Moron, and Fresh Cut Grass, who will be bringing their 90s and early-2000s rock, alternative, and emo sound to Olympic Plaza. The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday with an Oktoberfest experience at the Longhorn Saloon, featuring BBQ from Grimm's Fine Foods, lawn games, and an exclusive souvenir stein.
A Celebration of Local Bands
Erik van Meerbergen, the frontman of Big Love Band, remembers the last time his band performed at the WVBF in 2017, a sunny day filled with good vibes. This year, they are excited to be back in Whistler, co-headlining the Main Event alongside Red Chair and DJ Foxy Moron, and welcoming newcomers Fresh Cut Grass.
A Local Celebration
Van Meerbergen sees the festival as a celebration of Whistler's local talent and community spirit. "It's sort of like a celebration for locals," he says. "We have a lot of amazing events all summer, but…it does feel like the end of the big push for everyone that works and lives in town. It's really great to be part of that and to help facilitate a bit of a celebration for everybody."
A Stage for Up-and-Coming Artists
The WVBF also provides a platform for less established artists like Fresh Cut Grass to gain exposure. "There's a lot of programming teams that put things on in Whistler, and nobody's lazy," van Meerbergen says. "People really do their homework and try to support up-and-comers. I haven't met Fresh Cut Grass as a band yet, but I'm super excited to hear them."
Beyond the Beer: A Festival for Everyone
While the festival's name might suggest a focus on beer, the WVBF has expanded to cater to a wider demographic, offering nonalcoholic beverages and canned cocktails. "Last year, a lot of people were like: 'had I known that there would have been canned cocktails or something other than beer and cider, I would have come out,'" says Brittia Thompson, WVBF director.
More Than Beer
Thompson and her team have received positive feedback for their expanded menu, which includes options for gluten-free individuals and those with beer intolerances. "Less conventional drinks are sometimes far more popular than traditional beers and ciders," Thompson says, "and this year some breweries are set to bring full nonalcoholic kegs."
A Festival with a Heart
For many, the WVBF has become an annual tradition, a chance to reconnect with friends and celebrate the end of summer. Thompson recounts stories of a dedicated fan who got the festival logo tattooed on his leg and a group of friends who return year after year to honor their late friend. "There's definitely quite a few characters that make their appearance every year, so the WVBF is like a giant reunion," Thompson says. "If you're 19-plus, there's something for everyone at the festival."
Looking Forward to Fall and Winter
As the WVBF marks the unofficial end of summer's arts scene, it also signals the start of a new season in Whistler. Live music is returning to Gibbons-owned bars like Après Après, and Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is planning to follow suit with its establishments. Van Meerbergen sees a bright future for live music in Whistler, with the community embracing the value of entertainment.
"It feels like people are seeing the value in [live entertainment]," he says. "We already know the support we get from the community, and I wanted to share my gratitude for the people who are trying to make shows happen even in difficult times economically. We made it through summer, now let's get ready for the big winter ahead."
For more details on the 2024 WVBF, visit gibbonswhistler.com/festivals-events/whistler-village-beer-festival/.
