Toronto’s Festival of Beer 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to TFOB

Toronto’s Festival of Beer (TFOB) is back for 2024, promising an unforgettable weekend filled with exceptional brews, delicious food, and live entertainment. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a fun outing, this festival has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Event Dates and Location:

  • Dates: July 26 – July 28, 2024
  • Location: Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketweb. Various ticket options are available, catering to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket types:

  • General Admission: Starting at CAD 50, includes access to the festival grounds and a sample cup for tastings.
  • VIP Admission: Higher-priced tickets offer additional perks such as exclusive areas, early entry, and special tastings.
  • Weekend Passes: For those who don’t want to miss a single day, weekend passes provide access to all three days of the festival.

Buying tickets early is recommended, as this popular event often sells out.

Food and Drink:

One of the highlights of TFOB is its diverse food offerings. You’ll find an array of food trucks and vendors serving everything from gourmet delights to classic festival fare. Expect to indulge in:

  • Gourmet Burgers and Sausages: Pair your beer with some mouth-watering, freshly grilled burgers and sausages.
  • International Cuisine: Enjoy a variety of dishes from around the world, including tacos, sushi, and more.
  • Sweet Treats: Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious desserts like ice cream, churros, and pastries.

Some of the food vendors at TFOB 2024 include:

Poutine Supreme | Heirloom | Ontario Corn | Chung Chun Rice Dogs | The Craft | Nozomi Fusion Kitchen | The Real Empanada | Tiny Tom | Hotdog Al | 6 Spice Rack | Barrels and
Burgers | Oyster Boy | Twigz Pretzels | Zambri’s Pizzeria | Aunt Beth Bakes | Snyders
of Hanover | JB’s Food Truck | Rancho Relaxo

Some of the non-beer beverage brands on hand at this year’s TFOB include:

SVNS | Barrfly | Johny Bootlegger | Ole Cocktails | Forty Creek | Smirnoff | Baileys | Mott’s Clamato Caesar | Tahiti Treat | Flying
Monkeys Craft Brewery | Coldstream Clear |
Georgian Bay Spirit Co. | Casa Del Rey |
Founder’s Original | JNS International

Beer Selection:

Of course, the star of the festival is the beer. With over 400 brews to sample, you’ll find a wide range of options from local craft breweries to international brands. Whether you prefer a light lager, a rich stout, or something in between, there’s a beer for every palate.

Some of the breweries you will find at this year’s TFOB include:

Innis & Gunn | Town Brewery | Bobcaygeon Brewing | Sleeman | Shiny Apple Cider | Lake of Bays | Tsingtao Beer | Mascot Brewery | Something in the Water | Lost Craft/High Park | Anderson Craft Ales | Goldenfield Brewery I Steam Whistle | Old Credit | Nickel Brook Brewing Co. | Collective Arts | Cool Beer

Entertainment and Attractions:

TFOB isn’t just about beer; it’s a full-on entertainment extravaganza. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

  • Live Music: Enjoy performances from a lineup of fantastic bands and artists including Cypress Hill, Josh Ross, Ill Scarlett, Taking Back Sunday and more, covering various genres to keep the energy high.
  • Beer School: Attend educational sessions where you can learn about brewing processes, beer styles, and food pairings from industry experts.
  • Interactive Activities: Participate in games, contests, and other fun activities scattered throughout the festival grounds.

Schedule:

Toronto’s Festival of Beer 2024: Musical Acts Rundown

The Toronto’s Festival of Beer (TFOB) is set to deliver not only a fantastic selection of brews but also an incredible lineup of musical performances. Here’s a detailed look at the artists you can expect to see at the festival:

Friday, July 26, 2024:

  • Cypress Hill: The iconic hip-hop group known for their hits like “Insane in the Brain” and “Rock Superstar.” Their energetic performance is sure to set the tone for the weekend.
  • Alli Walker: A country-pop artist with a soulful voice, bringing a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat tunes.

Saturday, July 27, 2024:

  • Taking Back Sunday: This legendary rock band will bring their powerful anthems and crowd favorites like “MakeDamnSure” and “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team).”
  • Josh Ross: An emerging country star known for his engaging stage presence and catchy songs.

Sunday, July 28, 2024:

  • Souls of Mischief: Celebrating the golden age of hip-hop, this group will deliver classic tracks and new material that resonates with long-time fans and newcomers alike.
  • Illscarlett: A Canadian rock band blending reggae, ska, and punk influences, known for their high-energy shows.

Additional Acts Throughout the Festival:

  • DJ Sets and Local Artists: Throughout the festival, various DJs and local artists will perform, keeping the atmosphere lively and diverse.
  • Friday, July 26th: The festival kicks off with an exciting opening day featuring initial tastings and live music performances.
  • Saturday, July 27th: A full day packed with activities, special events, and headlining music acts.
  • Sunday, July 28th: The festival wraps up with final tastings and closing performances, ensuring a memorable end to the weekend.

Getting There:

Bandshell Park is located at Exhibition Place and is easily accessible by public transit, car, and even bike. There’s ample parking, but public transportation is recommended to fully enjoy the festival without worrying about driving.

Final Tips:

  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Plan Your Visit: Review the festival map and schedule to prioritize the breweries and events you don’t want to miss.
  • Bring Cash: While most vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially for smaller purchases.

For more detailed information and to purchase tickets, visit the Toronto Festival of Beer website.

Enjoy the festival and drink responsibly!

by Ryan Howse-Hackl

photos by Terry Lankstead

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