2nd annual Ottawa Winter Brewfest: Welcome to a capital taste experience!

On February 12 and 13, the closing weekend of Winterlude, the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park will welcome the second annual Winter Brewfest. Once again this year, event organizers and partners have lined up a rich palette of flavours, and lovers of craft beer and good food are invited to come out and sample this fine harvest in the unique setting of Lansdowne Park, overlooking the Rideau Canal Skateway. Building on the solid foundation of last year’s inaugural Winter Brewfest, the 2016 edition invites beer lovers from both sides of the Ottawa River to enjoy signature products from some 35 microbreweries, including, from Ontario: Beau’s All Natural Brewing, Beyond the Pale, Whiprsnapr, Dominion City, Kichesippi, Cassel Brewery, Nita Beer, and recent additions Tooth and Nail, and Cartwright Springs; and from the Quebec side, Gainsbourg, Le Trou du Diable, Les Trois Mousquetaires, Bilboquet, Charlevoix, Les Brasseurs du Monde, and Farnham. René Lessard, general manager of Gainsbourg, is excited at the prospect of strengthening the natural connections among regional breweries. “The Gainsbourg microbrewery and pub are located less than a kilometre from the Quebec–Ontario border, and many of our patrons come from Ottawa. The Brewfest is an ideal opportunity to promote our products and introduce them to new customers.” LOCAL Public Eatery, a partner of the first edition, will be back to serve up its famous chili dogs, unique poutine, and pulled chicken tacos al pastor —three dishes that pair amazingly well with beer of all kinds. Outdoors, festivalgoers will be able to gather around a bonfire as they sample hot beer and taffy on snow, to the strains of festive live music by Kid SL and DJ Illo. The Beerfest proudly acknowledges its partners the City of Ottawa, Winterlude, LOCAL Public Eatery, JUMP! 106.9, boom 99.7, Beavertix, and OC Transpo, which will provide free public transportation to and from the festival site. “The City of Ottawa is pleased to see this collaboration amongst regional partners take place again in 2016. The Winter Brewfest is the must-see event during the last two days of Winterlude, and we are proud to see it happening at Lansdowne Park,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “We’re extremely pleased to partner once again with the CHEO Foundation on a special fundraiser,” said Michael O’Farrell, General Manager of the Winter Brewfest and Gatineau Beerfest. “At each of the four Brewfest sessions we’ll be selling off a ‘dream keg’ donated by a local brewery, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation.” A limited number of early bird tickets ($15, tax included) are now on sale through the Brewfest website, brewfest.ca. Ticket price includes admission to one session and an official souvenir glass. As well, beer and food tokens at up to 20% off regular price are available until February 11. Check the website for the full list of sessions and other Winter Brewfest activities. For ages 19+. On-site parking available.