Great Canadian Beer Festival 2025 Cancelled

A Sudden Pause on the Horizon

When you were picturing yourself cheering under the summer sun at Topaz Park this Canada Day—and again in September—there’s some bittersweet news. The Victoria Beer Society has announced that the Great Canadian Beer Festival 2025 will not go ahead this year. Despite its storied 30‑year run, rising costs and shifting event‑landscapes have forced a difficult decision: both the Canada Day and September sessions are officially “on pause” for 2025.

What Was Planned—and What’s Now Canceled

Session	Original Date & Time	Status
Canada Day Kick‑Off	July 1, 2025 • 8:30 am – 4 pm	Canceled
Fall Celebration	Sept 6, 2025 • 4 pm – 9 pm	Canceled
	Sept 7, 2025 • 12 pm – 5 pm	Canceled

Session

Original Date & Time

Status

Canada Day Kick‑Off

July 1, 2025 • 8:30 am – 4 pm

Canceled

Fall Celebration

Sept 6, 2025 • 4 pm – 9 pm

Canceled

Sept 7, 2025 • 12 pm – 5 pm

Canceled

Why the Festival Is on Hold

“After much deliberation, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause the Langford Beer Festival and the Great Canadian Beer Festival in 2025. Instead, we’re focusing our efforts on crafting a financially sustainable path forward for these two flagship events in the future.”
—Victoria Beer Society Board of Directors

Key Challenges Cited Include:

Rising Production Costs: Post‑pandemic inflation and event‑hosting expenses.
Attendance Trends: A gradual decline in turnout since 2020 made viability uncertain.
Brewer Participation: Fewer breweries able to commit, shrinking the beer lineup.

Honouring a 30‑Year Legacy

While 2025 has been shelved, the Great Canadian Beer Festival’s heritage remains unmatched on Vancouver Island:

Since 1993: Canada’s longest‑running craft beer festival, showcasing the evolution of local and national brews.
350+ Breweries Hosted: From hometown favourites to emerging craft innovators.
Community Spirit: Powered by volunteers, brewers, and beer enthusiasts alike.

We’ll be keeping this page as your dedicated hub for all things Great Canadian Beer Festival—past highlights, photo galleries, and stories that celebrate its rich history.

Stay Informed & Get Ready for Its Return

Although tickets for 2025 are no longer available, you can:

1. Bookmark & Subscribe

Head to victoriabeersociety.com/gcbf to join their mailing list and be first in line when the festival’s comeback is announced.

2. Follow on Social Media

Updates on future plans, volunteer calls, and community‑driven events will appear on VBS channels.

3. Explore Local Beer Events

The VBS beer truck and partner festivals will still pop up around Greater Victoria this summer.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

The pause in 2025 is a strategic intermission—not the final curtain. With a 30‑year legacy behind it, the Great Canadian Beer Festival is planning its grand return as soon as conditions allow. Until then, raise a glass to the festival’s storied past, and stay tuned for news of when it will once again pour into Topaz Park.

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