CFJC Today file image
2024 BREWLOOPS BEER FESTIVAL

BrewLoops returning to downtown Kamloops this weekend

Apr 25, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a year off, the BrewLoops beer festival is back. On Saturday night (Apr. 27), thousands of people will flock to the city’s downtown core for the return of the popular event.

BrewLoops has a focus on B.C.-made products, and this year’s festival will showcase more than 25 options of craft beer, cider and non-alcoholic drinks.

“Definitely the widest variety of drink options,” says Mitch Forgie, one of the volunteers on the BrewLoops organizing team. “I think that just shows people’s expanding tastes and also the expanding producers that we have not only in Kamloops but in our province that are making really neat things right here.”

Located in the 400-to-500 block between Seymour Street and Victoria Street (in the parking lot beside the Big Little Science Centre), the 19+ event will also feature food vendors and live performances from several bands. Forgie says the event will also have a bike valet service available.

“We’re very excited. We’ve got two stages downtown. We’ve never done two stages downtown before so I think we’re really amping up the music and entertainment aspect of the festival. There’s a few pop-up performers — I don’t want to spoil what’s going to happen, but we’re really excited about them. They’re going to be really impressive.”

Each festival is organized and run entirely by volunteers and, over the years, BrewLoops has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local initiatives, including Western Canada Theatre and KidSport.

BrewLoops isn’t until Saturday, but Forgie says tickets are selling fast.

“I got a (text) buzz in my pocket a minute before I got here and I think we’re down to 200 tickets left out of 2,400, so I expect they’re going to sell out by tonight. If you don’t have them now, it would be the time.”

Tickets are $38 plus tax and can be purchased online at brewloops.ca.