It's Kelowna Beer Week. Here's what's taking place

The first annual Kelowna Beer Week is underway, celebrating an industry that in recent years has exploded in popularity.

Each day, a different area of the city and the breweries therein are given the spotlight under a unique theme, all organized by theCentral Okanagan Brewers Association’s.

Mid-week, the Uptown neighbourhood near the airport was highlighted.

A local industry famous for cooperation and camaraderie, a strong sense of community was on full display as the Kelowna Brewing Company (KBC) hosted its neighbours, Wild Ambition Brewing and Freddy’s Brew Pub for a Brewers Meet and Greet.

“The breweries love to get together and work together,” KBC’s head brewer, Josh Wyatt told Kelwona10. “We’re all in this for the same reasons. We’re all trying to spread the love of craft beer and show what we think is great beer.”

Originally the plan was to have customers visit each location to see the separate operations firsthand. Plans changed when a pipe burst in Freddy’s kitchen before this momentous week.

It’s not in many industries where a business can reach out to its competitor for assistance without hesitation.

“Unforeseen circumstances have led us to not be able to provide food and everything we wanted to do at our location. So, we decided we’d work together with our wonderful friends to host here,” Freddy’s head brewer Keith Bennett said. “We’re really excited for it.”

Wild Ambition has been around since 2018 and recently opened its new tap room. The co-owners felt welcomed into the brew community and have watched it grow.

“I think [this week] represents a maturation of the relatively young craft beer industry here in Kelowna,” co-owner Theresa Cashen said. “I think it’s just the next step in promoting Kelowna as a craft beer destination.”

Here's what's on for Kelowna Beer Week

When: Wednesday, Oct. 5

Neighbourhood: South Kelowna

Breweries: Barn Owl Brewing, Copper Brewing, and Shoreline Brewing

What: Guest tap night! Head on an adventure and land at one of these breweries, they’ll be highlighting brews from each others spots, but make sure to visit all three to get those passport stamps!

When: Thursday, Oct. 6

Neighbourhood: West Kelowna

Breweries: Kind Brewing, Lakesider Brewing, The Hatching Post

What: Smoke on the water. Cross the bridge to find some of the best smoked meats in the city, paired with excellent beers. Featuring casks from the Hatching Post, smoked meat, brisket pizza and much more! Grab a crew and take a tour across the bridge!

When: Friday, Oct. 7

Neighbourhood: North End

Breweries: Jackknife Brewing, Kettle River Brewing, Red Bird Brewing, Rustic Reel Brewing, Vice & Virtue, BNA, Kelowna Beer Institute

What: Dark and Hoppy Night! Take a tour around the North End and land at the breweries for some great beer highlights. There will also be a neighbourhood collab at each brewery, too!

When: Saturday, Oct. 8

Neighbourhood: Downtown

What: The week will culminate in one final ‘mini beer fest’ at BNA Brewing. The wrap-up event features all the breweries under one roof. The $20 ticket fee includes two drink tickets and there will be live music and discounts on bowling and bocce.