Fest of Ale rises from pandemic purgatory in May, 2022

Barring unforeseen circumstances and after a two-year pandemic-inspired absence, the Fest of Ale will fly high again in 2022.

That according to the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society board of directors in an announcement this morning.

The event will take place on May 14, 2022, approximately 37 months after the most recent Fest in early April 2019.

There will be two key differences between this and past F of As. First, it'll be a one-day affair instead of two. Arguably more importantly, it'll be held outdoor -- at Penticton's Okanagan Lake Park.

“We are excited to turn lemons into lemonade and host our event outdoors this year," said Fest of Ale prez John Cruikshank. "The Board of Directors have made the careful decision to change our annual event to a one-day, outdoor craft beer festival for 2022.

“The health and well-being of everyone involved in Fest of Ale -- volunteers, vendors, patrons, and sponsors -- and our community was first and foremost on our minds in making the decision. An outdoor venue will provide our vendors and patrons with a much safer place to celebrate BC craft beer and cider.”

Vendor applications will be accepted in January, and the call for entries will be posted on the Fest of Ale website in the new year. More information on the event will be posted at the website and on social media as it becomes available.

Operating as a not-for-profit society, the Okanagan Fest of Ale donates all net proceeds of the event back into the community. To date, $757,600.00 has been gifted back to local charities and not-for-profit societies operating in the South Okanagan.