Whitby Beerfest to return after apparent cancellation

Whitby residents will be able to get a bit of a drink this fall after all since the town’s Beerfest is set to return despite its cancellation earlier this year.

The town is renowned for several famous breweries including Brock Street, Town, Five Paddles and Little Beasts among others. As a result, Whitby has hosted its Beerfest in Celebration Square to celebrate their contributions to the community for the last five years.

The event began in 2018 and returned in 2021 after a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, 12 beer vendors attended Celebration Square alongside some food vendors and typically some live music.

After the event’s return, there were a few pandemic-era restrictions. However, the event had largely returned to its former structure in recent years.

However, back in April, the Whitby Downtown BIA axed this fall’s event arguing it wasn’t “family-friendly” enough for the downtown.

Chair Diandra Persaud explained to the town’s Committee of the Whole, “It is in Celebration Square and there’s alcohol involved.” She added, “It’s a 19-plus event so it’s not a family-friendly event.”

While Persaud acknowledged the Beerfest had been a major success in previous years, she and the BIA felt the event “does not encourage foot traffic in the stores” since much of the festival is held after they close.

About a month after Whitby’s BIA cancelled Beerfest, Oshawa held its own craft brewery event (perhaps ironically) at the Children’s Arena downtown. Despite some gloomy weather this event was also a significant success.

However, despite the BIA’s decision not to include funding for the beerfest in their annual budget the town itself announced on July 22 that the event will proceed.

“Whitby Beer Fest has a rich history, starting as a small event for beer lovers back in 2018 and growing into an attraction for both locals and visitors from the surrounding area,” the town wrote, “We are thrilled to see this event return to our community and can’t wait to welcome everyone to join in and support local.”

The Beerfest returns from September 13 to 15. Whitby has released few details about what it will entail, but has promised more information will follow.