I like beer.  More specifically, I like good beer.  Call me a beer snob; call me pretentious; I don’t care.  Given the choice I’ll always pick something local because quite frankly I generally think it tastes better.

That’s why I’m thrilled that Vancouver’s Craft Beer Week is back for a second year.  Featuring dinners, parties, and tastings, this is a week dedicated to showing off the best beer that Vancouver (and BC) has to offer. 

There are considerably more events this year than last, and wading through them all can be a little intimidating.  Here are my suggestions if you want to participate, but don’t know where to start.

Dead Famous Pub Crawl, May 7th – One of VCBW’s most popular events is back, and this year they want costumes.  Dress up as your favourite deceased figure and embark on beer crawl through Yaletown and Granville Island.  How will you get from Yaletown to Granville Island? By water taxi of course!

Mother’s Day Brunch, May 8th – For only $40, you and mom can dine in style at Abigail’s Party in Kits.  A three course brunch paired with Red Truck beers is the perfect present for a beer-loving mom.  Also, they’re serving an Apple Pie Cask Ale.  Apple.  Pie.  Beer.  I’m tempted to go by myself just for that.

Biercraft Belgian Showcase, May 9th – Belgian Beer, unlimited fries, and a free shuttle within thirty blocks.  They’re pretty much asking you to get messy drunk.

Phillip’s Brewmasters Dinner, May 10th – Victoria based Phillip’s Brewing is one of my favourite BC breweries.  For only $55 you’ll get a five-course meal, paired with appropriate beers of course, and the opportunity to chat with the brewer himself.

Women and Beer II, May 12th – An evening to prove that beer isn’t for boys.  Join industry ladies for a five course, small-plate meal and plenty of beer.  They’ll also unveil a collaboration brew made by women brewers specifically for this event.

Brewery Creek Beer Festival: BC, May 14th – To close off the week, Brewery Creek is hosting a BC beer festival at the Beatty Street Drill Hall.  Sample over 20 unique BC brews while enjoying live DJs and yummy snacks from local street carts.

~ Meghan Roberts