North Vancouver’s Shipyards District plays host to the BC Cider Festival in June. Attendees enjoy samplings from cideries all over the region.
The Shipyards hosts some other similar events as well. Those who love craft beer can check out Brewhalla North Vancouver in April and Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week in November (which is really two weeks!)
In 2024 the BC Cider Festival happens on June 16th. That’s the same weekend as ScotFestBC in Coquitlam, the Stalew 10th Anniversary Event at Fort Langley, a Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic tribute concert in Richmond, and the Eras Night Taylor Swift-themed event at Playland. Also on the North Shore, there is Foodie Fest at Capilano Mall.
BC Cider Festival at the Shipyards
The BC Cider Festival celebrates its 5th year in 2024. Over 30 different cideries take part in the event. Most are from British Columbia but some are from the US Pacific Northwest and a few come from even farther away.
This year’s festival takes place on Sunday, June 16th, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The event is for folks who are 19 years of age and older. There is, however, an all-ages public garden section with no alcohol where children and teenagers can hang out while the adults enjoy their beverages.
Location and Admission
The BC Cider Festival happens at the Pipe Shop, located at 115 Victory Ship Way in North Vancouver. That’s the same venue that hosts Made in the 604 Markets on Fridays in the summer. Lots of other events take place there at other times of the year too.
One of the best parts of the cider festival is that there is no token system. When you pay for admission you get access to a sample of every type of cider there.
In 2024 tickets cost about $64 including extra fees when purchased online. Tickets may also be available at the gate, but they’ve sold out in past years ahead of time so there’s no guarantee. Admission includes a tasting glass and a notebook to write down your thoughts on the different drinks.
What to Expect
There are plenty of ciders to try at the festival. New cideries joining the event in 2024 include Homestead Craft Cider from Agassiz, Lass Chance Beverage Co from Keremeos, BC, and Revel Cider from Guelph, Ontario. There are over 30 cideries participating!
The festival’s organizers advise those in attendance to take things slowly because with so many drinks to try it’s very easy to go too fast! The last thing you want at a cider festival is to not be able to get your money’s worth, or regret drinking too much later.
At the event there are food trucks on site to complement the drinks. For those who want to step outside for some fresh air or to grab a bite to eat elsewhere, there are in-and-out privileges as long as you’re wearing the wristband handed out at the beginning of the event.
Other Information
For more information about the event, visit the BC Cider Festival website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week
- Metro Vancouver Breweries and Beer
- Best Places to Eat and Drink in the Lower Mainland
- Father’s Day Weekend