The Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival at the Westwood Plateau is one of Metro Vancouver’s premier events featuring BC craft breweries and tasty appetizers.

In 2024 the event happened on March 2nd. That was the same weekend as the Vancouver International Wine Festival, Dumpling Tasting Soirée and Vancouver Chocolate Run. Early Music Vancouver and the VAM Symphony Orchestra also had concerts that weekend. Yet another event in Coquitlam the following weekend was the Festival du Bois which is a francophone festival at Mackin Park.

To learn about other events happening this same month, see our March Calendar of Events. For details about the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, continue reading.

This article contains the following information about the event:

Beer Festival at Westwood Plateau

The Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival is a great event that typically features over 50 breweries, dozens of different craft beers, delicious appetizers and lots of people.

The festival had been running for about three years prior to 2019, in both the spring and the fall, at the Westwood Plateau Golf Club. It happened in 2020, just once, but then not again for a couple of years. It returned to the same location in 2023, however, and was back again in the spring of 2024.

Coquitlam Beer Festival Dates and Prices

In 2024 the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival took place on Saturday, March 2nd. The event ran from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Westwood Plateau Golf Club. The venue’s address is 3251 Plateau Boulevard in Coquitlam.

General admission to the festival in past years has cost about $85 per person including taxes and online service fees. In 2024 it cost $102.51.

At the event people are able to enjoy a nearly unlimited selection of craft beers and food samples. No tokens or extra purchases are required, which makes this an especially appealing and enjoyable event.

Howe Sound Brewery at Beer Festival — Howe Sound Brewery

What Makes it Special?

A number of things make the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival stand out as a “best place to be” for people who like craft beers and hanging out with their friends. Below is a list of the event’s features that stand out to us.

The admission price includes complimentary food and beverages. You don’t have to pay extra for each beer sample you try or every appetizer you want to taste. Unlike most Lower Mainland events of its kind, it’s all included!
The venue is completely indoors so it’s warm and not weather dependent!
The festival benefits a worthwhile charitable cause each time. In 2023 partial proceeds from ticket sales were donated to 93.7 JR Country’s Basics for Babies program.
The cost is reasonable. There aren’t many places where you can wander around and sample virtually unlimited beer, cider and food samples!
There is plenty of free parking.
Tickets also include a complimentary shuttle service both to and from the Lafarge Lake/Douglas SkyTrain Station.

Craft Beer Festival at Westwood Plateau — Westwood Plateau Golf Country Club

Beer Festival Breweries

Over 50 BC craft breweries typically participate in the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival. Each brewery offers a selection of brews with over 120 different kinds in total to choose from. In the past there have been IPAs, cream ales, lagers, fruit-infused brews and all kinds of seasonal and award-winning ales.

BC breweries that have participated in the past have included Stanley Park Brewery, Andina and Red Truck from Vancouver, Steel & Oak from New Westminster, Bridge Brewing from North Vancouver, and dozens more.

Andina Beer at Coquitlam Festival — Andina Beer from Vancouver

Festival Food

The food at the festival is usually really good. When we went in the past there were chicken wings from Wings Restaurant, noodles and poached prawns from the Hard Rock Casino, and deli meat samples, nachos and chili, and upside-down cheesecake.

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips to help you make the most of your experience at the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival.

TIP #1: Plan in advance how to get home. There is a complimentary shuttle service to and from the nearest SkyTrain station before and after the event, which is good to know.

TIP #2: We recommend going with a good appetite as the food is delicious and there is a fair bit of it. Don’t drink on an empty stomach! Pace yourself!

TIP #3: It’s good to go with a group of friends. The more the merrier!

TIP #4: Note your favourite beers so you can remember them for the future. Also, chat with the people around you to learn what they recommend. With typically over 100 beers to choose from, make sure to sample and remember the best!