Frequently asked questions
What is the Whistler Village Beer Festival?
Whistler Village Beer Festival is a five-day celebration of craft beer, cider, seltzers, non-alcoholic beverages, live music, food, games, and mountain-town festival energy.
The festival runs from September 16-20, 2026, with the Main Event taking place on Saturday, September 19 at Whistler Olympic Plaza. The Main Event brings together 40+beverage vendors for an afternoon of tastings, live entertainment, food trucks, games, and competitions.
The Main Event is followed by an Oktoberfest After Party at Longhorn Saloon. The festival wraps up with a last event the day after.
When is WVBF 2026?
Where does the WVBF take place?
The main tasting event for WVBF takes place at Whistler Olympic Plaza in Whistler Village. This outdoor venue is surrounded by mountain views and is located just steps from the Village Stroll.
Additional festival events take place at partner venues throughout Whistler. The official after party, Longhorn Oktoberfest, is hosted at Longhorn Saloon
Tickets
Where can I buy tickets?
What is included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes entry to the Main Event on September 19, including a 4 oz tasting glass, five sample tokens, access to live music, games, activations, competitions.
Are there discounted tickets?
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Do you offer croup ticket packages?
Yes. For groups of more than six people, please contact our group sales teamat [email protected] and they will be happy to assist.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, WVBF is a 19+ licensed event. All guests must be 19 years or older and must present 2 pieces of government-issued ID’s to enter. This applies to all guests entering the festival grounds, including infants, babies, and toddlers
Arrival & Logistics
How do I get to WVBF?
The WVBF Main Event takes place at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the heart of Whistler Village. The site is easily accessible on foot via the Village Stroll.
If you are driving to Whistler, take Highway 99, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway, into Whistler Village.
If you are travelling from Vancouver, bus services such as YVR Skylynx, Whistler Connection, and Epic Rides offer transportation directly to Whistler. Once you arrive in the village, the festival site is a short walk away.
If you are already in Whistler, walking, local transit, and taxis are the easiest ways to get around.
Where can I park?
Whistler offers several parking options, including the Day Lots and underground hotel parking. We recommend Day Lot 4 for convenient access to Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Please drink responsibly and plan ahead. Use a designated driver, buses, taxis, or rideshare options to get home safely.
Where is the closest drop-off zone?
The Marketplace parking lot near Canada Post Office is a convenient drop-off location. The parking bay along Blackcomb Way is also a nearby option.
Where should I stay?
Whistler has a wide range of accommodation options within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the festival site.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Whistler Olympic Plaza is Wheelchair accessible.
Entry
What time is the festival?
Gates open at 12:00 PM and the festival runs until 5pm, with the last pour at 4:30pm.
After the Main Event, keep the good times rolling by joining the Longhorn Oktoberfest After Party!
What should I bring to the festival?
Please bring 2 pieces of government-issued ID, your ticket and clothing suitable for an outdoor event in changing mountain weather.
We also recommend bringing an empty reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes and any personal essentials you may need for the day.
What items are not allowed to the festival?
The following items are not permitted on the festival grounds:
- Outside alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Cannabis products
- Vapes, cigarettes, or smoking products
- Weapons of any kind
- Outside food or drinks
- Glass containers
- Coolers
- Large bags or oversized backpacks
- Drones
- Pets, except registered service animals
- Any item deemed unsafe by event security
Is there a bag policy or security check?
Yes. All guests and bags are subject to security screening upon entry. Please travel light and avoid bringing large bags, coolers, or unnecessary items to help keep entry moving smoothly.
Is there a coat check?
No, there is no coat check on site. Please dress for the weather and only bring what you are comfortable carrying with you throughout the event.
Can I bring my dog?
As much as we love animals, pets are not permitted on site. Registered service animals with proper identification are welcome.
Can I bring my infant, baby, or toddler?
No. WVBF is a 19+ licensed event, and this applies to all guests entering the festival grounds, including infants, babies, and toddlers. We know little ones are not participating in tastings, but due to licensing requirements, crowd size, noise levels, and the nature of the event, no one under 19 is permitted on site.
Can I leave the festival grounds and come back?
Festival Experience
How does the drink tasting work?
Each ticket includes a 4 oz tasting glass and five sample tokens. Bring your glass to the beverage vendor of your choice, hand over a token, and enjoy a 4 oz sample.
Want to try more? Additional tokens can be purchased in advance at a discounted rate or on site during the festival.
What if I don’t like beer?
No problem. WVBF features more than beer. Guests can also enjoy cider, seltzers, non-alcoholic options, live music, lawn games, competitions, food, and the overall festival atmosphere.
Are there non-alcoholic options?
Yes. WVBF includes non-alcoholic beverage options so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
How many samples can I try?
You can sample as many beverages as you have tokens for. WVBF is committed to responsible service and consumption. Serving It Right rules apply at all WVBF events, and vendors may refuse service to any guest who appears intoxicated.
How much are tokens?
Additional tokens can be purchased in advance through Showpass at a discounted rate of 10 tokens for $22.50.
Tokens can also be purchased on site for $2.50 per token.
Do you accept card or cash?
Both cash and card are accepted on site. Cards are preferred as it will make things smoother for you!
Will there be food available?
Yes. Food trucks will be on site, along with a BBQ serving delicious smokies.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan food options will be available on site.
Can I bring my own food?
No. Outside food is not permitted on the festival grounds. A variety of food vendors will be available on site.
Will there be water available?
Yes. Free water stations will be available on site. Guests are encouraged to bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill throughout the day.
What happens if it rains?
WVBF runs rain or shine. Beverage vendors will be covered by tents, and there will be a sheltered area available for guests.
We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing a rain jacket so you can stay comfortable. The festival atmosphere continues no matter what the mountain weather brings.
Are there seating or shaded areas?
Yes. This year, WVBF will feature a beer hall seating area where guests can relax, socialize, enjoy the live music, and take in the festival atmosphere.
Can I smoke or vape at WVBF?
No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the festival grounds.
In accordance with Resort Municipality of Whistler smoking regulations, smoking is prohibited in public plaza areas, including Whistler Olympic Plaza, Town Square, Village Common, Village Square, and the Village Stroll. Smoking is also prohibited in parks, on the Valley Trail, near outdoor customer service areas, and within 10 metres of doors, windows, or air intakes.
Please enjoy the clean mountain air.
What are the rules for cannabis on site?
Cannabis consumption is not permitted on site in any form. This includes smoking, vaping, edibles, and any other cannabis products.
Guests who do not follow this policy may be removed from the festival grounds.