It wouldn't be a party without street food heavyweights Fidel Gastro’s on site. This year they'll be serving up their porknado sandwich: mouthwatering pulled pork topped with mini deep fried pork and leek dumplings, crema and green onions. It's easy to see why it's been a favourite at festivals for them, paired with a cold beer and their signature Pad Thai Fries which will also be on offer.
Your midday festival snack is sorted, thanks to King East's casual Italian joint. Pop by their booth for variety of signature snacks, but don't leave without grabbing one of their arancini balls. Made with sausage, sweet peas, smoked provolone and a healthy portion of Arborio rice, these little treats are delicious, but filling enough to keep you fuelled for that afternoon round of beers.
The city's obsession with oysters isn't slowing down anytime soon so it' a good thing that our favourite oyster shuckers will be on hand with a fresh supply of their much-loved Malpeque oysters from PEI. Sure, oysters are traditionally paired with white wine, but beer can be just as complementary. Try them with a dry Irish stout: the creaminess will accentuate the salty taste of the bivalves. We have a feeling you won't have a hard time finding one...
Sure there will be a crop of some of Toronto's brightest culinary figures dishing out unique and innovative food but sometimes you just need some carbs. Enter Tiny Tom's Donuts and their doughy delights that have been a staple at events and festivals across the city for nearly 60 years. They'll be baked fresh on site with toppings including cinnamon, icing sugar, apple ‘n’ cinnamon and chocolate. Pair one with a coffee stout to kick your day off.
Once you're well fed and ready for the main event (you won't be there if you're not a beer lover) you'll have over 60 brewers pouring 333 different varieties of beer to choose from. Need help deciding? We don't blame you. While there will be local favourites like Great Lakes Brewery and Left Field along a slew of unique international ales and lagers, we suggest heading straight to Brock Street Brewing Company. Crowned 'Best Newcomer' at this year's Ontario Brewing Awards, no doubt it will be a hot ticket.
The festival has always been known for its great musical acts and this year is no exception. With House of Pain kicking things off on the Friday and legendary Canadian band Big Sugar Reggae Style headlining Saturday night (which is now sold out), the festival closes with UK rockers The Temperance Movement on the Sunday night. The blues rock band will be just what the doctor ordered after a long day of libations.
