If you’re serious about beer, August 8 is the perfect day to be in Halifax. For the third year, Halifax Seaport BeerFest returns to its home just behind the Garrison Brewery off Marginal Road. Organizers Bruce Mansour and Brian Titus are expecting 2,000 thirsty fans, as 50 vendors showcase 125 different brews and ciders from around the world.

That diverse selection, up from 100 varieties in the first year, is the festival’s big selling point. “We have a higher number of exhibitors every year,” Titus says. “This year we finally have Guinness. Propeller is telling us they want to be thereb... We have five Nova Scotian breweries, plus the Pump House in New Brunswick and Gahan House in P.E.I.”

Christine White is communications director with Taste of Nova Scotia, a partner in the event. She’s urges visitors to use the event as a way to discover local products. “It’s a great opportunity for some of our members to showcase what they do,” she says. “It directly brings business to doors and it supports the community.”

Even better, visitors will get to sample Nova Scotia’s best alongside favourites from around the world. “We’re hoping to organize a Maine pavilion,” Titus says. “We’re having a pavilion with members of the Ontario Craft Brewers association. We may even have a mead this year. We go after the beers we want quite aggressively —last year we got 95 per cent of the ones on our list.”

Beyond the beer selection, there are many other factors that go into a successful festival. This year three food vendors will offer snacks to complement the drinks: the Port Pub in Wolfville, Scanway Catering in Halifax and the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop in Bedford. “There has to be a real festival atmosphere, so it’s not just about drinking,” says Titus. “There’s live music... People want a celebratory environment, not a trade show. And there’s a real camaraderie in the crowd.”

That perfect mix is what appeals to 32-year-old Dylan Gaudett, who attended the festival for the first time last year. “I’m definitely going back this year,” he says. “I was just telling one of the guys I work with that’s it’s really cool—you can’t go wrong with music, beer and a bunch of people just having fun.”

THE DETAILS

Saturday, August 8 Two sessions: 2-5pm and 7-10pm Tickets: $35 advance, $40 at the gate + HST. Tickets available at Garrison Beer Store, Bishop’s Cellar and some NSLC locations. Afternoon music: Keith Andrews Evening music: Old Wagon Whiskey Ages 19 and up only. Attendees should be prepared to show ID. No pets or children allowed on site.