Popular festival cancelled after many years in Ontario

A craft beer festival that has been held for many years in Ontario will not be returning in 2026, organizers say.

In a post on the website for the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival, organizers said they made the “difficult” decision to cancel the event due to an unsustainable workload.

“After 10 incredible years, we’ve made the very hard decision to shut down the festival,” the website reads.

“What many people may not realize is that since returning after COVID, KCBF has been run by a very small team of just two people, entirely in our spare time. As the event rebuilt and continued to grow, the workload has become more than we’re able to sustain.”

Organizers said they didn’t make the decision lightly.

“The Kawartha Craft Beer Festival has meant so much to us, and we are incredibly proud of what it became,” they said.

“From the breweries, cideries, distilleries, food vendors, musicians, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, to every single person who bought a ticket, raised a glass, and supported local — thank you. You helped create something truly special.”

The event was supposed to happen on June 5 and 6 in Peterborough’s Del Crary Park, according to the festival’s Facebook page.

Last year’s event was held in June, with organizers calling it an “incredible celebration.”

“We are endlessly grateful for the community that showed up year after year and made the festival what it was. The memories, friendships, and shared moments will always mean the world to us,” the website says.

“Thank you for 10 amazing years of support, cheers, and craft beer.”

By Ryan Rocca, insauga