It will be a celebration of beer as the Okanagan Fest of Ale returns this weekend, April 11 and 12, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

The festival will feature beer, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, food and live entertainment. This year, seltzer will also be offered.

鈥淲e are looking forward to the 28th Annual Okanagan Fest of Ale at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to celebrate craft beer and cider from British Columbia this weekend,鈥� said Michael Stocker, president of the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society.

鈥淭his is an incredible chance to support our 100 per cent Canadian festival with every vendor making delicious food and beverage in B.C. and the Okanagan.鈥�

There will be 50 breweries and cideries on site with a total of 150 beverages to taste. 

Musicians and entertainers will be performing throughout the weekend. In addition, there will be activities from HooDoo Adventures, photo booths, temporary tattoos from Amuzing Fun Rentals and more, organizers say.

Awards will be presented to breweries and beers at the event. The Fest of Ale Beer Awards are now a B.C.-sanctioned event so the awards hold prestige among the brewers.

Awards will be presented in a variety of categories, including the Best in Show and People鈥檚 Choice Awards. 

The Best in Show awards will be presented on April 12 at 3 p.m. and the People鈥檚 Choice Awards will be presented at 5 p.m., with both presentations at the main stage.

B.C. Transit and the City of Penticton are providing free transit for those with tickets to the Fest of Ale on both days. Transit customers will need to present their ticket to the driver to board the bus for free.

Money raised at the Fest of Ale will go to organizations such as the Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society, Penticton Soupeteria and the Salvation Army.

Throughout its history, the Fest of Ale has donated more than $850,000 to local organizations and charities.

Tickets for the Fest of Ale are still available and can be purchased through festofale.ca.