With U.S. tariffs looming, the Irish Harp Pub turned its patio into a celebration of all-Canadian breweries and cross-border camaraderie during its third-annual Craft Beer Fest on Saturday.
The event drew a sold-out crowd with $15 tasting tickets, featuring five craft brewery tables and live music from Sean Bienhaus and house band Patsy & the Muscle.
General manager Adam Broker said this year’s festival was even more relevant to the community as Canadian brewers and businesses look domestically for support amid Trump’s trade threats.
“Right now it’s so important with everything going on at the border,” said Broker.
The event isn’t just about drinks, he said — it’s about reminding Canadians their neighbours are brewing quality beer just down the road.
“Local companies are just as good, and once you get the taste of them, you’re never going to want to go back.”
Broker has also noticed growing interest from American visitors eager to support Canadian producers.
“A lot of the tourists that come in, they get to see these companies and then they’re ecstatic about us,” said Broker
Silversmith Brewing Company on Niagara Stone Road has supplied beer to the Harp for years and was quick with its offer to help out at Saturday’s event.
“They support us, so we’re going to 100 per cent have their back,” said Silversmith representative Geoff Voisin.
He said festivals like these are a great opportunity to give out-of-town visitors the chance to discover smaller brands they’d otherwise miss.
“If you’re just coming for like three days, there’s no chance you’re seeing everything, but if you go to the bar, you get to see the local breweries like us,” said Voisin.
Bryan White, who represented several Ontario brands including Blackburn and Thornbury, said those shifts in consumer mindset are becoming more noticeable across the region.
“With the recent tariffs, I’ve seen a really drastic change,” White said.
He pointed to increased demand for better-quality beer and a growing preference for transparency and health-conscious choices.
“People want lower-calorie, better-quality beers with better ingredients, and they’re turning to local producers for that.”
Cowbell Brewing’s Brent McLean travelled from Blyth, Ont. to take part and said events like these help smaller brewers stand out in a crowded market.
“You’d like to hope that more people are supporting the Canadian brands,” McLean said.
Cowbell recently launched a light lager called Elbows Up at the LCBO “in favour of patriotism,” which he said is “just a way to support Ontario and help the cause.”
Broker said the event will continue to grow, with Niagara College already expressing interest in bringing their own branded beer next year. But for him, the heart of the event is the local connection.
“Businesses thrive when we work together, whether you’re from across town or across the border, you’re family when you come here,” said Broker.
