5 Must-Try Breweries in Edmonton for International Beer Day
If you ask me, there's no better way to toast International Beer Day than with a pint (or two) brewed right here in YEG. Alberta’s craft beer scene has never been more exciting, and I’ve got the inside scoop on where to sip some of the city’s best.
Whether you like your beer hazy and hoppy, crisp and clean, or funky and barrel-aged, these five Edmonton breweries bring something bold to the table. Here's where I’m sending guests this weekend.
Photo Credit: Polyrhythm Brewing
Polyrhythm Brewing
📍 11635 145 St NW
Polyrhythm Brewing is a hidden gem in Northwest Edmonton run by Chelsea and Taylor (a brewer and a drummer who’ve combined their talents to create something special.) Their whole approach is rooted in rhythm, both in sound and in beer.
Each brew is layered with intention, like the 808 Irish Red Ale, a smooth mix of caramel and toffee that practically begs to be sipped while “Psycho Killer” plays in the background. If you’re more into citrusy haze, try the Chillwave Hazy Pale Ale, built for lo-fi playlists and slow afternoons. Or go classic with the Backbeat Blonde Ale—easy drinking, clean, and always in rotation.
And if you’re around on August 16, don’t miss their Hop Pocket Cask Party, where they’ll be pouring seven one-of-a-kind casks, handing out limited-edition glassware, and hosting live music and outdoor games. Tickets include entry, a collector’s glass, and four 5oz drink tickets (with extras available for $2.75). It's a great excuse to explore the Hop Pocket community and spend a summer day with great beer and good people.
Photo Credit: Sea Change Brewing Co.
Sea Change Brewing Co.
📍 9850 62 Ave NW (+ other locations)
Sea Change Brewing Co. is the kind of place that proves good beer and good people really can build something special. What started as a scrappy side project between musicians, creatives, and craft brewers turned into a local staple—thanks to a DIY spirit, killer branding, and beers that don’t take themselves too seriously. Their flagship spot on Happy Beer Street (yes, that’s a real nickname for this corner of YEG) is always buzzing, and there’s a second taproom in Beaumont if you’re venturing out of the city (If you’re looking for somewhere closer to the hotel.)
Man Crush is a juicy, orange-forward brew inspired by the one and only Joey Moss, with proceeds supporting the Joey Moss Fund. Prairie Fairy pours pink and playful with bright berry flavour, and supports the Fruit Loop Society of Alberta. And if you’re just after something crisp and crushable, Death Wave Lager is your go-to—light, clean, and made for pretty much any moment. (Pssst… You’ll even find it on tap at HALO Bar | Bistro, right here at the hotel.)
Photo Credit: Odd Company Brewing
Odd Company Brewing
📍 Ritchie & Wîhkwêntôwin
Odd Company Brewing has two Edmonton locations, each with its own vibe but the same playful, small-batch spirit. The Ritchie taproom is bright and welcoming, complete with a full kitchen and event space—it’s the one you’ll usually see in their photos. The Wîhkwêntôwin location is a cozy downtown beer bar with a strong community feel, a rotating tap list, and a no-minors policy that keeps it relaxed and grown-up. Both spots are dog-friendly on the patio, so feel free to bring your pup along for the pint.
Their beers are always changing, but a few standouts include the Umarell Italian Pilsner, a crisp, refreshing pour with herbal and spicy notes, and Peach, Please!, a wheat ale that’s soft, slightly floral, and full of juicy peach flavour. If you’re the type to skip the predictable and go for something new, Odd Company is calling your name.
Photo Credit: Town Square Brewing Co.
Town Square Brewing Co.
📍 2919 Ellwood Dr SW
Town Square is one of those breweries that instantly makes you feel at home. It’s relaxed, friendly, and built around the idea that craft beer should be fun, approachable, and always evolving. The space may be small, but the flavours coming out of their taps are anything but. They love putting fresh spins on traditional styles, so you can always expect something new when you stop in.
Their Cornerstone West Coast IPA is a bold, citrusy brew you can lean on—grapefruit, orange, and lime come through strong thanks to Amarillo and Citra hops. If you’re after something lighter, Chiquita Mexican Cerveza is a crisp, easy-drinking lager with a hint of lime and a super clean finish. It's the kind of beer made for sunny patios and good company. With rotating taps, tasty snacks, and a crew that knows their stuff, this is a solid stop on any Edmonton brewery crawl.
Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company
📍9919 78 Ave NW
Blind Enthusiasm is doing something totally different in the Edmonton beer scene, and they’re doing it exceptionally well. Brewing out of The Monolith, their one-of-a-kind facility focused entirely on spontaneous and mixed fermentation, this brewery takes inspiration from Belgian Lambics and gives it a proudly Albertan twist. They use traditional techniques like turbid mashing, coolship fermentation, and age everything in massive barrels called puncheons. The result? Wild, complex beers that are shaped by local grain, native microflora, and time.
Their Spontaneous Manifesto 2023 is a great intro—a tart, balanced blend full of stone fruit, apple, and subtle red wine notes. And 1923 is a special collab made with wheat from a local family farm and aged in red wine barrels from Washington, with flavours of oak, vanilla, tangerine, and a bit of herbaceous spice. With over 400 puncheons now in play, Blind Enthusiasm has quietly become one of the largest spontaneous beer producers in North America, and it's all happening right here in Edmonton.
Before You Go…
If you’re in town for International Beer Day, why not make a day of it? Edmonton’s brewery scene is full of character, charm, and unexpected finds. Whether you're into clean lagers or creative experiments, there's a beer—and a brewery—for every palate.
Need directions, ideas, or a ride booked? Come find me at the Navigator Desk. I’ll point you in the right direction.
Cheers to discovering something new.