Railworks’ Beer-lesque & Carniv-ale Show merges past with present

St. Thomas’ annual craft beverage alcohol festival is back for year four at Elgin County Railway Museum this July 8, 2023 from 1:00 PM-10:00 PM.

Presented by Doug Tarry Homes and hosted by Elgin County Railway Museum, Railworks’ Beer-lesque & Carniv-ale Show is a dark circus-themed beverage sampling affair. Guests are invited to sample craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits from local Ontario beverage producers while enjoying a mix of unique live entertainment.

Local favourites Railway City Brewing and Quai du Vin Estate Winery will be onsite, along with repeat fan favourites NE1 Spirits and Bad Apple Brewing.

For the first time, this year’s festival will showcase two stages. The Music Stage will feature the talents of Griffin Noriega, Farewell Stanleys, and The Commoners. While the Circus Stage will host London aerial fitness studio, Vertical Air, who will bring a uniquely choreographed circus and burlesque show to Beer-lesque.

True to the spirit of ‘The Railway City’ of St. Thomas, “Beer-lesque provides an opportunity for Ontarians to connect to local history as they experience the festival amongst the backdrop of historic train cars and locomotives,” says Elizabeth Nagy, Event Manager, Elgin County Railway Museum. A fundraiser for Elgin County Railway Museum, this event raises funds to support the maintenance and improvement of the historic railway building. “Events like this are so important to bring new people into our museum, and it’s always so exciting when people come in for the first time and are awed by the trains,” says Rose Tysdale, Museum Manager.

Merging the past and the present, Railworks’ Beer-lesque & Carniv-ale Show is a great way to enjoy some local history and some local brews. So don’t miss out on this unique event in St. Thomas, ON!

Thank you to the sponsors of this year’s Beer-lesque: Doug Tarry Homes (Presenting), Railway City Tourism, BaileyTech, Villager Publications, The Growler, and Total Plumbing Solutions. We are truly grateful for the support of these companies in our festival and in our organization.