BECAUSE BEER FESTIVAL
@ PIER 4 PARK, HAMILTON
JULY 11-12, 2025
Hamilton’s waterfront was buzzing this past weekend as Because Beer Fest 2025 delivered two jam-packed days of cold pints, food trucks, and explosive live music. The festival continues to cement its place as a mid-summer staple in Southern Ontario, where craft beer lovers and music fans collide for a uniquely crafted Canadian experience.
Friday night kicked off with high energy and even higher volume. Opening the main stage were The OBGMs, whose punk-fueled chaos was a visceral jolt to the system. Their set was aggressive, cathartic, and undeniably tight. A clear highlight for anyone who appreciates raw, genre-blurring rock.
Next up, The Dirty Nil took over with their signature brand of anthemic grunge-punk. Hamilton’s own hometown heroes brought a thunderous set that felt both personal and explosive. With frontman Luke Bentham shredding with wild abandon, they had the crowd in the palm of their hand from the first chord to the last feedback-drenched note.
Down With Webster closed the night on a different but equally energetic note. The Toronto band leaned into nostalgia with their genre-bending mix of pop, hip hop, and rock. Their show was a full-on party, complete with choreographed energy, crowd interaction, and just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek swagger to end the night on a high.
Saturday started with Loviet, a rising act that brought a refreshing blend of indie pop and alternative R&B. Her mellow, groove-heavy performance eased the early crowd into the day’s festivities. Her set was the perfect blend of dreamy vocals and sunny beats, ideal for sipping a crisp lager under the sun next to the waterfront.
Terra Lightfoot followed, bringing her powerhouse voice and gritty blues-rock guitar to the fore. Her set was soulful and commanding, showing off both her musicianship and the emotional range of her songwriting. A true hometown gem, she had the audience swaying and shouting right along with her.
As evening fell, Matthew Good and his band took the stage, delivering a set that balanced intensity with introspection. Good remains one of Canada’s most distinct voices in rock, and his band matched him with precision and mood. His classics hit just as hard as they did decades ago, resonating with long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Capping off the weekend were The Sheepdogs, who turned the waterfront into a Southern-rock revival tent. Their warm harmonies, twin guitar leads, and unshakeable groove had everyone dancing, beer in hand. It was the perfect sendoff: a set that felt both celebratory and communal, reminding everyone why music festivals like this exist in the first place.
Because Beer Fest 2025 struck an ideal balance between a weekend where great beer met great bands without either taking a backseat. From punk to pop-rock to blues and classic rock revival, the lineup showcased the depth and diversity of Canadian music. Add in a lakeside breeze and dozens of Ontario’s best breweries, and you’ve got a summer memory worth toasting to.
(Photography by Mercedes Chircop)
Down With Webster Photos
The Dirty Nil Photos
The OBGMs Photos
Because Beer Links
Background Photo Credit: Steph Montani
SPILL CONTEST: WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO BECAUSE BEER FESTIVAL (SUNDAY JULY 14)!
