Is The Beer Store or LCBO Open Over Easter Weekend 2026?

There’s nothing worse than waking up on a holiday weekend, ready to host brunch or fire up the BBQ, only to realize you forgot the most important thing. The drinks.

And suddenly, you’re panic-Googling in your pajamas.

We’ve all been there. But this year? You’re going to be prepared. Because navigating the holiday hours for the LCBO and The Beer Store in Ontario feels like trying to crack a secret code sometimes. One location is open, the other is closed, and your local grocery store is a wildcard.

Here is the no-nonsense guide to keeping your fridge stocked for Easter weekend 2026.

The Short Answer: Are They Open?

If you are looking for a quick “yes” or “no” so you can get on with your day, here it is.

Good Friday (April 3, 2026): Closed. Almost everything is shut down. Saturday (April 4, 2026): Open. This is your golden window. Go now. Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026): Closed. Don’t even try. Easter Monday (April 6, 2026): It’s complicated (but mostly good news).

Now, let’s break it down because there are always exceptions to the rule. And if you know where to look, you might just save the weekend.

Is The Beer Store Open on Easter Sunday?

No. And they are pretty strict about this one.

Across Ontario, The Beer Store locations are closed on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. It doesn’t matter if it’s a massive distribution centre or a small walk-in location. The doors are locked.

They are also closed on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.

So, if you were planning a Sunday beer run before the family comes over, you need a new plan. Your best bet is to hit the store on Saturday, April 4. Most locations will be operating on their regular Saturday hours, which usually means they stay open until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM depending on your city.

For the most accurate info on your specific spot, check The Beer Store locations directly.

What About the LCBO?

The LCBO follows a similar pattern, but with a few more twists for Easter Monday.

Good Friday (April 3): All LCBO stores are closed.
Easter Sunday (April 5): All LCBO stores are closed.

But here is where it gets interesting.

Is LCBO open on Easter Monday in Ontario?

Yes, but with a catch. While Easter Monday (April 6, 2026) is not a statutory holiday for retail in Ontario, it is a government holiday. This means many government employees have the day off, but the LCBO (which is a government enterprise) usually opens its doors.

However, many locations operate on reduced hours on Easter Monday.

Instead of opening at 10:00 AM, your local spot might not open until noon. Or they might close early at 6:00 PM. Rural locations might remain closed entirely. The smartest move is to use the LCBO Store Locator to check hours online before you drive over, but generally, Monday is a safe bet for a restock.

Where Can You Actually Buy Alcohol?

So, you forgot to shop on Saturday. And now it’s Good Friday or Easter Sunday. Are you completely out of luck?

Not entirely.

While the big chains are closed, Ontario’s alcohol laws have loosened up significantly over the last few years. And this is where you can find a win.

1. Local Breweries and Distilleries

This is the best-kept secret for holiday weekends. Production manufacturers (breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries) are legally allowed to be open on statutory holidays like Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

And they usually are.

Because they know the big guys are closed. If you have a local craft brewery nearby, check their Instagram or website. Chances are, their bottle shop is open, and you can grab a few cans of something local.

2. LCBO Convenience Outlets

If you are in a smaller town or cottage country, you might have an LCBO Convenience Outlet (those authorized retailers inside general stores). Because these are privately owned businesses, some of them have authorization to remain open on holidays if their municipality allows it. It’s hit or miss, but worth a drive-by if you’re desperate.

3. Convenience Stores (The “New” Norm)

By now in 2026, we are used to seeing beer, wine, and coolers in convenience stores (a rollout that started back in 2024). But just because your corner store sells beer doesn’t mean they can sell it on a holiday.

The Retail Business Holidays Act still requires most retail businesses to close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

However, smaller convenience stores (under 2,400 square feet) selling mostly food and gas are often exempt from closing. If they are legally open, and they are licensed, you might be able to grab a 6-pack. But don’t bank your entire dinner party on this. The selection is smaller, and strict municipal bylaws can still shut down sales on holidays.

Your Easter Weekend Strategy

Don’t overthink it. Just follow this schedule and you will be fine.

Thursday, April 2: Go tonight if you can. It’ll be busy, but you’ll be done.
Friday, April 3 (Good Friday): CLOSED. Go to a local brewery if you need something.
Saturday, April 4: OPEN. This is the main shopping day. Expect lines.
Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday): CLOSED. Seriously, don’t try.
Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday): OPEN (mostly). Check for reduced hours.

Enjoy the long weekend, and drink responsibly!

Need to Stock the Fridge with Food Too?

You’ve got the drinks sorted, but what about the rest of the meal? Don’t get caught staring at a locked door at Loblaws or Metro.

Check out our full breakdown here: Ontario Grocery Stores Easter Hours 2026: Open or Closed?

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