Say cheers to unique beers this season with the California fest
California’s craft beer festival is known across the globe for its artistry and flavours of locally brewed beers, ranking the golden state highest nationwide for the number of craft breweries.
According to a statement by the destination promotion body, Visit California, beer enthusiasts from all over the world flock to the Golden State to experience the atmosphere filled with tastings, live music, unique food pairings, and the opportunity to connect with fellow beer lovers and brewers.
With craft beer events brewing in every corner of the State, Visit California highlights some of the top festivals around the state :
San Diego International Beer Festival, July 1, Del Mar
Visitors can opt for a VIP lounge experience at the San Diego International Beer Festival
Known as ‘Capital of Craft,’ this San Diego County fest features rare craft beers to local pours along with the top-performing breweries from previous year’s San Diego International Beer Festival. The fest also features a VIP lounge including five stations with food pairings and a larger souvenir glass for unlimited beer tastings, adds the statement.
Los Angeles Brewsology Beer Fest, July 7, Los Angeles
Indulge in a beer or two over a museum tour at the Los Angeles Brewsology Beer Fest
This beer festival, says Visit California, gives attendees access to the California Science Center exhibits even after-hours. More than 50 breweries are taking part in this festival with specialty beers poured only for the first hour.
Monterey Beer Festival, July 8, Monterey
The Monterey Beer Festival brings over 80 beers from dozens of breweries at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center
The statement goes on to say that this event will be sampling hundreds of beers from breweries all throughout California, including Hillside Brewing Co in Santa Cruz, Anderson Valley in Boonville, and Central Coast Brewing from San Luis Obispo, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. In addition to food trucks, live music, and a DJ, there is a beer festival necklace contest where participants can win passes to the event the next year.
Brew Hee Haw, July 14–15, Costa Mesa
Visitors can enjoy a mix of food, rides, vendors, restrooms and attractions throughout the Brew Hee Haw session
The OC Brew Hee Haw festival will take place in three sessions over the course of two days, offering tastings of more than 100 craft beers, plus access to the fair before and after the festival. Visit California says that each session also has themed entertainment, featuring ’80s to ’90s cover bands and country tunes.
Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza, August 3–6, Mammoth Lakes
Bluesapalooza is Mammoth Lakes’ biggest event
Visit California says that the Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is known for being one of the biggest events across the mountain town, showcasing more than 80 breweries from across the state. A dedicated lounge and early entry to the weekend tasting, plus access to an exclusive pit area and viewing deck for all four days of music add to its flair, says the statement.
Surf ‘N’ Suds Craft Beer & Music Fest, August 12, Carpinteria
Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival features 60+ breweries from all over the country
More than 65 California breweries gather with local food trucks and live reggae bands for a laid-back afternoon under the sun at Carpinteria State Beach. The statement says that apart from the assortment of beers to choose from, the carnival also features wine, cider, seltzer and kombucha.
Hops in Humboldt, August 26, Fortuna
The very first Hops event was held in 2004, in a small beer garden between the two playgrounds at Rohner Park
Hops in Humboldt beer carnival lets visitors sample hundreds of microbrews along with live music nearby California redwoods. Visit California adds that this homegrown festival’s award ceremony showcases honours such as Mayor’s Choice and People’s Choice.
California Brewers Festival, September 16, Sacramento
Over 85 brewers will be pouring over 150 different beers at Sacramento’s longest-running and longest-pouring beer festival
Featuring a beer mile-relay, this carnival challenges participants to a round of speed drinking and running. Among its greatest attractions, says the statement, are more than 100 regional beers and ciders, food trucks, a vendor village, and a fun zone featuring giant Jenga and cornhole games.
"
