Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. For most people this means planning outdoor weekend trips to the waterfront or the mountains. For me it means looking forward to the many fabulous beer festivals that take place in and around the Bay Area.
By Joel Williams
Published: May, 2008
Northern California boasts some of the best breweries in the world and there is no better place to experience the unique and outstanding products that these artisans create than at a local brewfest. Here are a few that you may want to put on your calendar:
May 10 - 12th Annual Boonville Beer Fest – 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, CA
Entry fee gets you admittance to the festival, a sampling glass, music and all the samples you care to enjoy during the four hours the taps are open. Food, merchandise and other sundries are also available for purchase. (707) 895-BEER www.avbc.com/news/boontbeerfest.html
June 7 - The Beerfest - A Benefit for Face to Face – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, CA
Over 35 breweries representing Northern California’s best plus food from 28 restaurants/purveyors. Everything is included in your ticket and with everything from elegant hors d’oeuvres to spicy ribs this event is famous for outstanding food. Music provided by Dgiin’s Gypsy Funk. Tickets are limited so you won’t be standing in long lines with that one of the herd feeling. This is an opportunity to taste and compare a wide variety of quality craft beers and exceptional food in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Ticket includes all food & beverage tasting and a souvenir glass. $35 Advance / $40 Day of the event. www.sonic.net/~newton5/default.html
June 21 - Oakland A’s Beer
Festival – 4:05 p.m. – 6:05 p.m.
East Side Club, McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, CA
This event is held before the 7:05 game against the Florida Marlins and will feature beer from more than 30 different breweries, live music, and other festivities; free admission with game ticket. $10 includes a souvenir beer mug and 2 tastings.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/ticketing/events.jsp
July 12 - Microbreweries Battling Breast Cancer – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Larkspur Landing Courtyard, Larkspur, CA
Event is a benefit for Charlotte Maxwell Complimentary Clinic with beer from more than 25 local microbreweries; live music all afternoon. More details about this festival will be posted on the Marin Brewing Company’s website www.marinbrewing.com.
August 16 - 6th Annual Russian River Beer Revival & BBQ Cookoff - 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stumptown Brewery & Smokehouse, Guerneville, CA
Over 25 Breweries and 25 BBQ Teams. Have a great time outside on Stumptown’s beach right along the Russian River and have some great food and beer. There is a shuttle bus available that runs from Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa out to Guerneville so you don’t have to worry about driving. Attendance is limited and event sold out last year so get you tickets in advance. (707) 869-0705 www.stumptown.com
August 23 - Sierra Brewfest – 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA
Hosted by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in an outdoor venue, underneath tall Ponderosa pine trees; more than 100 beers from over 35 area microbreweries; wine and non-alcoholic beverages; live music by the Cold Shot Band; food, including sausages, barbecue, and Mexican food. www.musicinthemountains.org/brewfest.php
September 13&14 – 5th Annual Brews on the Bay – 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SS Jeremiah O’Brien, Pier 45, San Francisco, CA
Held by the San Francisco Brewers Guild on board the National Liberty Ship Memorial SS Jeremiah O’Brien near Fisherman’s Wharf. Over 40 local artisan beers will be poured making it the largest offering of San Francisco-brewed beer at any festival worldwide. Each brewery is encouraged to bring a wide and diverse selection of their beers, some serving up to eight different styles. The event features live music and food is also available. Attendance is limited and the event sells out. www.sfbrewersguild.org
Joel Williams was a professional craft brewer for over seven years at several breweries. He earned a diploma in Brewing Sciences in 1996 from the world-renowned Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago.
