The LA Beer Festival and Craft Beer LB Fest return on Saturday, here’s what you need to know
Saturday, Sept. 17 is going to be a big day for Southern California beer lovers.
There are two local beer festivals scheduled to take place including the sixth annual Craft Beer LB Fest, from 1-5 p.m. at the picturesque Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach. Just about 20 miles up the 110 freeway in downtown Los Angeles, the 14th annual LA Beer Festival will be going off as well with two sessions at noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Both festivals focus on breweries within their immediate neighborhoods and beyond and will also include food vendors and other activities on site.
And yes, with a designated driver or responsibly utilizing rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft, it is very possible to check out both beer festivals that day.
Here’s what you need to know about each event.
Craft Beer LB Fest
The Beer
This is the smaller of the two events and focuses on brewers from Long Beach, Lakewood and San Pedro. Among the 13 breweries are award-winning Long Beach staples like Beachwood Brewing as well as Trademark Brewing. Also on hand will be Ten Mile Brewing, which brews strong IPAs like the citrusy Lost Monarch and creamy stouts like the Dark Side Of The Moo beer. Ciders will be represented by Ficklewood Ciderworks, which makes fruity ciders like the Guava Grove, as well as unexpected flavors brews like the Salted Embers, which has smoky hints of mesquite.
The Food
There’s just a handful of food vendors on the menu here, but they’ll cover the gamut to satisfy everyone from meat eaters, vegans and those with a sweet tooth. Among the food options will be Long Beach based pop-up barbecue kitchen Shady Grove, who are known for tri-tip, pulled pork, ribs and other meats. Vegans can get veggie versions of burgers, wings and other dishes from Leaf Over Leaf, while Fluffy’s Sno-Balls will be serving their New Orleans style shaved ice.
How to get there
The beer festival is taking place at Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 N. Virginia Road, Long Beach. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $55 for VIP and you can bring the kids, too, since anyone under the age of 15 gets in free with paid adult. Tickets can be purchased at craftbeerlbfest.com.
Los Angeles Beer Festival
The Beer
With more than 80 breweries participating, this is a large event aimed at those with a curious palate who want to try beer from local and out of town breweries. The locals pouring brews include San Fernando Brewing Co., Glendale’s Paperback Brewing and Inglewood’s Three Weavers. And for some sips from out of town brewers, guests can check out San Diego’s Societe Brewing Co., which makes everything from hop-heavy beers to fruity and light brews. Fresno’s Full Circle Brewing Co., whose signature beers include the Juicy IPA and a the creamy Illa Vanilla “milkshake” IPA, is on the roster as well. Cider fans can check out 101 Cider House or the Julian Hard Cider booths. Athletic Brewing Co. will also be on site, pouring non-alcoholic beers.
The Food
A dozen food trucks will be parked at this festival including Uncle Al’s Barbecue, Poutine Brothers, Rollin’ Lobster and Central American modern pupusa makes VCHOS.
How to get there
The Los Angeles Beer Festival will be held at Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W Fifth St., Los Angeles with sessions taking place noon-3 p.m. and 5- 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $90 for VIP. This event is for those 21-and-older only. Tickets can be purchased at labeerfest.la.