Growing Beer Scene Calls for Craft Beer LB Festival

Sunshine and long lines did not stop beer lovers from immersing themselves at the Craft Beer LB Fest this past weekend. Instead, they did what they know best—cool down with a cold one.

Or in this case, with 10 craft beer tastings.

Five hundred attendees gathered at Rancho Los Cerritos in Bixby Knolls on Saturday to celebrate the growing craft beer culture in Long Beach. The second annual event featured breweries, eateries and musicians—all from the Long Beach area.

“Others festivals are for anyone who wants to come in, and there was nothing that focuses on just Long Beach,” said Dennis Trilles, owner of Craft Beer LB. “[It’s] all Long Beach has to offer in one place.”

Beer enthusiasts carried their complimentary tasting glass across the event’s U-shaped set up, starting with the Craft Beer LB’s merchandise booth and ending with Timeless Pints. From Belmont Brewing Company to Long Beach Beer Lab, each vendor brought distinct flavors perfect for all palate. Tasting from soon-to-open breweries, Ambitious Ales, Hogs Canyon Brewing Co., and Trademark Brewing were also available.

“It’s a really local event with local breweries,” said Stacy Anderson, tap room manager at Timeless Pints in Lakewood. “Many times at festivals so many vendors are there; people can’t remember who they drank and which they liked. Here, you know everyone is from Long Beach.”

Craft Beer LB partnered with Rancho Los Cerritos to be the host site. A percentage of the proceeds from the festival were donated to the historical landmark that strives to inspire the community to learn about the history and culture of the city. Free tours were provided throughout the afternoon, where volunteers dressed up as local historical characters to share stories in an interactive way.

“It’s important to have a strong connection to local businesses and community members so that’s why it’s a fantastic partnership for us,” said Tessa Cavenah, annual fund manager at Rancho Los Cerritos.

The four-hour event was also family-friendly and offered a kids zone, where children could work with rancho educators on arts and crafts. The site also offered a bike valet to encourage attendees not to drive under the influence.

In the end, nothing but beer, laughter and positive vibes filled the historic landmark. From meeting new people to interacting with brewery and festival staffs, craft beer brought the community together.

“The afternoon can be described as an incredible time with great people, music, food and beer,” Cavenah said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to mix, mingle and explore your town.”

For others like Anderson, “it’s like I get to see all my friends and see many familiar faces that come into the brewery.”

In case you could not get a ticket to this year’s sold out event, here are the featured breweries so you can create your own craft beer tour:

Ambitious Ales 4019 Atlantic Ave

Coming Soon

Ballast Point

110 N Marina Dr

Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 11:00pm

Saturday - Sunday: 9:00am - 11:00pm

Beachwood Brewing

210 E. 3rd St

Tuesday - Sunday: 11:30am - 11ish

Belmont Brewing Co

25 39th Place

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 11:00pm

Friday: 11:30am - 11:30pm

Saturday: 10:00am - 11:30pm

Sunday: 10:00am - 10:30pm

Congregation Ales

201 E. Broadway

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 1:00am

Friday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:00am

Sunday: 11:30am - 12:00am

Hog Canyon Brewing Co

1239 Locust Ave

Coming Soon

Dutch’s Brewhouse

4244 Atlantic Ave

Sunday - Saturday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

Liberation Brewing

3620 Atlantic Ave

Monday - Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Sunday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Long Beach Beer Lab

518 W. WIllow St

Monday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:00am

Rock Bottom

1 Pine Ave

Sunday - Saturday: 11:00am - 12:00am

Smog City

3768 Long Beach Blvd

Monday - Wednesday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Thursday - Friday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm

Saturday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Steady Brew Beer Co

2936 Clark Ave

Sunday - Thursday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm

Ten Mile Brewing

1136 E. Willow St

Monday - Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday - Thursday: 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Saturday: 12:00pm - 11:00pm

Sunday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm

Timeless Pints

3671 Industry Ave C1

Lakewood, CA

Monday - Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Thursday - Friday: 3:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday: 2:00pm - 9:00pm

Sunday: 1:00pm - 7:00pm

Trademark Brewing

233 E. Anaheim St

Coming Soon

For a full gallery of this year's event, visit https://www.lb908.com/single-post/2018/09/19/Photo-Gallery-Craft-Beer-LB-Fest-2018.