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