Getting (Responsibly) Beer Wasted at the California Beer Festival

The week the California Beer Festival rolled around I went back and forth about completely canceling up until the day of. Hear me out though…The weather in Southern California was what I call HELL HOT (I’m talking 100 degrees by the beach), as such I couldn’t find even ONE person who wanted to go with me until the last-minute. Plus, it was like an hour drive away from my house so there’s that whole drinking and driving issue to deal with. It just seemed like this event would be way more trouble than fun so hence my trepidation. However, I told myself if I could find someone to go with than that would be half the battle and I would at least make the attempt to attend. Well thank GOD for sister in-laws who love beer and are totally fun, go with the flow free spirits down to roll out at the last-minute, cause that’s exactly who agreed to go with me (shout out to my equally cool brother who was up for watching the kids to let his wife have a little time away). So now with my beer buddy on hand, all I needed to do was find the perfect outfit that would allow me to be comfortable despite the heat and I was on my way.

I’m so against having my arms out, I’m body conscious about it because let’s be honest, I’ve got big arms.  However, I couldn’t afford to care about such matters when dealing with 100 + degree heat. So I chose an outfit that although it showed my chubby arms it also made me feel free and comfortable. Funny enough when we got there the weather was absolutely AMAZING! Maybe it was because the fest was close to the water, or maybe the God’s were just favorable to beer lovers that day.Whatever the reason, the weather was gorgeous and totally tolerable.

Upon arrival we were given a beer tasting mug, all we had to do was head over to a booth that looked interesting and get our taste on. I was prepared for super long lines and a “barely there” buzz but honestly, the tasting mug was perfect and the lines moved super fast. I’m talking no more than a 5 minute wait. We went to certain lines multiple times just because we could 🙂

Although the fest was all the way in San Dimas, I actually think the distance contributed to the comfortably large turnout. I suggest if you go next year and you’re worried about the distance (i.e. driving drunk) then Uber out with a few friends or plan to stay locally at a very inexpensive hotel.

Now to the beer we tasted! I absolutely loved every single taste outside of IPA’s. I tend to think I’m a pretty adventurous drinker and I will try anything once. However after trying a half-dozen IPA’s I have to say I’m just not that into them. However honey blond blends and an alcohol infused ginger beer ( I know WHO KNEW?) truly hit the spot.

 

I also really enjoyed some of the other vendors on hand selling some of their wares. What can I say, I’m a sucker for personalized glass and there was a really cool booth full of them on hand.

The crowd at the Beer Fest was also pretty cool. I was thinking I needed to prepare to be annoyed by frat boys too drunk to stand, but that wasn’t my experience at all. The crowd was pretty eclectic and chill. We met a few people we struck conversation with and there were no creeps hitting on us because of the liquid courage.

Aside from beer there was live music and food booths to choose from. I tend to think I’m a pretty picky music lover and I felt like the bands that were chosen totally complimented the event.

I have to say,  I would be willing to do this again next year. I would plan a lot better and bring a big group along this time to enjoy the festivities. However hanging with my sister-in-law was just as fun and I’m glad I got to share the experience with her.

So peeps, have you ever been to a beer festival? How was the one you attended? Does this event seem like something you’d have a good time at? I’d love to know in the comments below!