Staff Report
The seventh annual Buellton Brew Fest, one of the premiere beer festivals on the Central Coast, will feature more than 55 craft breweries, wineries, cider and spirit companies offering their best sips for guests to try on Saturday, May 5.
The event will run from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. (with 11:30 a.m. entry for VIP passes) at River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be the debut of a collaborative beer from local favorites Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, both based in Buellton.
Other craft beers from Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast include Barrelworks, Earth and Fire, Island Brewing Company, M. Special, Naughty Oak, Pure Order Brewing Co., Rincon Brewery, Santa Maria Brewing Company, Solvang Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewing Company, Third Window Brewing Company, Topa Topa, and Valley Brewers.
Craft breweries from other parts of California and out of state will be included.
Festival organizers encourage participants to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
Food trucks will offer refreshments, and competitive lawn games will include mega-sized beer pong and corn hole. Richie Rey of Lompoc and Old Jack from Boston will provide live music.
To encourage responsible driving, “Jump on the Brew Bus” will pick up and drop off at select locations in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc and Santa Maria. Advance ticket purchases are required.
People who live locally or are staying in the valley can use Santa Ynez Valley Transit, which stops at River View Park.
VIP tickets are $55. They include early entry, select tastings from several breweries that won’t be available during the general admission session, and a gift.
General admission tickets are $45. Designated driver tickets are $20.
For more about the event, visit www.buelltonbrewfest.com.
