Attendees at a previous California Beer Festival
Photo courtesy of Santa Cruz Waves
Santa Cruz Beer Week is August 2-9; the finale is the California Beer Festival at Aptos Village Park from Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9. From Aug. 2-7 there will be a few restaurant-brewery pairings, among other activities. See the official beer week web site or the Santa Cruz Waves special site for details on several events including:
- August 2, 5:30 p.m.-close: Beers from Discretion Brewing will accompany food at Assembly during a special beer-themed dinner. Santa Cruz Waves hosts the evening, which will include “Summer Fish Fry with Song of My Heart battered cod, shrimp, chickpeas, green beans, and new potatoes plus malt vinegar aioli; mussels with Uncle Dave’s Rye smoked ham hock broth; and buttermilk bran cake with Oh Black Lager ice cream and caramelized bananas.
- August 3, 5 p.m.-close: There are two events: the first is at The Hophead Public House in Scotts Valley, featuring Lagunitas Brewing Company. The second is “Nubo Brew & BBQ” at New Bohemia Brewing Company on 41st Ave. Surf City Sandwiches will provide BBQ sliders and side dishes. Young & Lowe will perform music from 6-8 p.m.
- August 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: A beer and food pairing competition will be held at Aptos Village Park. Five breweries and five restaurants are competing.
There are also events August 4, 5, and 6.
The official three-day California Beer Festival is at Aptos Village Park Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9. Tickets range from $10 general admission for Sunday (no food or beer included), to $99 for a three-day VIP pass that also includes the Friday night competition. There are several a la carte options. Saturday’s theme is “craft beer heaven” and Sunday it’s the “hamburger and hops music festival” with live music. There is no beer sampling on Sunday (but there is beer and food for sale). That day, kids 12 and under are free. If you’re interested in attending the festival, see the website for advance tickets.
Saturday hours: 12:30-5 p.m. Beer sampling: 1-4:30 p.m.
There will be more than 85 craft beers on tap, live music, food, and bocce ball. You must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
Sunday hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Families are encouraged to attend.
Proceeds benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to student athletes in Santa Cruz County.
Location: Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd., Aptos
Follow me on Twitter @santacruzfoodie.