Good beer will be served for a good cause.
It’s the third annual Craft Beer LB Fest, coming up on Saturday, Sept. 21. It’s an event that helps raise money — 25% of the total ticket sales — for Rancho Los Cerritos with the promise of plenty of cold brews on tap.
“It’s a great event because it brings people together and it raises money for the Rancho,” Dennis Trilles, event founder, said.
The popular event has sold out each year, and Trilles said that he expects this Saturday’s event to be no different. As of print time, there’s only a limited number of general admission passes, which include 15 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass to take home.
“Last year we sold out and now we’re close to selling out again this year,” he said. “People enjoy it so looks like we’re sticking around for now.”
Trilles is not only the founder of the event, but also founder of the Craft Beer LB Club, which is dedicated to searching out and trying craft brews in the area. The club members organize meet ups where anyone can show up and grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cold brew or two.
The goal of those events are to simply bring people together, Trilles said, and meeting over a beer makes it easy to break the ice.
“This all just started with a passion for enjoying new places with my wife,” he said. “It’s nice to get people together and enjoy.”
The Rancho event is kicking off at 1 p.m., with live music, games for youngsters and food available for purchase, including kettle corn popcorn and tacos.
Participating breweries include Smog City Brewing, Dutch’s Brewhouse, Ballast Point, Long Beach Beer Lab and Trademark Brewing. A total of 15 Long Beach breweries will be there.
And there’s going to be plenty of music, including Long Beach folk and Americana bands Katie Joe and the Mijos, along with Jamie the Band, providing the tunes for the party.
“They’re perfect for the festival because they’re pretty laid back and there’s great music,” Trilles said. “Good vibes.”
Guests also can bring folding chairs, as seating is limited. Picnic blankets are fine, too.
“My favorite part of the event is to see everyone together, hanging out on the grass and enjoying each other’s company,” Trilles said. “That’s what makes this so great.”
If you go
The third annual Craft Beer LB Fest is happening from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to craftbeerlbfest.com.
General admission tickets include 15 tastings and a souvenir taster glass. Children 15 and younger are admitted for free. Parking is available onsite.
Additionally, the Rancho Los Cerritos will be closed to the public. Only event ticket holders will be admitted.