Provided/Leslie Schultz
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The 5th annual Tahoe Brewfest is returning this weekend to South Lake Tahoe for a fun-filled day of good beer and family fun.
From 12-5pm on Saturday, August 27th on Ski Run Boulevard, over 20 breweries will line the streets along with food trucks and local vendors to celebrate all that is special about mountain culture.
The event will be produced by On Course Events for the first time this year, and Director of Marketing and Events Leslie Schultz is excited to be a part of the fun after the trials and tribulations of previous years due to COVID and wildfires.
“The last two years have been extremely challenging for all events, and that includes Tahoe Brewfest,” Schultz said. “So to be able to bring it back is very exciting. We are very excited to bring some support to the Boys & Girls Club and just have a great day of beers, bites and music in the sunshine. The whole idea of the event is really to celebrate our mountain culture, celebrate our beer, the environment, but most of all the community.”
Ticket purchases for this family-friendly event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. Although VIP tickets are completely sold out, there are still two types of tickets available.
General admission tickets grant admission to the event, along with unlimited samples of beers, ciders and kombuchas for $40. For designated drivers, those under 21, or those who choose not to drink but still want to take part in the fun, tickets are $10.
Breweries at the event will include, but not limited to, Two Towns Cider House, South Lake Brewing Company, 50/50 Brewing Company, Sacramento Brewing Company, Revision Brewing Company, Knee Deep Brewing Company and brewers from San Diego.
In addition to vendors and food trucks, there will be live music.
“First we’ve opened the Tahoe tribe. They’re a great local reggae act, which is a five piece with some very talented musicians,” Schultz said. “Headlining the show is The Exchange, which is a really fun funk and soul band that’s already about nine part. I heard from them that they are going to bring in some special guests like Trey Stone and some other big names that you just have to be there to see.”
Live music will also be accompanied by a DJ-hosted silent disco throughout the day.
Schultz is excited to help organize an event that not only benefits the youth of the community, but also brings locals and tourists together to celebrate the best parts of mountain life.
“It’s bringing so many together to celebrate our mountain culture,” Schultz said. “Celebrating with dozens of breweries, celebrating it in downtown South Lake Tahoe, and of course, bringing the community together with a few dozen local businesses. I think that’s what makes it really special and unique.”
Children will be able to join in the fun with games and activities including Cornhole, Giant Jenna and face painting. Although they won’t be able to pair drinks, there will be some craft root beer available.
The event was originally created by Deb Brown of Cold Water Brewery, who had a desire to showcase the local craft brewing scene and give back to the community. Since then, the event has not only created the potential to raise much-needed funds for the Boys & Girls Club, but has become well-loved on the South Coast.
Although the day is meant to celebrate drinking, Schultz and other event coordinators are recommending making travel plans ahead of time to keep the event safe for everyone.
“We’re trying to encourage people to do Brewfest responsibly,” Schultz said, “since there are 23 breweries to sample, and we want people to have fun. We really hope people use alternative ways of transportation. Whether they’re planning ahead with a designated driver or using the new Lake Link shuttle service, which is free.”
In addition, there will be a free bike valet service.
Immediately following the event, there will be an official Brewfest party at South Lake Brewing Company. All Brewfest attendees will receive $1 off all draft pours with proof of admission the day of the event. Enjoy live music in the Beer Garden with a variety of beers and drinks on tap, along with on-site Get Rad Pizza, games, giveaways and more.
For more information, visit tahoebrewfest.com.