Emma @ theweekendabroad.com on Unlimited Beer and Cider Heaven at Bay Area Brew Fest
This past weekend marked the 6th annual Bay Area Brew Fest, which featured 70 breweries, over 200 beers, local food vendors, and a bevy of freebies. Last year was my first time at the event and it appears they’ve made quite a few additions to the fest, including the freebie vendors, apparel booths, and an entire corner dedicated to ciders. I paced myself much better this year and had a really enjoyable time. If you’re curious about the event, I’m here to give you the basics and what to expect at Bay Area Brew Fest. If you’re a beer or cider fan, I highly recommend getting your ticket next year.
Bay Area Brew Fest Basics
- Location: Pier 35 (21 minute walk from The Ferry Building or a 12 minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf). It is a very large cruise ship terminal so the event in indoors with options to take a breather outside by the water.
- Getting there: Having transited and taken Lyft there, I recommend taking public transportation. They are roughly the same price if you’re traveling in a group of 4, but Lyft took painfully long due to San Francisco traffic along the Embarcadero.
- Price: $45 for general admission and $60 for VIP. I highly recommend signing up for their mailing list or staying tune to their Facebook event page because they usually have a sale, which offers $10 off. I ended up paying just $35 for my ticket. Getting your ticket in advance also ensures you don’t miss out because the event usually sells out the week of.
- Timing: The event offers 2 time slots: 12-4pm and 5:30-8:30pm. I’ve done the latter both times.
What to Expect at Bay Area Brew Fest
- Arrive early! I got there half an hour after it started last year and then waited in a long line so that by the time I got in, I only had about 2 hours left to take advantage of the event. This year, I got there half an hour early to find a line already formed, but we got to taken advantage of the whole 3 hours.
- Once your ID is checked and you’ve been let in, you will be handed a wristband and a plastic 4oz cup to fill with beer and ciders.
- You will proceed to wait in another line if you are there before start time. Once noon or 5:30pm hits, you are free to fill up that cup as much as you want over the next few hours!
- Beer and cider vendors include well known breweries such as Lagunitas and Ninkasi to small craft beers like 6 Rivers Brewery and Freewheel Brewing Co.
- Food Truck Alley at the far back of the event features a range of food trucks and booths.
- Freebies included water bottles from companies like Core, juices from companies like Bai, and chips from Kettle Chips.
- A small area of games includes corn hole and large Jenga.
- If you feeling like busting out some moves, there is a DJ and dance floor area.
- The fest has got your back when it comes to restrooms – in addition to the permanent pier restrooms, an entire section of the event is lined with at least 50 outhouses. I suggest bringing hand sanitizer.
The Bay Area Brew Fest in Photos
The crowd you’re greeted with once inside before the official start time. The anticipation!
The general vibe of Bay Area Brew Fest
Getting some fresh air at one of the outdoor areas
View of the Bay from the opposite outdoor section
One of the buckets to dispose of your unwanted beer… Anyone want a sip?
Large Jenga is an option while you sip
Photo booth fun at Bay Area Brew Fest
Personalized souvenir
Thoughts on Bay Area Brew Fest? Let me know in the comments!
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