Brewfests in the Sierra Foothills and High Sierra

MUNICH OKTOBERFEST BEGAN WITH the celebration of a royal wedding in October 1810, and since then beer festivals have become popular worldwide. Examples are the Great American Beer Fest, the Keyaki Hiroba Spring Beer Festival, Mondial de la bière, and the Great British Beer Festival.

Our region — with its burgeoning craft beer scene — is home to some long-running beer festivals, as well as up-and-coming ones.
The annual Truckee Brew Fest celebrates the coming of summer under the majestic blue skies of Truckee Regional Park on Saturday, June 9. It features more than 40 beers, brats and BBQ, and live music. Admission includes a collector’s tasting glass.

Participating breweries include FiftyFifty Brewing, Alibi Ale Works, Auburn Alehouse, Berryessa Brewing Co., Drakes Brewing Co., Knee Deep, Lagunitas, Ninkasi Brewing Co., Revision Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and The Brewing Lair, among others. Truckee Optimist, the host, uses the proceeds to benefit local youth.

Tickets are available at FiftyFifty Brewing, Alibi Ale Works, Dickson Realty, Zander’s Spirits, Tuff Beanz, Autoglass Express Truckee, and Mellow Fellow Truckee. Must be 21 years old. No dogs allowed.

All proceeds benefit programs, sponsorships, grants and major scholarships for the youth of Truckee.

Other brew-related gatherings in our region:

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS’ “BRASS, BRATS & BREWS”
A brass band concert during MIM’s SummerFest on June 25 on the Pine Tree Stage at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Bring your chairs and picnic gear or rent a picnic table (call 530-265-6124 to pre-order).

Enjoy local brews, bratwurst and other delights from The Ham Stand and Lazy Dog ice cream.

DOWNIEVILLE MOUNTAIN BREWFEST
The 5th Downieville Mountain Brewfest on July 20 features food, music and beer tasting in a Gold Rush town. Taste beer from some the finest breweries in Northern California and Nevada, and enjoy music from Bob Mora and the Third Degree Blues Band.

Located along historic Hwy. 49, Downieville is known for its small-town charm. For lodging and campground information visit websites DownievilleBrewfest.com and SierraCountyChamber.com.

(Photo: ‘ol Republic)