Central Valley Brewfest to celebrate a decade of beer tasting. Here’s how to get tickets
Turlock’s annual Central Valley Brewfest is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary Saturday at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.
Eventgoers can quench their thirst with more than 150 craft beer samples while they listen to live music and play games. The event also will have hard seltzers, hard ciders and wine for those who aren’t hip to the hops.
“It’s a good time because not only are brand reps there, but a lot of the brewers come out and they can speak one-on-one to the consumer,” said Veronica Camp, Central Valley Brewfest founder. “It gives people a chance to not only have a good time but to also get educated on some of their favorite beers that they drink on the daily.”
After a decade of bringing people together to sample beer, here’s a look at the history of the event and how you can get tickets:
How to go
While VIP admission is sold out, general admission tickets are available for purchase for $45 online before the event and, if available, $50 at the door. Presale tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
General admission tickets include unlimited sampling from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., a festival glass and access to all festival activities, games, dance floor and live music, according to the event website.
Designated drivers can purchase tickets for a reduced cost. This ticket includes entry to the festival, a complimentary water bottle and access to non-alcoholic event activities, according to the site. These tickets are $25 presale and $30 at the door, if available.
Event goers must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enter the festival, including designated drivers.
Parking, located in the fairground’s main parking area, is free.
The event will take place in front and inside of Building E1, according to the site.
Special beer release and live music
A number of breweries at the event will be launching special beers including Turlock’s own Dust Bowl, which was the first brewery that was signed on to the brewfest, Camp said. Dust Bowl’s special release will be tapped at noon.
Dying Breed Brewing, out of Oakdale, is hosting a game zone and California Seltzer Company, which Camp is co-owner of, will have a henna artist at their space. One of the designs the artist will be offering is the brewfest’s 10-year anniversary logo.
Bakersfield-born band Kali Sol will be playing on the outdoor stage for two hour-long sets. Inside one of the industrial buildings, Deejay Izze will be spinning beats on the dance floor.
“He keeps people dancing practically four hours straight,” Camp said.
How it started
Camp, previously a national event planner for E & J Gallo Winery, participated in similar events in major California cities and recognized a need for something like the brewfest in the Central Valley, she said.
“It was almost like a dead zone when it came to special events,” Camp said. “At that time, Dust Bowl was starting to launch as well so it was kind of fitting that we came up together during the process and launched almost simultaneously.”
In the first year, Camp said the event attracted about 300 attendees. Now, more than 3,000 go to sample local craft beer.
When the event first started, 12 breweries tabled at the event compared to the now 50.
“It was different, to say the least, when I first started,” Camp said. “I’m very fortunate that I have built relationships with a lot of breweries over the years and pretty much almost everybody always comes back.”
What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
