L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Event Recap

Fancy glasses for the VIPs!

Even though I live near Los Angeles, I don't visit as often as I would like to, mainly because of dreaded traffic.  Last Saturday, though, I had the perfect excuse to battle the freeways, the L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Event!  Held at Exposition Park, the event featured over seventy-five breweries, live music, and food trucks.  

Food trucks in their own area helped with lines.

The Kickoff Event was very well organized, from check-in to the layout of breweries and food trucks.  There was an exclusive area for VIP ticket holders which featured a large area with chairs and tables, as well as a large tent to help keep people out of the warm California sunshine.  Another unique feature of the VIP area was that there were designated bathrooms for VIPs only as well as special pours of beers in this area.  I thought this was a great idea!  

VIP bathrooms

Shady VIP area

Many breweries brought special beers which were released throughout the event, which helped attendees to space their drinking out over the course of the afternoon.  I found it interesting that the longest line of the day wasn't for a beer, but for free tote bags which were being screen-printed on the spot by Boulevard Brewing.  

Boulevard Brewing brought their sweet van.

Since the event was held in a large area, it was a great way to help attendees spread out and make for short lines for beer and food.  This also made it easier to run into friends throughout the afternoon.  

Half of the Four Brewers

The event organizers ensured there were plenty of water stations placed throughout the event area, which helped people to stay hydrated on the hot day before summer.  

One of the many water stations

One of my favorite beers of the day, Smog City's Infinite Wishes

  

El Segundo and Cascade Brewing's collaboration beer, Perfect Strangers

Curling anyone?

I'm so glad that I was able to attend the L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Event and am excited to see what is in store for next year.  If you weren't able to attend this year's event, I highly recommend you add it to your calendar for next year!