Beer-articles 849

Munich’s Oktoberfest begins this weekend, and numerous craft breweries and restaurants across Southern California are joining in the celebrations. Although their festivities may differ significantly from the traditional German event, there’s plenty to enjoy, including vegan food options, tiki drinks, and even family-friendly activities with swimming pools and pets allowed at various venues starting from September 19 and running through October.

These are some highlights from the planned events, many of which require admission tickets. It’s best to check individual event details ahead of time, as some may be restricted to adults only.

Los Angeles County

• Benny Boy Brewing & Cider House: Located at 1821 Daly St., Los Angeles; the brewery is hosting a three-day celebration featuring a vintage VW car show, live music, and dog races from September 19-21. bennyboybrewing.com
• Common Space Brewery: At 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne; they will hold "VegToberfest," a vegan-themed Oktoberfest on September 28. commonspace.la
• Long Beach Beer Lab: Found at 518 W. Willow St., Long Beach; they’re offering "Tikitoberfest" with Hawaiian pizza and tropical cocktails on October 11. lbbeer.com
• SteelCraft Locations: In Bellflower (Oct. 10-11) and Long Beach (Sept. 27), these outdoor spaces will host various activities and celebrations. steelcraftlb.com
• Wurstküche Restaurant: Located at 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice; they will celebrate on Saturdays from September 27 to October 25. Tickets start at $71.55 on Eventbrite. wurstkuche.com

Orange County

• Brewery X: At 191 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; they’ll have food specials and live music from September 19-28. brewery-x.com
• Public Legacy: Located at 1547 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim; hosting a German dinner with two pints of beer and take-home glassware on September 19. public-legacy.com
• Radiant Beer Co.: This Anaheim brewery will have events running September 19-21. radiantbeer.com
• SteelCraft Garden Grove: At 12900 S. Euclid St., Garden Grove; enjoy polka music, a costume contest, and wiener dog races on October 4. steelcraftlb.com

Riverside County

• Europa Village: Located in Temecula at 41150 Via Europa; they’ll have a German dinner with beer tastings on October 5. europavillage.com
• Mission Inn Hotel & Spa: In Riverside at 3649 Mission Inn Ave.; Oktoberfest events with beer and a special menu will run from October 16-19. missioninn.com

San Bernardino County

• Hops and Spokes Brewing Co.: At 34324 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa; their Oktoberfest event on September 20 includes live music and a costume contest. hopsandspokes.com
• Yaamava’ Resort & Casino: Located at 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland; hosting a festive party on their pool deck with food and entertainment on September 20. yaamava.com/promotion/oktoberfest

Pub Crawls

For a more bar-hopping experience, check out PubCrawls.com which lists Oktoberfest-themed events across several Southern California locations on September 27, starting ticket prices at around $24.01.

Restaurant Chains

• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: They’ll offer a "Spookoberfest" dinner on October 6, featuring beer and pumpkin ale pairings. bjsrestaurants.com/new/homepage
• Dog Haus: Special dishes like Bratzel Sliders with bratwurst will be available from September 20 to October 26. They can be checked out at doghaus.com/oktoberfestival-2025.
• Polly’s Pies: Offering Oktoberfest specials, including bratwurst dishes and pumpkin maple desserts. pollyspies.com

For more information about Oktoberfest celebrations in Southern California, you can refer to the articles: Oktoberfest 2025: Where the parties are in Southern California.

A new bottle shop named Good Times Oakland has opened its doors in the former Tannery Bend Beerworks location at 6369-6371 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. It allows customers to browse a wide selection of bottled beverages while also enjoying drinks at an onsite bar.

Opened for retail sales in August, Good Times will begin offering a limited food menu on September 18, featuring European-inspired small bites like charcuterie and cheese plates. Managing partner Bryan Brick emphasizes the diverse beverage options available, which include natural wines, innovative beers, and plenty of craft selections. Customers will also have access to a significant inventory, thanks to a warehouse in Concord that allows for quick transfer of additional items to the Oakland location.

Good Times Oakland features a bar with 12 draft handles focusing on beer and cider, along with around 15 rotating wine options available by the glass. Food offerings will be simple initially, including sandwiches of the week, a selection of hot dogs, charcuterie, and various snacks, all meant to complement the drinks on tap.

The bottle shop is open Thursday to Monday from noon to 10 PM. For more details, visit Good Times Oakland.

Justin Herbert has sparked dating rumors with Madison Beer just before the Los Angeles Chargers’ Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 16. The hints came after Beer posted a teaser on Instagram for her new single “Yes Baby,” set to release on September 19. The pop star’s post included a playful video of her walking on a treadmill in high heels, and Herbert showed his support by liking the post, which caught the attention of their fans.

This isn’t the first time the two have been linked. They were spotted together on the set of Beer’s music video in August, sharing smiles and conversation between takes. During the shoot, Beer even introduced Herbert to her crew before they left in his car, fueling speculation about their relationship.

Adding to the intrigue, they were seen enjoying a group dinner in West Hollywood, appearing affectionate as they held hands, shortly after the Chargers celebrated a strong victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite this public display, neither Herbert nor Beer has formally commented on their relationship, maintaining an air of privacy.

Herbert, who’s been known to keep his personal life out of the public eye since being drafted by the Chargers in 2020, has previously been linked to sports commentator Taylor Bisciotti, although they never publicly confirmed their relationship.

Madison Beer, known for her candidness about love, has been linked to various personalities, including musician Jack Gilinsky and TikTok star Nick Austin. In a recent interview, she expressed her deep commitment to love, stating that when she decides someone is her boyfriend, it signifies a serious commitment to her.

As Herbert continues making headlines with his stellar performances, fans are just as excited about the potential romance brewing off the field.

As mid-September rolls in, it’s not just the season for pumpkin-spiced lattes—it’s time for Oktoberfest! This month-long celebration starts on September 20 and features traditional elements like beer drinking, lively polka dancing, and delicious bratwursts. One of the more unique competitions during Oktoberfest is Masskrugstemmen, a test of strength where participants hold a filled one-liter glass stein with an outstretched arm; a fun way to combine fitness with festivity.

Here are some exciting events to check out for this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations:

Oktoberfest Events

• Oktoberfest at Calusa Brewing

  • When: Friday, Sept. 19 – Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at noon
  • Where: 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
  • Enjoy Calusa Brewing’s Kolben lager, a Bavarian-style Märzen, paired with snacks from PigFish.

• Opening Day of Oktoberfest at 99 Bottles

  • When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 5-11 p.m.
  • Where: 1445 Second St., Sarasota
  • Experience Ayinger Brewery’s Oktoberfest lager along with fun giveaways.

• Oktoberfest at Gecko’s Grill & Pub on Hillview

  • When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 3 p.m.
  • Where: 1900 Hillview St., Sarasota
  • Participate in a costume contest while enjoying award-winning lagers from Barriehaus Beer Co.

• Bishop After Hours Presents Oktoberfest

  • When: Friday, Sept. 26, 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton
  • Discover traditional German games, music, and food at the Bishop Museum.

• A Month of Oktoberfest at Edelweiss Restaurant

  • When: Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Oct. 26
  • Where: 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
  • Enjoy Oktoberfest specials, weekend entertainment, and beer deals.

• Oktoberfest at Back Porch Brewing

  • When: Saturday, Sept. 27, noon-10 p.m.
  • Where: 3469 Precision Drive, North Venice
  • Relish beer-braised bratwurst along with German brews and live music.

• Paint Your Own Beer Stein at Inner Compass Brewing

  • When: Sunday, Sept. 28, at noon
  • Where: 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton
  • Create your own ceramic beer stein while enjoying the brewery’s atmosphere.

• Oktoberfest at 3 Bridges Brewing

  • When: Friday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5, starting at noon
  • Where: 1765 S Tamiami Trail, Venice
  • Celebrate with food, beer, and music, including the popular stein-holding contest.

• Geier’s Sausage Oktoberfest at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 5, starting at 11 a.m.
  • Where: 600 U.S. Highway 41
  • Sample sausages from Geier’s at this year’s festival.

• Oktoberfest in Downtown Wellen Park

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 4, noon-8 p.m.
  • Where: Downtown Wellen Park
  • Enjoy brats, beers, and community togetherness.

• Pop’s-toberfest at Pop’s Sunset Grill

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 1-4 p.m.
  • Where: 112 Circuit Road, Nokomis
  • Experience Oktoberfest in a relaxed setting, under the Florida sun.

• Oktoberfest at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Where: 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota
  • Join in free polka lessons, a stein-holding contest, and a yodeling contest.

• A Day of Oars & Pours Oktoberfest at Nathan Benderson Park

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Where: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
  • Celebrate with brews, scenic views, and the annual Benderson Chase regatta.

• Park-toberfest at The Bay

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 5-7 p.m.
  • Where: 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
  • Enjoy live music from the DeLeon Family Band.

Grab your friends, put on your favorite Oktoberfest attire, and enjoy the festivities while savoring some great beers!

A Palestinian beer has made its way to British store shelves despite significant challenges, including a war in the region and strict border controls. This remarkable achievement is attributed to a partnership between the Taybeh Brewing Company from the West Bank and Brewgooder, a Scottish brewer.

Madees Khoury, the brewmaster at Taybeh, described her family’s journey as one filled with obstacles but also resilience. Taybeh Brewing Company, established over three decades ago, is notable for operating in a predominantly Muslim area where alcohol is often prohibited due to religious beliefs. Despite these hurdles, Taybeh continues to thrive through sheer determination.

The brewing company has faced significant fallout since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023, which has led to losses and an increase in violence in the region. With Israeli military actions rising in the West Bank, Taybeh’s operations have been hindered, forcing many local businesses, including bars and hotels, to close their doors due to increased unrest.

Brewgooder reached out to Taybeh to create a collaborative beer aimed at helping the struggling brewery navigate these times. They developed "Sun & Stone," a Mediterranean lager, to both boost Taybeh’s business and raise funds for charity efforts in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

Nadim Khoury, one of Taybeh’s founders, humorously noted the logistical challenges they face, which include navigating Israeli checkpoints and delays that can impact the quality of their product. Despite these setbacks, the partnership with Brewgooder offers a new pathway for distribution without the burdens of border controls within the UK.

The first batch of 180,000 cans was set to be released in 1,600 Co-op stores across the UK, with all profits directed back to Taybeh and local charitable organizations. This collaboration not only signifies a new hope for Taybeh Brewing Co. but also serves as a testament to the power of community and cooperation in overcoming adversity.

Athletes and coaches often share common interests with everyday fans, and Indiana’s head football coach Curt Cignetti is no exception. After a long day, it seems Cignetti looks forward to enjoying a beer, much like many of us do. This has sparked a playful debate about what type of beer he might choose postgame.

Here are some interesting predictions from various voices in the Indiana sports community:

• Colin believes Cignetti’s high standards lead him to favor Miller High Life, though he might opt for a more robust option like Bell’s Two Hearted depending on the game’s outcome.

• LC speculates Cignetti likely has a reliable selection of local options, like Hoosier Gameday Lager or something more intense like 3 Floyds Gumballhead or Rhinegeist Truth.

• @CheesyCheesy3 suggests he’s a “drink what’s around” kind of guy and guesses he’d go for Coors.

• @GucciGrimace envisions Cignetti as a no-frills person, choosing a simple Miller Lite at the end of the day.

• @BtownMoose thinks a Coors Light would satisfy both his need for a dependable choice and his serious demeanor.

• @BabarEsq questions Cignetti’s beer-drinking qualities but concludes he’s likely knocking back I.C. Lights while still passionate about his roots.

• @Tommy_Crimes suspects that Cignetti, known for his drive for excellence, would lean towards classic options like Miller Lite or PBR.

• @W_B_Rick is convinced that Miller Lite embodies Cignetti’s consistent, hard-working ethos.

• @HoosierSpeaker believes he prefers Coors Banquet, indicating a desire for quality without pretense.

• @TheMopLady throws in the idea of Yuengling, tying back to Cignetti’s Pennsylvania roots.

With such a variety of preferences, one thing is clear: wherever Cignetti places his postgame order, fans will be curious about how it matches his coaching style. The focus on simplicity, local pride, and authenticity reflects the values that resonate not just in football, but in the beer choices many of us make after a long day.

Rumors are swirling about a possible romance between singer Madison Beer and NFL quarterback Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers. The speculation began in August when the two were spotted together in Los Angeles, following Herbert’s appearance at one of Beer’s photoshoots. Although they haven’t publicly confirmed their relationship, the sighting ignited fan excitement.

Madison Beer, 26, recently opened up in an interview with Cosmopolitan, describing herself as a "relationship person" who finds joy in connecting deeply with others. She expressed that her partners don’t need to fit a specific mold, as emotional connection is what truly matters to her. Interestingly, this revelation came just months after she described her intense relationship with social media influencer Nick Austin, hinting that she is someone who quickly forms attachments.

On September 5, 2025, the Chargers played against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil, with some fans crediting Beer for possibly influencing Herbert’s performance during the game, although this was said in jest.

Notably, in late August, photos of Beer and Herbert casually hanging out emerged, depicting them engaging in leisurely activities—Beer carrying a bottle of wine and Herbert with a Rummikub set—suggesting a cozy friendship, or perhaps more. Earlier that month, Herbert was also seen visiting Beer while she was working on a shoot.

While the timeline of events suggests that their connection might be blossoming, both Beer and Herbert have yet to make any official statements about their relationship status.

For updates on their journey, keep an eye on entertainment news and social media platforms where such celebrity rumors often unfold.

For the first time ever, Chautauqua Institution is serving beer and wine in its renowned amphitheater, a significant milestone as it faces financial hurdles. This new service was launched during a concert featuring Bonnie Raitt, where attendees were allowed to buy alcoholic beverages and bring them into the venue.

Vanessa Weinert, a representative from Chautauqua, commented, "For the first time in Chautauqua’s history at the amphitheater, we will be doing concessions inside of the amphitheater." Patrons can now choose from a variety of drinks, including sauvignon blanc and sparkling rosé, which can be enjoyed during performances.

This shift marks a departure from Chautauqua’s long-standing policy of a dry campus, a tradition that had been upheld until concessions were first allowed in 2017. Weinert highlighted the historical context, referencing a local phenomenon of "Chautauqua tea" that has been humorously questioned regarding its true contents.

The decision to sell alcohol follows a period of significant financial strain for the institution, which has seen a drop in ticket sales and a decrease in Canadian visitors, along with a budget deficit. Kyle Keough, the interim CEO, discussed the institution’s struggles, noting a decline in attendance post-COVID and a need for substantial budget adjustments, estimated between $4 million to $6 million for the upcoming season.

To adapt, Chautauqua is looking to host more major concerts beyond its usual nine-week season, including the addition of alcohol sales at the amphitheater, following the model of other major performance venues.

Richard Zorn, venue operations manager, was busy preparing for this launch, hopeful that the new offerings would enhance the concert experience.

The move to serve alcohol is part of broader efforts by the Chautauqua Institution to revitalize attendance and ensure financial sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.

The esteemed 21st Amendment Brewery, a cornerstone of the Bay Area craft beer scene, has announced it will be shutting down both its brewpub in San Francisco and its production facility in San Leandro. Co-founders Shaun O’Sullivan and Nico Freccia revealed that they will wind down operations in the coming months after 25 years of business.

Founded in 2000, 21st Amendment Brewery initially started as a brewpub and became notable for canning its beers, pioneering a movement that has since transformed the craft beer industry. The brewery expanded significantly in 2015 when it opened a large facility in San Leandro, becoming widely recognized for distributing its products across the U.S. and even engaging in contract brewing for other brands.

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted sales, coupled with a general decline in beer consumption post-pandemic. To adapt, they sought a financial partner and attempted to diversify their offerings with alternative beverages like energy drinks. Despite these efforts, sales never rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, prompting their financial partner to withdraw support.

In light of these challenges, O’Sullivan and Freccia have made the difficult decision to close both locations. They plan to celebrate their legacy over the next few months, with the brewpub’s closure possibly aligning with the San Francisco Giants’ last home game on September 28. Meanwhile, they are seeking potential buyers for the brand and brewery assets and will finalize their production of popular brews like “Brew Free! Or Die Blood Orange IPA” in the meantime.

If you’re on the lookout for exceptional craft beer, Seattle is a must-visit destination. With its vibrant brewing scene, the city has a variety of spots worth checking out.

Urban Family
Located in Ballard, Urban Family is a haven for sour beer enthusiasts. The brewery specializes in fruity, bright sours that appeal even to those who may not typically enjoy the style. Pair your drinks with food trucks that frequently visit or join in on their monthly comedy hour for a fun experience.

Great Notion
Known for its flavorful brews, Great Notion is a staple among beer lovers. While you might find their cans in stores, tasting them on tap at their Georgetown or Ballard locations elevates the experience. Whether you prefer pastry sours, tart ales, or IPAs, there’s something for everyone.

Fair Isle
For those who fancy farmhouse ales, Fair Isle is a top choice in Ballard. The atmosphere is akin to a chic wine bar, making it a great spot for a date or a casual hangout. Its beautiful decor complements the high-quality ales, promising an unforgettable taste experience.

Fremont Brewery
As one of Washington’s largest craft breweries, Fremont is iconic in Seattle. Known for its patio vibe, the brewery welcomes all, including dogs and kids. Sample their diverse offerings, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers while enjoying the outdoor atmosphere.

Holy Mountain
A hidden gem, Holy Mountain is perfect for goth and metal enthusiasts. Originally functioning from a garage, this brewery has garnered attention for its oak-aged beers and various flavor profiles. Their location offers a creative ambiance, and their range continues to expand to cater to different tastes.

Explore these breweries on your next trip to Seattle for an unforgettable craft beer experience!