Cheers! Safely Make the Most of the Burbank Beer Festival and Street Fair

October 19, 2018

Burbank Beer Festival

Come rain or shine, craft ale enthusiasts will be out in force October 20 for the annual Burbank Beer Festival. It's one of the biggest brew fest's in the LA area -- but actually, it's more than a beer festival, a whole lot more.

But to make the most of the event, it's important to know the details -- and how to enjoy yourself safely.

The event is Burbank's 4th Annual Beer Festival and promises to be a sell-out -- weather permitting. Last year's Festival attracted around 13,000 visitors

Where is the Burbank Beer Festival? It's all happening downtown from Magnolia Boulevard to Verdugo Avenue on the afternoon of the 20th.

Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Burbank Partnership and the sports scholarship provider Gen Giammanco Foundation

What's On Tap?

The Beer Festival is split into two beer sampling sessions, each of three hours -- from 12 noon to 3 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm. Events will be spread across three beer gardens.

The organizers, California Beer Festivals, say there'll be 85 craft beers on tap, from local to national brands, as well as a Fall street fair (from noon to 7 pm) and stacks of live entertainment, with a main stage, food and vendor booths.

The fair, covering five downtown blocks, will feature local artists, craftspeople, volunteer groups and more. Downtown shops and restaurants will also be open.

How Much Does it Cost?

Tickets to the Beer Festival (if there are any left!) cost $40 for the first session and $45 for the second. This buys unlimited beer sampling for whichever session you attend. (Each guest is limited to one session of beer sampling).

Designated driver tickets for either session are $10, which covers free bottled water and admission to the sampling zones.

The organizers says it's a rain-or-shine event, meaning no refunds. However, if there's lightning about, they may cancel or postpone it.

Tickets are initially being sold online only. If they're not sold out, some may be available at the entrance.

However, for those in the know, there are a couple of ways you may be able to save on your ticket costs.

For instance, visitors who make a hotel reservation through the Visit Burbank bureau can get two free tickets for the first session. See https://reservations.visitburbank.com/hotel/list/8819/m3288

Alternatively, at the time of writing, the discount deals site Groupon was offering up to $38% off -- but these may now have sold out.

And, of course, the street fair is free… that is, until you start spending!

10 Ways to Do It Right

To make sure you safely get the most out of this year's event, here are 10 few tips to follow:

  • What can I bring to the Burbank Beer Festival? Take cash! Although some vendors may accept credit or debit cards, many will not. If you don’t take enough, there are ATMs close by. All purchased alcohol or day-of-event tickets will be cash only.
  • Wear or take suitable clothing -- check the weather forecast before leaving. If it looks like non-stop sun, use sunscreen.
  • Travel light. The organizers say there'll be a baggage-check line. Too much stuff will delay you and those behind you.
  • Take care of your phone. Although most people will be at the Festival for fun, some people will be there to take your phone, camera or other valuables.
  • If you're driving, don’t drink. Better yet, find a non-drinker or volunteer to be your designated driver. Or book into a local hotel.Don’t take any kind of weapon.
  • Locate and agree on a meeting point so you can reunite with friends if you get separated.
  • Keep yourself hydrated. As great as it is, beer can dehydrate you -- so drink plenty of water.
  • Don't overdo it. Resist the temptation to have just one more when you know you've had enough.

Get your facts straight -- check your ticket and the Beer Festival website ( www.burbankbeerfestival.com ) so you know where and when you're going, as well as the rules for the event.

Make sure, by the way, you have the right insurance -- for your car, yourself and your personal property. Check in now with Aldrich Taylor Insurance if you want to be sure you're properly protected.

Know the Rules

If you're planning to sample the beers, know that IDs will be checked to confirm your 21-or-older age.

You can’t bring your own alcohol or coolers to the event. Learn more about the rules and FAQs here: https://www.burbankbeerfestival.com/rules-faq-s

Getting There and Getting In

Organizers say that if you're traveling by car, it's wise to get there early to secure your parking space. Use this map: https://www.burbankbeerfestival.com/parking

If you plan to stay in a hotel, Burbank has many, with various price points and, in most cases, a shuttle service to the downtown Festival site.

The front gate is at 201 N San Fernando, and check-in for both sampling sessions is on the corner of San Fernando Blvd and Orange Grove Ave. You'll also get your sampling cup there.

The Party's Not Over

That's it. There's nothing else to do but enjoy yourself. Or is there?

The Beer Festival is just one of several Fall events planned in Burbank. Four weeks later, there's the Burbank Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair.

But wherever you go, and whenever, enjoy!