Upcoming Events: December 14-20, 2015

Free Punk Show in Riverside
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 14
Inkonsiderate Boardshop, Riverside
http://www.facebook.com/events/899549066761650/

Enjoy a FREE and all-ages local punk show tonight in Riverside.

Poison Idea: Live in Southern California
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 15, The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim http://www.facebook.com/events/502539276582171/
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, December 16, Soda Bar, Normal Heights, San Diego http://www.sodabarmusic.com/calendar.php?event_id=2678
9:00 pm – 2:00 am, December 17, Alex’s Bar, Long Beach http://www.alexsbar.com/event/969067-poison-idea-long-beach/
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 18, The Garage, Ventura http://www.facebook.com/events/957754764270678/

Portland’s own Poison Idea will headline a handful of shows this week in Southern California. The cover for these shows vary by location, so click on a show’s link for prices. No one under 21 may enter any of these shows.

107th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, December 16-20
Balboa Island, Newport Beach
http://www.balboaisland.com/107th-annual-newport-beach-christmas-boat-parade/

Enjoy a free and all-ages Christmas boat parade around Balboa Island this week.

Give More, Get More On Fourth – A Holiday Celebration
9:00 am – 11:00 pm, December 17
Retro Row, Long Beach
http://4thstreetlongbeach.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/737067969757820/

Many shops on 4th Street in Long Beach will have sales or specials this Thursday. Check the Facebook event page linked above for a full list of what to expect on 4th Street this Thursday.

Allagash Bottle Release
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 17
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1654045568196956/

Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach will have a special bottle release this Thursday night from Allagash, as well as a handful of other Allagash beers on tap. No reservations or admission required – simply show up and enjoy a cold one.

Beachwood BBQ 9th Anniversary Celebration
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 17-19
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html

Beachwood BBQ celebrates their ninth year in Seal Beach this week, and to commemorate, Beachwood Brewing releases Nine this week in bottles and at both locations on tap. When you visit either location, expect to find a plethora of seasonal beers on tap, plus an exciting menu full of exclusive items only found during this celebration.

Silent Night, Deadly Night
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, December 17
Phantom Carriage Brewery, Carson
http://www.phantomcarriage.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/205568859778533/

This Thursday night, Phantom Carriage Brewery in Carson will have an ugly sweater party, release a new barrel-aged beer, and show a 1984 slasher film. No admission required – simply show up and enjoy the night.

Artifex Brewing’s Ugly Sweater Party
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 18
Artifex Brewing, San Clemente
http://artifexbrewing.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/952232751509791/

Don your ugly Christmas sweater to Artifex Brewing in San Clemente this Friday night. The top three sweaters will receive a prize. This event has no admission fee or cover charge. No purchase necessary.

The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, December 18
The Music Center, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/special-events/holiday-sing-along/

At this free and all-ages event, visitors will get to sing holiday songs with many other people. The music center will provide lyrics sheets.

Save The Swim Team – Holiday Shows
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, December 18, Beatnik Bandito, Santa Ana http://www.facebook.com/events/844181019028037/
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, December 19, Bridgetown DIY, La Puente http://www.facebook.com/events/1480046275632977/
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, December 20, Ché Café Collective, La Jolla http://www.facebook.com/events/1650507011832983/

Ska-reamo band Save The Swim Team reunites for a series of Southern California shows this weekend. The cover charge for these all-ages shows vary by location, so click on a show’s link for prices.

Lightsaber Battle 2015
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 18, Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, December 19, Waterfront Park, San Diego
http://www.thelightbattle.com/

To celebrate the new Star Wars movie coming out this week, Southern California will see two all-ages flash mobs involving lightsaber battles. Bring your own lightsaber, or order one from the organizers for $10 presale or $15 at the event. The event spaces will have food trucks, a temporary bar, and live DJ’s to take care of guests.

Retox and ACxDC Record Release Show
8:00 pm – 1:30 am, December 18
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://www.gonzopresents.com/event/227054

Rock out to some local bands this Friday night in Pomona. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter. Guests can find plenty of free street parking in the area, and can avoid paying to park in the adjacent lot.

Punk Rock Christmas Party & Toy Drive for Toys For Tots
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, December 18
Viper Room, West Hollywood
http://www.x-members.com/

A handful of great punk rock bands will perform this Friday night in West Hollywood. Tickets to this show cost $12 presale or $15 at the door. Bring an unwrapped toy for special prizes and drink specials. No one under 21 may enter.

Let it Snow at the North Pole
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, December 19
Houghton Park, North Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/558354497646602/

At this free and all-ages event, visitors will find Santa Claus, toys, cookies, snow, and other forms of entertainment.

Akihabara Day
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, December 19
Weller Court, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
http://www.akibaday.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1390679991230480/

Fans of Japanese pop culture will not want to miss this free and all-ages event in Little Tokyo this Saturday afternoon. Activities include cosplaying, a gift exchange, speed dating, and photographs around the Christmas tree.

Star Wars Day at Helm’s Brewing
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 19
Helm’s Brewing, Kearny Mesa
http://www.helmsbrewingco.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/155866331436083/

To celebrate the release of the new Star Wars film, Helm’s Brewing will air the original trilogy, host raffles for various merchandise, and release a new line of beers based on the Star Wars universe. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, pound a cold one, and enjoy the movies.

7th Annual Champagne Tasting
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, December 19
The Sky Room, Long Beach
http://www.theskyroom.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/208038826194535/

Taste ten exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines, along with specialty hors d’oeuvres pairings. Admission costs $65 presale or $75 at the door.

Timeless Pints Holiday Party
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, December 19
Timeless Pints, Lakewood
http://timelesspints.com/events/timeless-pints-holiday-party/

Ring in the holidays with craft beer, ugly sweaters, live music, food, and more this Saturday at Timeless Pints in Lakewood, free to attend.

Toys For Tots OC Punk Show
6:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 19
The World Famous Doll Hut, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/438866096318664/

Lots of great local punk bands will perform at the Doll Hut in Anaheim this Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $10 or an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more. No one under 21 may enter.

The Vandals 20th Annual Christmas Formal
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, December 19
House of Blues, Anaheim
http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim/events/eventdetail/?viewNav=/event-detail&eventId=09004F52D42D1C36

The Vandals headline their annual all-ages Christmas show at the House of Blues in Anaheim this Saturday night. Tickets cost $20. Guests can park for free for up to five hours, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Chaos For X-Mas
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, December 19
Old Towne Pub, Pasadena
http://www.facebook.com/events/515453028621517/

Rock out to some great punk rock this Saturday night in Pasadena. The cover for this show costs $6. No one under 21 may enter.

Victory At Sea Day 2015
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, December 20
All Ballast Point locations, San Diego
http://www.ballastpoint.com/events/victory-at-sea/

Ballast Point releases their coveted porter, Victory At Sea, this Sunday to the public. At each of their locations throughout San Diego County, Ballast Point will have Victory At Sea for you to taste. Admission to each location will cost $30 and comes with five 4oz tasters, a souvenir glass, and a bomber of their limited edition coffee-only Victory At Sea. In addition, nearly every other beer bar and restaurant across the nation will have Victory At Sea specials, so check in with your favorite craft beer establishment if you cannot make it down to San Diego this Sunday.

44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, December 20
San Diego Bay, San Diego/Coronado
http://www.sdparadeoflights.org/

Enjoy a free Christmas boat parade along San Diego Bay this Sunday evening.

Upcoming Events: November 16-22, 2015

Ritual Brewing’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration Week
November 16-21
Ritual Brewing, Redlands
http://ritualbrewing.com/

Ritual Brewing turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have festivities at their tasting room in Redlands all week long. The week will culminate with a beer festival this Saturday from 12pm to 4:30. General admission costs $30 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $40 and starts at 12pm. All attendees receive an anniversary glass and unlimited beer pours while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend this event.

12th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
November 16-22
Various locations, San Diego
http://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/

All week, check out all things food & wine all over San Diego County. From wine tastings to cooking classes to seminars to food sampling, if it has to do with food or drinks, it will happen during this time. On Saturday, experience the grand finale with a massive food & wine tasting festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North in Downtown San Diego. General admission to this festival costs $135 and starts at 12pm, while early admission costs $165 and starts at 11am.

Meet The Brewer: Artifex Brewing @ The Factory Gastrobar
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 18
The Factory Gastrobar, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/1060392040657796/

Artifex Brewing will travel up from San Clemente to Long Beach this Wednesday evening for a tap takeover, beer pairing, and meet & greet with the brewer. This night has no admission fee – simply show up, and pay as you go.

Meatloaf Wednesday
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 18
Beachwood BBQ, Seal Beach
http://beachwoodbbq.com/events.html

Following the success of their ribs, mac & cheese, and poutine special events, Beachwood BBQ will now hold a Meatloaf night this Wednesday. Choose from multiple different meat types, and enjoy it as a meal or as a flight paired with craft beers.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day
November 19
Worldwide
http://www.beaujolaisnouveauday.com/

Every year on the third Thursday of November, wine enthusiasts worldwide celebrate the arrival of this passionate wine with fireworks, music, festivals, and more. Check in with your favorite local restaurant, bar, or winery to see if they will participate in the celebration of this glorious wine.

Belgium Beers Tap Takeover
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 19
Alpine Village, Torrance
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/upcoming-events/tap-takeover/

Alpine Village will tap a bunch of Belgian beers this Thursday night for your enjoyment. This event has no admission fee – simply show up, and pay for beers as you go.

2015 Los Angeles Auto Show
9:00 am – 9:00 pm, November 20-29
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles
http://laautoshow.com/

Check out the newest and latest cars, trucks, exotics, and more. General admission costs $12 on weekdays or $15 on weekends.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show – Long Beach
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 20
9:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Long Beach Convention Center, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/city/long-beach-ca

See all-things motorcycles this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center. Admission varies, with a one-day adult general admission costing $15.

Pairing Is Caring 2
7:00 pm – 10:30 pm, November 20
Monk Space, Los Angeles
http://www.insidethecellar.com/

Enjoy a night of food, beer, and wine in Koreatown this Friday night. General admission costs $50 and starts at 7:30, while VIP admission costs $65, starts at 7pm, and includes access to a VIP lounge. All attendees receive unlimited food, beer, and wine while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Escape From The Time Travel Lab
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 20
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 21-22
Edm Hall, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
http://realescapegame.com/rerla_ttlab/

Put your brain to the test at this real-life escape game. Participants of this event have 90 minutes to solve multiple puzzles of varying difficulty, and combine the solutions to unlock additional puzzles, which will eventually lead to the final solution that will solve the entire game. Each session can only have up to 11 participants, and teamwork will get your group through the puzzle to the final answer. Registration costs $26 per person.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 20-21
Lot 613, Los Angeles
http://www.pancakesandbooze.com/

For just a $5 cover, guests get treated to unlimited pancakes and many artists from across the country showcasing their works. Guests can also witness body painting, stencil art, art battles, sculptures, graffiti, and more. Guests can park on the street for free, or park in the adjacent parking lot for $5. No one under 21 may enter.

The Color Run 5k – Orange County
7:00 am – 1:00 pm, November 21
Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach
http://thecolorrun.com/orange-county/

The color run that started it all returns to Huntington State Beach this Saturday morning. This fun run takes the racing out of a 5k or 10k, and places participants in a running course where they will get showered with bright colors. All runners should wear white for this run, as they run through the course and absorb all the colors flying through the air. Registration for this color run costs $50 per solo participant, or $45 per person if registering as a team of four or more. Waves of runners will start at 9am and launch every few minutes following that for up to two hours, so do not fret about getting there on time.

Bubble Run – Lake Elsinore
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, November 21
Diamond Stadium, Lake Elsinore
http://www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/socal/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of color runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Bubble Run. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam bogs in this 5k race around the Sleep Train Amphitheater. Registration costs $40, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

2015 Designer Con
9:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 21
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.designercon.com/

This design event takes place this weekend in Pasadena. What started as an expo for designer toys and collectables has evolved into including apparel and accessories. Designer Con now features toys, apparel, art, crafts, and more, ranging from fine, traditional, modern, urban, and contemporary. Presale tickets cost $5, tickets at the door cost $7, while arrivals after 3pm cost nothing.

30th Annual Elves’ Faire
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 21
Pasadena Waldorf School, Altadena
http://www.elves-faire.com/

This FREE and all-ages fair will allow visitors to enjoy medieval activities, games, live music, food, entertainment, and more.

Hermosa Beach Holiday Sidewalk Festival
11:00 am – 6:00 pm, November 21
Downtown Hermosa Beach
http://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/holiday-sidewalk-festival-3147

Check out this free and all-ages event this Saturday in Downtown Hermosa Beach. Visitors will find arts & crafts, live entertainment, music, dancing, games, sidewalk sales, food & drink specials, and more.

Taste of Autumn Beer Festival
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 21
Shark Club, Costa Mesa
http://www.tasteofautumnbeerfestival.com/

An autumn beer tasting event will take place at the Shark Club in Costa Mesa this Saturday over two sessions. General admission costs $40 and runs 1pm to 4pm or 7pm to 10pm. VIP admission costs $50 and starts an hour earlier than general admission. All attendees receive unlimited beer tastings while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Hops & Hounds: Packinghouse Brewing’s 5th Anniversary
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 21
Packinghouse Brewing, Riverside
http://www.pbbeer.com/

Packinghouse Brewing turns five years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have a free celebration at their tasting room in Riverside this Saturday. Throughout the day, Packinghouse will have live music, special beer releases, and mobile food vendors. A portion of the day’s sales will go towards the American Cancer Society.

Old Town Seal Beach Main Street Chili Cookoff Crawl
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, November 21
Main Street, Seal Beach
http://www.sealbeachrestaurantweek.com/events.html

Around a dozen Seal Beach restaurants will participate in a chili cookoff this Saturday afternoon. Visitors of all ages can purchase a wristband for $10, which will allow them to sample as much chili as they like from participating restaurants up and down Main Street. The Hennessey’s Grill parking lot will function as the hub, where visitors can purchase wristbands, observe raffle prizes, and vote for their favorite chili.

Orange County’s 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 21
The Rinks, Irvine
http://www.dubswashere.com/

Movember participants, listen up! Show off your wicked facial hair at this competition for all things hairy this Friday night in Huntington Beach, featuring a handful of categories to enter into to win cash prizes. In addition to the fabulous styles, visitors will find food, a full bar, live music, vendors, and more. Registration costs $15, while spectators may enter for $5.

The Crowd @ Alex’s Bar
8:30 pm – 1:30 am, November 21
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/989049-crowd-long-beach/

Rock out to some local old-school punk rock bands this Saturday night in Long Beach. Tickets to this show cost $8 presale or $10 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

25th Annual Encinitas Fall Street Fair
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 22
South Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
http://www.encinitas101.com/events/fall-festival/

This FREE street fair takes place this Sunday in Encinitas. Featuring 450 unique food, arts & crafts vendors, five music stages, rides & games, and a beer garden hosted by Stone Brewing and Port Brewing, people of all ages will enjoy this street fair. Due to the compact nature of this area, parking can get extremely difficult to locate. Arrive early, or take public transportation to arrive safely.

23rd Annual Arroyo Arts Collective Discovery Tour
9:30 am – 5:00 pm, November 22
Southwest Museum, Mount Washington
http://www.arroyoartscollective.org/

This Sunday, check out homes and studios of artists and craftspeople around Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and surrounding areas. This self-guided tour costs $10 presale or $15 on the day of the event, and allows access to art purchasing, building tours, and more. While strolling, check out some of the great places to grab a bite or sip, such as Fusion Burgers, Donut Friend, The Oinkster, and more.

Artisanal LA: West Elm Holiday Pop-Up
10:00 am – 3:00 pm, November 22
West Elm, Beverly Grove
http://artisanalla.com/

Head over to West Elm in Beverly Grove this Sunday for a small popup of Artisanal LA. Free to attend for all ages, this popup gives visitors a sample of Artisanal LA’s semiannual event at The Reef. Visitors will find a handful of local artisanal food vendors plus some local arts & crafts vendors.

Beer & Pie with Firestone Walker
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 22
Select Beer Store, Redondo Beach
http://www.selectbeerstore.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1483421438653814/

Enjoy some handmade pies and Firestone Walker brews this Sunday afternoon at Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and pay for food and drinks as you go.

Beer Up – South Orange County Coming Up with Microbreweries

Craft beer sales have never looked more solid today than ever. The popularity of craft beer has risen exponentially over the past few decades, as the trend moves from mass-produced items to locally crafted & curated items. Sometimes a little dedication and hard work can make something better than machines can produce. While this notion runs popularly in the food industry and arts business, that practice has stretched to brewing beer. Microbreweries tend to represent the bar or pub that locals can go to unwind after a long day or week of work, or to hang out with friends and family. Large metropolitan areas lend well to the establishment of microbreweries or craft beer bars in general, but the demographics make a huge impact on the popularity of craft beer in the area too. Last month, I visited Seattle and discovered that the Ballard neighborhood had over a dozen microbreweries because the locals love it and the various industrial buildings and warehouses makes for perfect microbrewery locations. This time, we shift focus towards South Orange County, smack dab in the middle of North OC and San Diego County.

While North Orange County and San Diego County have tons of established microbreweries, South Orange County has only come up in the craft beer scene in the past few years. It appears that the young generation, or “millennials” as we go by now, prefer craft beer compared to the more traditional baby boomers who prefer their traditional beers like PBR and Budweiser. The majority of South Orange County’s population falls under the baby boomer category, which partially explains the lack of craft beer in South Orange County. However, as more and more millennials move into the area, the demand for craft beer rises, paving the way for microbreweries and craft beer bars to surface. In this post, we take a look at some of the places that people can go to wet their whistle with craft beer.

One of the first microbreweries to open up in South Orange County, Left Coast Brewing has a decade of experience out of their facility in San Clemente. All that time has allowed them to build up a solid portfolio of brews and extend retail distribution all the way to the east coast. First-time visitors may have some difficulty locating the tasting room, which lies behind the Oggi’s Brewing building. The tasting room features bar seating, over a dozen tables, two televisions, and a food truck occasionally.

Another one of the first microbreweries to open up in South Orange County, Cismontane Brewing recently celebrated their fifth year in the industry and shows no signs of fading away. Located all the way up in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, Cismontane truly represents your friendly neighborhood bar with their various local events, which usually involves a bide ride or other hike through the nearby hills. Their rising popularity has paved the way for Cismontane to open a second tasting room in South Santa Ana this past year. If the Rancho Santa Margarita location feels like too much of a drive to get to, consider visiting their Santa Ana tasting room.

Artifex Brewing represents one of the newer microbreweries to join the South Orange County craft beer family. Located in San Clemente down the street from Left Coast, Artifex came about from brewers that had experience from larger breweries such as Stone Brewing and Pizza Port. While the locals love Artifex very much, they still have some distance to cover to garner a presence in the Southern California craft beer market. Craft beer fans already know about Artifex from beer festivals and craft beer bars, but many restaurants and retail outlets do not yet carry Artifex beers. Perhaps this next year will see a rise in the spread of Artifex beers.

This past December, South Orange County received their first major business dedicated to craft beer in the form of The BrewHouse. Tucked away in the back of a shopping center in San Juan Capistrano, this tap room & bottle shop has up to 40 different beers on tap, plus dozens of different bottles available for immediate consumption or takeout. Since they do not produce beer on the premises, The BrewHouse often obtains beers from places around the world that do not normally distribute to California. Craft beer fans will want to stay in the loop about The BrewHouse in case they ever receive a very rare beer that no one else in Southern California will carry.

Other breweries in South Orange County that I have yet to visit include the San Clemente location of Pizza Port, Laguna Beach Beer Company, and Stadium Brewing. With all this craft beer available in South Orange County, perhaps the time has come for more microbreweries to open up there? North OC and Central OC already have dozens of microbreweries, so why not fill the gap between there and San Diego County with more beer?