At Salute Beer Fest, We Salute Those Who Stood in Line for an Hour Just for a Few Beers

On a weekend with multiple craft beer festivals taking place at the same time, I chose to attend the one least known to the public: Salute Beer Fest. This beer festival took place at The Phoenix Club in Anaheim on Saturday afternoon immediately following Veteran’s Day, where it combined breweries with military-themed vendors and exhibits. VIP admission started at 11:30 am while general admission started at 1pm, and the festival ended at 4:30 pm. Based on what I saw on Salute Beer Fest’s website, this event has taken place across the country in the past; however, it has no links or sources to show for previous festivals. Sadly, this started to show itself as its true form as the event progressed.

An exorbitant amount of issues at this event caused it to leave a sour taste in many people’s mouths. Primarily, the organizers totally botched the entrance procedure. They advertised that VIP admission would start at 11:30 am; however, the staff did not appear ready by then. In fact, volunteers started to unwrap cups and place them out after 11:30 am. The staff did not pre-check any of the attendees waiting in line to enter – they started checking ID’s after the start time. If they wanted to operate more efficiently, they could have checked people in, given them their wristbands and cups, and had them wait to the side to all enter at 11:30 (they had a huge open area to the left where a second line could have waited to enter). the staff also did not delegate the lines properly – they first pulled will-call attendees out for a second line that included the Groupon attendees. After waiting in that line for ten minutes, they said that Groupon needed to get back in the other line that already stretched out to the street. As a result, I ended up standing in line in the hot sun for an hour. Want to know what else they did that totally ruined this experience? Once you get to the front of the line to scan your ticket, the staff charged you a transaction fee before you could enter! They said I needed to pay a $3.75 transaction fee because they did not charge it when they sold tickets online. This outright LIE stacks on top of the Eventbrite fees, meaning that this transaction fee went to an unknown location since whoever bought tickets online already paid an online transaction fee. Most of the attendees frustratingly paid this transaction fee since they had already waited an hour in line, so the frustration of waiting simply caused them to cave up and pay the fee.

After you deal with the fiasco of the entrance, you enter the beer festival area only to discover 17 breweries, some of which appear to have gotten thrown in the last minute. Salute Beer Fest had plenty of mobile food vendors to feed everyone, and enough other vendors to keep people occupied, including a whisky vendor. However, people paid for a beer festival, not to visit food trucks or check out vendors. General admission appears to have gotten in fine, as I did not witness any lines at 1pm.

1. All-American Ale Works
2. Legacy Brewing
3. Knee Deep Brewing
4. Golden Coast Mead
5. Angel City Brewery
6. Hangar 24 Brewery
7. Evans Brewing
8. Ballast Point
9. Big Sky Brewing (no jockey box)
10. Cerveza Imperial (no jockey box)
11. Pyramid Brewing
12. Magic Hat Brewing
13. Sierra Nevada (no jockey box)
14. Bootlegger’s Brewery
15. Lagunitas Brewing
16. Karl Strauss
17. Hess Brewing

Despite my photos making the fest look fine, this event frustrated many so much that they left early, including myself. I had already tasted a beer from every participating brewery within my first hour inside the venue. As far as Orange County beer festivals go, the major ones have over 50 breweries participating, giving people true value for the price they pay. If Salute Beer Fest comes back, save yourself some trouble and do not spend any money on it.

Upcoming Events: November 7-13, 2016

8th Annual San Diego Beer Week
November 4-13
San Diego County
http://sdbw.org/

This 10-day festival celebrates the prominence of craft beer in San Diego County. During these ten days, restaurants, bars, breweries, and other businesses will host special events and hold special deals all pertaining to craft beer. Check the website for a list of all events and businesses participating in San Diego Beer Week.

Rivertucky 2016 Release
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 8
Inland Empire Brewing Company, Riverside
http://www.iebrew.com/

This Tuesday, Inland Empire Brewing will release their coveted barrel-aged ale. Stop on by and enjoy it at the tasting room, or buy bottles to-go.

37th Annual Ocean Beach Restaurant Walk
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 8
Main Street, Ocean Beach, San Diego
http://oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/annual-ob-restaurant-walk-2016

Stroll through historic Ocean Beach and sample food from the local restaurants this Wednesday evening. $25 allows you to sample all the food you can eat from participating businesses while supplies last.

Punk Rock Tuesdays
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 8
Blacklight District Lounge, Long Beach
http://www.facebook.com/events/109392969535936/

Enjoy a FREE local punk rock show this Tuesday night in Long Beach. No one under 21 may enter.

Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon Weekend
10:00 am – 12:00 am, November 10
5:30 am – 8:00 pm, November 11
5:30 am – 4:00 pm, November 12
5:30 am – 11:30 am, November 13
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
http://www.rundisney.com/avengers-half-marathon/

The Avengers Superheroes Half Marathon returns this weekend with a plethora of things to see and do. Participate in any of the races, check out the health & fitness expo, and stick around for after-parties throughout the weekend. The website has an extensive list of everything going on this weekend, so consult with the website for more details.

Orange County Whisky Fest
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, November 10
Crevier Classic Cars, Costa Mesa
http://www.orangecoast.com/event/orange-coast-whiskey-fest/

Sip on fancy cocktails this Thursday night in Costa Mesa. General admission costs $75 and starts at 7pm, while VIP admission costs $100 and starts at 6pm. All attendees receive unlimited food and drinks for the duration of the event while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk (Second Thursdays)
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 10
Downtown Los Angeles
http://downtownartwalk.org/

This free monthly event takes place over many blocks in Downtown Los Angeles. Many galleries will open late, and some parking lots will contain more art, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and more. Unless you know business owners, free parking barely exists in Downtown LA, although some meters only operate until 8pm. First-time visitors should attend with someone who has gone here prior.

Pacific Media Expo 2016
12:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
9:00 am – 1:00 am, November 12
9:00 am – 7:00 pm, November 13
Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena
http://www.pacificmediaexpo.org/

Immerse yourself in Eastern culture at this expo for all things Asian this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. At this all-ages expo, attendees will encounter art, music, dance, entertainment, cosplay, fashion, anime, manga, comics, video games, merchandise, accessories, food, drinks, treats, and much more. Adult admission costs $40 for Saturday, $30 for Friday or Sunday, or $65 for the entire weekend. Children 6-12 enter for $30, while children 5 & under enter for free with paid adult admission.

Day ONE: “HA! HA!” Nelson IPA
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, November 11
El Segundo Brewing, El Segundo
http://elsegundobrewing.com/

El Segundo Brewing will release a fresh IPA this Friday. Stop on by their tasting room and enjoy it there, or buy some bottles to-go.

Bang Boom Bash
6:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 11
2:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Seaport Marina Hotel, Long Beach
http://bangboombash.com/

Music, burlesque, and booze all collide in one event this weekend in Long Beach. Admission ranges from $15 to $50 – check the website for prices and what each price gets you. No one under 21 may attend.

Barb Wire Dolls: Live in Laguna Niguel
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, November 11
The Karman Bar, Laguna Niguel
http://www.facebook.com/events/218103108605545/

Enjoy a local rock show this Friday night in Laguna Niguel. The cover for this show costs $10. No one under 21 may enter.

Into the Wild Limestone Eco Challenge 12k/20k
7:00 am – 11:00 am, November 12
Limestone Canyon Regional Park, Silverado
http://www.intothewildoctrailrun.com/

Seeking a challenging run through the wilderness? Check out Into The Wild, a 12k/20k course running through trails of rocks, dirt, and more uneven ground. Registration for the 12k costs $60 presale or $65 on the day of the run. Registration for the 20k costs $75 presale or $80 on the day of the run.

Beach Streets: Midtown
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, March 19
Broadway, Long Beach
http://beachstreets.com/

Long Beach has its own version of a ciclovia where the city officials closes a portion of the city to vehicular traffic to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to freely roam the streets. This Saturday, that will occur down Anaheim Street from Pacific Coast Highway through MacArthur Park. Plan your commute accordingly.

Repticon Los Angeles
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
http://repticon.com/california/los-angeles-costa-mesa/

Check out two days of reptiles, amphibians, exotic pets, pet products, seminars, and more this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. General admission starts at 10am and costs $15 for both days, $10 for one day, or $5 for children. Online-only VIP admission costs $12 for adults or $5 for children, allows admission to both days, and allows entry at 9am on Saturday.

2016 Indio California BBQ State Championship & Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12
The Lights at Indio Golf Course, Indio
http://www.discoverindio.com/Indio-BBQ-Championship-Festival

Over 100 teams of grill masters will gather from around the country to serve up their finest BBQ and compete for cash, prizes, and titles. Free to attend for all ages, visitors can purchase barbecue samples from any of the participants, as well as food and drinks from other vendors.

Fall 2016 Jackalope Art & Craft Fair – Pasadena
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 12-13
Central Park, Pasadena
http://www.jackalopeartfair.com/pasadena

Free to attend for all ages, this two-day arts & crafts fair will feature local artisans, curators, food trucks, live music, and more.

Barrel-Aged Speedway Stout Release Party
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, November 12
AleSmith Brewing, San Diego
http://alesmith.com/

Come taste one of San Diego’s most coveted brews this Saturday at the AleSmith tasting room in San Diego. They will also have a handful of other variations of this brew on tap for you to try.

9th Stone Homebrew Competition & AHA Rally
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, November 12
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.stonebrewing.com/events/aha-rally

Admission to this homebrewing event costs $38, and includes a one-year membership to the American Homebrewers Association, unlimited tastings of this year’s homebrew entries, a souvenir glass, and raffle drawings.

2nd Annual San Diego Sausage & Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
NTC Liberty Station, San Diego
http://www.facebook.com/sdsausagefest

Sample sausages and beers this Saturday afternoon in San Diego. Tickets cost $65 presale or $85 at the door, and grants you access to unlimited sausage and beer samples while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Salute Beer Festival
11:30 am – 4:30 pm, November 12
Phoenix Club, Anaheim
http://salutebeerfest.com/

In honor of Veteran’s Day, drink lots of beer in Anaheim this Saturday afternoon. This beer festival allows you to sample unlimited beers while supplies last, as well as check out a handful of military-themed vendors, selling apparel, accessories, and more. General admission costs $55 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $75 and starts at 11:30am. Bring cash for food, and dress for warm weather. No one under 21 may attend.

Los Angeles Beer Fest (Fall Edition)
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, November 12
LA Center Studios, Los Angeles
http://www.drinkeatplay.com/labeerfest/

Everyone’s favorite drunk fest returns to Los Angeles this Saturday. This festival allows attendees to drink unlimited beers while enjoying live music from local bands. Food trucks will sell their delicious foods to hungry guests. General admission costs $40 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $50 and starts at 12pm. All admission comes with unlimited beer pours, but does not include parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Driftwood Festival
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
http://www.driftwoodfest.com/

The organizers behind Orange County Brew Ha Ha bring to you this new festival unlike anything ever before. This festival combines craft beer, wine, food, the beach, and country music all in one location. With over a hundred different beers and wines to sip on, you will not run out of different things to try here. Admission ranges from $49 to $249 – see the website for a breakdown of the prices and what they get you. All guests receive unlimited beer and wine tasters while supplies last. Food comes at cost, so guests should bring extra cash for food here. No one under 21 may attend.

Wiens Brewing 4th Anniversary
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Wiens Brewing, Temecula
http://wiensbrewing.com/

Temecula’s Wiens Brewing turns four years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have special beers at their tasting room this Saturday.

Totally 80’s: Packinghouse Brewing’s 6th Anniversary
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Packinghouse Brewing, Riverside
http://www.pbbeer.com/

Packinghouse Brewing turns six 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.

Orange County’s 3rd Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 12
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.

Foam Glow 5k – San Diego
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, November 12
Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
http://www.foamglow.com/san-diego-ca/

Tired of the same 5k run everywhere? If you have had your fill of bubble runs and glow runs, try your hand at the Foam Glow. Participants wear all white and run through colored foam in this nighttime 5k race complete with flashing neon lights and loud dance music. Registration costs $50, and all levels of runners may participate. Space will fill up fast, so register early, and try to carpool to this event.

Art Crawl Experience
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, November 12
Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim
http://www.downtownanaheim.com/artcrawlexperience

Downtown Anahiem will see a variety of activities and exhibits this Saturday night. Visitors can expect to find tons of art exhibits, live music, food, food trucks, drinks, yoga, dance, and more. Visitors may park for free in the parking structure located at S Clementine Street and W Oak Street.

Presidential Ska-lection
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 12
Out Of The Park Pizza, Anaheim
http://www.facebook.com/events/1176704762405267/

A free and all-ages local ska show will take place in Anaheim Hills this Saturday night.

Gonzo’s Bday Bash
8:00 pm – 2:00 am, November 12
Characters Sports Bar, Pomona
http://gonzopresents.com/event/259279

The owner of Pomona’s Characters Sports Bar will celebrate his birthday this week with some local punk rock Saturday night. The cover for this show costs $13. 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.

1st Annual California Vegetarian Food Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Raleigh Studios, Hollywood
http://www.cavegfoodfest.com/

A vegan vegetarian festival comes to Hollywood this Sunday afternoon, complete with food, seminars, a kids area, live music, fitness activities, and more. General admission costs $30 and grants generic access to the event space. VIP admission costs $50 and provides a goodie bag, a drink ticket, and access to VIP areas. Children under 10 enter for free with a paid adult admission.

17th Annual Japanese Food Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 13
Hilton, Universal City
http://japanesefoodcultureusa.org/festival/festival.html

$55 presale or $70 at the door nets you all-you-can-eat admission to this 5-hour Japanese food fest and a goodie bag. Guests will chow down on sushi, ramen, soba noodles, beef bowls, and more, while adults can sip sake, beer, shochu, wine, and more (alcohol not included with admission). During this time, a number of chefs will showcase cooking demos. The parking lot across the street normally costs $5 to park, but sometimes this price changes, so have cash ready.

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, November 13
Marine Stadium, Long Beach
http://dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

This semi-annual arts & crafts fair consists of a series of Sunday fests at different locations: Long Beach, Oakland, and Santa Ana. As with any typical arts & crafts fair, Patchwork will feature many traditional forms of art and merchandise, but also mixes in alternative art – thinking outside the box, or Rebel Art. Featuring clothing, accessories, home goods, jewelry, pet items, and more, this FREE fest caters to a wide & diverse crowd. Food trucks will serve guests during the fest. Always remember to carry cash, since most vendors only accept cash. The surrounding neighborhood contains plenty of free street parking.

I Love Poke Festival
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, November 13
Hotel Irvine, Irvine
http://onoyum.com/event/love-poke-orange-county/

Sample the best in island cuisine at this tasting event this Sunday afternoon in Irvine. Over 20 different chefs/restaurants will attend to serve food samples to attendees, while local chefs will compete in a poke competition, allowing attendees to sample their food too. Tickets to this all-ages tasting event cost $75, which includes unlimited food samples while supplies last. All attendees must take care of their own parking and transportation.

4th Annual Sip’n’Shuck
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, November 13
The Deck on Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
http://www.sipnshuck.com/

Enjoy fresh oysters, live entertainment, champagnes, wines, spirits, and more this Sunday afternoon in Laguna Beach. Admission costs $95 presale or $120 at the door, and provides unlimited food and drinks while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Wild Goose Tavern’s 4th Anniversary Party
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, November 13
Wild Goose Tavern, Costa Mesa
http://www.goosebar.com/

Wild Goose Tavern turns four years old this weekend, and to celebrate, they will have a party at their place in Costa Mesa this Sunday. During the first hour, guests will receive complimentary appetizers. Throughout the night, they will have a silent auction, raffles, merchandise for sale, and more. A portion of food sales will go towards a charity too. This event has no cover charge – simply show up and have a good time.

Santa Monica 9th Annual Wine & Food Festival
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, November 13
Museum of Flying, Santa Monica
http://www.rotaryclubofsantamonica.org/

Enjoy food and wine this Sunday evening in Santa Monica. Admission costs $125 presale or $150 at the door, and provides unlimited samples while supplies last. The venue contains plenty of free parking. No one under 21 may attend.

Choking Victim: Live in Santa Ana
7:00 pm – 12:00 am, November 13
The Observatory, Santa Ana
http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/chokingvictim

Legendary punk rock band Choking Victim will reunite for a rare show this Sunday night in Anaheim. Tickets to this all-ages show cost $20. Arrive early to park at the venue’s parking lot for free. Arrive too late, and end up parking in a lot down the street for $10 per vehicle.