Just a few short weeks ago, thousands of Angelenos experienced their first real beer event at the Sony Studios Beer Festival.

Beer Geeks everywhere turned their noses up at the event, and for good reason.  Who in their right mind invites Pabst Blue Ribbon to a beer fest?

For all the Negative Nancies who snubbed the Sony Beer Fest, you should’ve been there to see it.  The macros, the contract brews, the Asian lagers, they were all overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of California craft breweries.

Hundreds of craft beer novices snaked their way down Main Street USA,  jotting down names of beers they tried on the back of freebie beermats.

Many of the fest attendees had never heard of what we beer geeks consider industry titans.  At least five attendees exclaimed some variation of, “Black Butt Porter?  It must be pretty damn good if they can give it a name like that and still sell it!” 

Sierra Nevada, Firestone, Deschutes, Ballast Point, and Lagunitas were out in full force, proseletizing the next generation of craft beer lovers.

The most common sentiment by the end of the day?

“I wish we had more beer festivals!”

Angelenos rejoice.  It’s time for the training wheels to come off.

Next Saturday, May 9th, 2009, marks the first true beer festival in LA.  Featuring a dozen of the state’s best breweries, the LA Craft Beer Fest aims to raise awareness and elevate the status of artisanal ale.

The festival is a collaborative effort between beer professionals and local resteratuers who are commited to bringing back craft beer culture to Los Angeles.  Why did it leave in the first place?  That’s a whole other story, best saved for another time (blame Wolfgang Puck).

Breweries attending include Craftsman, Telegraph, Sierra Nevada, Green Flash, Port, the Bruery, and Firestone, plus newcomers Hangar 24 and Blind Lady.

In addition to beer, there will be a ton of snacks on hand specifically chosen to accompany the beers, from cheese and nuts to coffee and beer ice cream.  The best part?  All this is included in the $30 ticket price.

It’s taking place at the Echoplex on Glendale Blvd, so of course it wouldn’t be complete without a whole slew of bands.  See the attached poster below for full details.

The festival goes from 2 – 9pm.

Beer Geek LA group members, be sure to find David for your “Hello My Name Is” badge!  See you at the Echoplex!

Echoplex

1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-8200

Tickets are available for purchase HERE.  All proceeds benefit 826LA, Dave Eggers’ nonprofit tutor program and children’s writing workshop.