BUELLTON, Calif. — Nearly 2,000 attendees flocked to River View Park last weekend for the 12th annual Buellton Brewfest, a spirited celebration of craft beverages and country flair.
The event, held on May 3, featured over 50 vendors offering samples of beer, cider, seltzer, wine, and whiskey. The festival grounds were filled with tents ranging from nationally recognized brands like White Claw to local craft brewers, creating a vibrant atmosphere marked by live country music and bursts of laughter.
“This is a larger event than last year,” said Andres Nuño, the event’s organizer. “It’s kind of incredible that this event continues to grow.”
Festivalgoers were encouraged to explore new flavors rather than indulge in excess. “People are here having a really good time,” Nuño said. “But they’re not slamming a pint glass every two seconds. They’re getting splashes of different things that they’re trying.”
The country western theme extended beyond beverages. Entertainment included a mechanical bull, giant beer pong, and cornhole, adding interactive fun to the laid-back atmosphere. Food trucks and water stations provided necessary refreshment, ensuring attendees stayed hydrated and well-fed.
To promote safe attendance, the City of Buellton offered shuttle transportation from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and other locations. “We’re trying to get people here safely and get them home safely as well,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce.
Buellton, part of the Santa Ynez Valley, is known for its wine industry but is increasingly recognized for its craft beer scene, with local brewers like Firestone Walker and Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. continuing to gain prominence.
“It’s nice to celebrate that,” Vreeland said. “Because, yes, we are wine-centric. But our beer scene is really good too, so we don’t want people to forget that.”
With a record turnout and growing popularity, the Buellton Brewfest continues to cement its place as a staple in the region’s event calendar, showcasing the area’s rich beverage culture and community spirit.
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