The biggest brew festival in Sacramento turns 10 today at the same location is was launched - on the banks of the Sacramento River at Miller Park surrounded by giant Sycamores and the gentle breeze from the Delta.  Last year, the festival saw the first 100 degree mark and today it seems it may also scrape the tripple digits making it the best event in town to cool off with.

The West Coast Brew Festival has been drawing thousands of beer lovers from all over Northern California for years and this year, event organizer, Matson Breaky stated last night that the numbers are up and over any year before including pre-event ticket sales.

The festival features more than 50 micros bringing in an estimated 300+ kegs worth of libations, slow cooked food, cigars, a bicycle raffle (Mad Cats), arts and crafts, live music and more including a dog friendly vibe and $5 entry for designated drivers.  

Parking is very limited with an overflow lot just North of the main intersection before entering the long road into Miller Park.  Savvy goers ride bicycles but this year, with mainstream media picking up on this event, regulars should expect an impacted parking situation for both cars and bicycles.  Hint to cyclists, if you have trouble finding a post to lock up to, lock up to three or four of your friend's bikes and it's a safe bet nobody will walk off them.  The more you can lock up to, the better.

Gates open to the VIP for the luncheon and private tasting at noon but it's believed those tickets are gone at $100 a pop.  The general admissino gates open at 1 p.m.and the event closes down officially at 5 p.m. but usually starts running dry by around 4:15.

Youth under 16 are free as are dogs.  No swimming allowed and anybody trying to climb over the security fence will be escorted out.

All photos courtesy Sacvibe.com with permission.