Living in L.A. for more than a decade, I’ve said the phrase “Only in L.A.” about a million times. The Los Angeles Vegan Beer Fest has caused me to say it again. But isn’t beer vegan you ask? Yes, mostly, for the exception of brewers that use gelatin or isinglass (made from fish swim bladders) to help clarify it or those using honey or lactose for body.
More importantly, instead of all the carnage accoutrements one normally associates with beer drinking – sausage, ribs, bacon anything, and fried chicken – no animals will suffer for the merriment of a brew-ha-ha next Saturday in West Hollywood.
Some may think a vegan beer festival is crazy, and by the photo of a few of last year’s Los Angeles Vegan Beer Fest-goers, they might be. But, crazy in a good way – like as in doing your body, the planet and a few hundred animals a favor by abstaining from meat for a day.
The 4th Annual LA Vegan Beer & Food Festival will have 40+ participating brewers, both craft and mainstream brewing companies, like Dogfish Head, Ballast Point, Surf Brewing, Anchor, and Ass Kisser.
And not to worry, you won’t starve, soaking up the alcohol with merely a bag of Pirate’s Booty and carrots sticks. Some of L.A.’s finest restaurants, not necessarily all vegan, will be showing off their gourmet meatless chops. With more than 30 vendors, you can literally pig out sans the pig, of course. Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, Susan Feniger’s STREET, and the Southern Fried Vegan BBQ are just a few I’m looking forward to sampling.
No festival is complete without live tunes. Yep, you guessed it, at least one band, by the looks of their name, playing at the Los Angeles Vegan Beer Fest is vegan: Vegan Boss.
The Los Angeles Vegan Beer fests starts at 1 p.m. on May 4th, but if you want to get fancy, VIP tickets include a 12 p.m entry with access to special brews. Tickets purchased in advance start at $15 for non-drinkers, $40 for general and $50 for VIP. Head HERE for tickets. A portion of all ticket sales benefits k9 connection, an experience-based program which educates and inspires at-risk teens through bonding with and training homeless shelter dogs.
Cheers to a day of honoring your love of brews and beasts!
For more info, check out their the Los Angeles Vegan Beer Fest facebook page or follow them on Twitter @LAVeganBeerFest.
Vegan Beer & Food Festival, May 4th, 2013, 8950 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
Photos courtesy of LA Vegan Beer & Food Fest