Bumped up a full three months earlier than last year, L.A. Beer Week is now a full-fledged summer event: from June 20-28, you can fill your glass with superb craft beer from breweries and beer bars across the city. There's a lot going on—tastings, panels, concerts and, yup, even brunch—so we've narrowed the calendar down to our favorite event for each day of the week. Cheers, guys. It's going to be a great summer.
Some of these are ticketed events, so keep in mind they might sell out soon. Click the links below to snag your spot.
Saturday, June 20: L.A. Beer Week Kickoff Festival
75+ breweries. Food trucks. Live music. Panel discussions. Is there a better way to start L.A. Beer Week? This year, the kickoff festival moves to Exposition Park, where you can refill your glass with more than 200 different types of beer, cider and home brewed soda. Just remember to use Uber, guys. Exposition Park, Noon-5pm, $45
Sunday, June 21: Father's Day Vinyl Brunch
Defend your Best Son/Daughter Ever title by bringing Dad to this Father's Day Vinyl Brunch at one of the latest breweries to hit the South Bay, Phantom Carriage. Tickets are not required—just pay as you go for breakfast bites and freshly made Beermosas, Bloody Marys and Wild Sangria. Vinyl will take over the sound system; feel free to bring your own to spin. Phantom Carriage, Noon, Prices vary
Monday, June 22: #LABW7 Beer Pairing Dinner with Smog City
One of our favorite breweries, Smog City, is teaming up with Slater's 50/50 in Pasadena for a seven-course dinner with beer pairings. Diners will be joined by Smog City owner and head brewer Jonathan Porter, Slater's owner Scott Slater, and Slater's beermonger Mark Schultz. The menu hasn't been released, but we're thinking burgers are definitely involved. Slater's 50/50, 7pm, $50
Tuesday, June 23: Eagle Rock Brewery's Battle of the Bands
They brew your beer, but did you know they can rock out, too? Battle of the Brewery Bands is back with your favorite brewmasters shredding and singing and doing god knows what else at the Echoplex. Doors open at 6pm, the show starts at 7pm, and the winner will be drunkenly announced at 11pm. Echoplex, 6pm, $10-$12
Wednesday, June 24: Sour Beer Night
Sour beers can be hard to get used to, but you won't know whether you like them unless you give them an educated try. That's why we're pumped about this event: Sour Beer Night at The Hermosillo and Highland Park Brewery. HPB sours will be on tap, along with sour beers from Phantom Carriage, Craftsman, Allagash and more. The Hermosillo, 5pm, Prices vary
Thursday, June 25: Spirited Away: Ladyface + Ballast Point Cockt-ale Collaboration
It's Day 6 of your beer streak and you don't know if you can have another pint. Time to switch to cocktails—sort of. Ladyface Ale is teaming up with Ballast Point to create beer cocktails with the brewery/distillery's spirits like Three Sheets Rum and Old Grove Gin. Tickets include a sampling of six mini beer cocktails and gourmet snacks. Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie, 5-8pm, $25
Friday, June 26: Meet the Founders at Beer Belly: Firestone-Walker
Join David Walker, co-founder of Firestone-Walker, for Walker's Wild Ride. Don't worry, it's not as bro-y as it sounds—you'll just be trying an exclusive Barrelworks sour with other beer-loving folks, along with other FW beers on tap. Beer Belly, 6-10pm, Free
Saturday, June 27: Ladies of LA Craft Beer
Laaaaaaaadies. No seriously, ladies, this one's for you. In a male-dominated industry, it's reassuring to know that women are still making an impact on craft beer. Join a discussion with beer blogger Girls Who Like Beer, along with Alex Nowell (Three Weavers Brewing Co.), Devon Randall (Arts District Brewing), Lauren O'Neill (beer buyer at Mohawk Bend) and Sarah Bennett (beer writer). Tickets include a beer flight and pizza bites. Mohawk Bend, 4-6pm, $35
Sunday, June 28: Annual Brewers' Brunch
As the week comes to a close and you're feeling the full effects of seven straight days of drinking, there can only be one cure: brunch. Head to Eagle Rock Brewery for their Annual Brewers' Brunch, a smorgasbord of bacon, eggs and, let's face it, probably more beer. It's so hard to say goodbye... . Eagle Rock Brewery, 11am-2pm, $10