ballast-point-matt-bamfestSummer may be winding down, but in the beer world it’s always time for a festival. Just before LA Beer Week begins, BAM Fest in Santa Monica kicks off your October with over 24 breweries, tons of art, lots of music and plenty of sunshine. All of the proceeds from the festival go to the 18th Street Arts Center.

For today only until 6 PM, BAM Fest tickets are $30. This gets you a BAM Fest logo tasting glass and unlimited sampling, hours of live music, exploration of artist studios and galleries and the awesomeness that comes with having access to so many wonderful kinds of craft beer. Here’s how you can get the most out of BAM Fest this year.

Arrive in Style. Ride a bike to the fest! Since it’s partially run by some of the amazing superpowers behind the Library Alehouse  (who are devoted aficionados of bike valets at Santa Monica’s Last Fridays on Main Street) there will be a bike valet on hand to take care of your fabulous wheels.

Plot your drinking. Given the event is based in Santa Monica, there are four uber-local breweries attending BAM Fest, and one of them is brand-spaking new! Try Strand Brewing Co., Eagle Rock Brewery, Ladyface Ale Companie and El Segundo Brewing’s beers. Each brewery is no further than 31 miles away from the event, and we promise the people behind the beers are some of the nicest neighbors you could ask for. El Segundo Brewing will be opening their tap room very soon, right across the street from Rock and Brews on Main St. in El Segundo.

Carry cash for chow time. Sure, beer is food, but sometimes you need a meal to go with your liquid delight. A handful of our favorite trucks, including the Green Truck, will be stationed at BAM Fest to feed your face. We have a special place in our little hearts for them since their food is kind to the planet too!

Prepare your dance shoes. In addition to beer in your belly, over five hours of live music will put you into the groove. One of the most anticipated acts wil provide sassy, folky goodness complete with bowties and suspenders. The Dustbowl Revival will be playing, as well as Upstart, JT Ross & Speedway and the Orlando Napier Band.

BAM Fest is a celebration of locally produced art, music and California’s finest craft beers – 24+ craft breweries, four bands, three galleries, open artist studios, an artist market, and gourmet food trucks make up this one-of-a-kind event. All proceeds benefit 18th Street Arts Center, a Santa Monica 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Read our interview from last year with event mastermind Nicole Gordillo in B.A.M. Fest to Invade Santa Monica with Craft Beer, Art and Music and check out our photos from last year’s first BAM Fest in B.A.M. (Beer, Music, and Art) Fest in Santa Monica [PHOTOS]

Check back soon for our ticket giveaway!

When?
Saturday, October 9 from 1 – 6 PM

Where?
1639 18th Street
Santa Monica, 90404

bamfest-flyer-2011

Additional information:
Event website: http://18thstreet.org/events/bam-fest-2011
Like BAM Fest on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beerartmusicfestival
Twitter hasthag: #BAMFEST