Lagunitas Beer Circus came to Pomona this past Saturday. It only takes three words to describe this carnival extravaganza – SPECTACULAR ECCENTRIC FUN!
Lagunitas Brewing brought their Beer Circus to town and I may never be the same. Beer, music, burlesque, side-show acts, aerialists, midway games and so much more came together to deliver 5 hours of non-stop entertainment. And all the fun was delivered while benefiting a great organization – The Learning Centers at Fairplex.
A sold out crowd of mostly costume-dressed revelers visited the Pomona Fairplex for this big top festival of the weird and amazing. Lagunitas Beer Circus rewarded them with an entry beer and “things that could not be unseen”.
Lagunitas 12th of Never Pale Ale in hand and party ready
Street Entertainment
Upon entering the gate, a server handed each person a tall can of Lagunitas 12th of Never Pale Ale. This delicious beer delivered just the right punch of citrus and tropical flavors to get me in the party mood.
In addition, a host of street entertainers amplified the party excitement. Acrobatic roller skaters, juggler, stilt walkers, bearded (or beerded) lady, and more transported me to giddy circus glee.
Street performers gone wild
Midway Games provided tons of interactive fun and prizes. My favorites were the high striker (ring the bell) and a life-size version of Operation.
Ring the bell and win a Beer Circus scarf
Featured Acts Presented on Two Stages
An indoor pavilion stage provided live music performances with tunes by Kehoe International, Metalachi, Mike Dillon Band, and Dan Deacon. Kehoe International started things off. Their self-described “Garage Twang” musical style created the perfect atmosphere for Beer Circus. Bryan Kehoe’s high-energy electric guitar picking exploded off the stage with vigor, humor and foot-stomping pleasure. Lagunitas Brewing was smart to bring this musical act back for 2017’s Beer Circus.
Kehoe International rocked the house
A huge, outdoor gazebo stage provided “freaktacular” burlesque and side-show acts. They delivered with carny-flare. Seems like I’m still recovering from watching some of the burlesque acts that my eyes can never un-see.
Come one, come all for SPINE CHILLING attractions
And More!
A pack of food trucks delivered diverse fare. And Beer Circus delivered more, more, and more fun selections.
A vintage Volkswagen bus became the perfect photo booth
Beer
Most importantly to me, Lagunitas offered a wide and diverse selection of beers for sale at Beer Circus, including their IPA, Little Sumpin’ pale wheat, and Night Time Dark IPA. Patrons purchased beer tokens to get the beers. 100% of the beer sale proceeds benefited The Learning Centers at Fairplex. A few guest breweries also served beer.
100% of the beer sale proceeds benefited The Learning Centers at Fairplex
Final Thoughts
I can’t remember the last time I had 5 hours of so much over-the-top fun. Lagunitas Beer Circus served just the right mix of freaky happenings, music, circus acts, carny atmosphere, and beer.
Ernest Hemingway wrote – “The circus is the only fun you can buy that is good for you.” Lagunitas proved his point. I can hardly wait for next year’s Lagunitas Beer Circus.
