Downieville Brewfest Returns September 12
Craft beer, music, and food take over Main Street.
2 min read
The Downieville Mountain Brewfest in 2024.
DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Mountain Brewfest will return to Main Street on Saturday, September 12, with beer tastings from 1 to 5 PM, food vendors, and live music. The Downieville Improvement Group (DIG), a local nonprofit, organizes the annual event as a fundraiser for the Downieville Fire Protection District’s new firehouse. “It’s a celebration, but it’s also a fundraiser with a purpose,” say organizers. “People come for the beer and music, but they leave knowing they’ve helped their mountain community.”
Advance tickets cost $35 and include unlimited two-ounce tastings, a wristband, and a take-home imprinted pilsner glass, the only container beer may be poured into. Tickets at the door cost $45. Tasters must be 21 or older, and a photo ID is required at registration, which opens at 10 AM. Only people wearing Brewfest wristbands will be served beer. Designated drivers are admitted free, and food and entertainment are open without a tasting ticket. DIG says advance tickets have a history of selling quickly.
Highway Patrol Officer Kostik administers a breathalyzer test to a 2025 Brewfest attendee.
The Holcomb Brothers Band of Grass Valley will play country and country-rock, returning after last year’s festival. Food vendors will sell a variety of options along Main Street. The Nevada County Homebrewers will also return to pour an assortment of exotic home-crafted brews. Sixteen brew vendors took part last year, and DIG says it expects many returning favorites.
Parking in Downieville is limited, and DIG advises carpooling. A shuttle costs $10 each way between Sierra City and Indian Valley, with pickups from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and drop-offs from 5 to 6:30 PM. Rides can be scheduled at 530-798-8555. The Brewfest website says dogs are not permitted unless they are service animals, and the press release adds that pets are highly discouraged because the pavement is hot and Main Street will be crowded. Cash is recommended for shuttle drivers and food vendors.
Tickets and updates are posted at downievillebrewfest.com. Questions can be sent to downievillebrew@gmail.com.