Successful 2025 Brewfest Raises Money for Firehouse

DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Mountain Brewfest returned for its eighth running on Saturday, September 6. Hundreds of participants were once again treated to a wide variety of brews in an all-you-can-drink (responsibly) format, featuring 16 local vendors. Several of the most popular breweries were back for the event, including Sierra Nevada, Farmers Brewing Co., 1849 Brewing Co., and the Brewing Lair. Five breweries were new additions: Sutter Buttes Brewery, Donner Creek Brewing, High-Hand Brewing, Lassen Ale Works, and Thirsty Barrel.

The Nevada County Homebrewers returned for their fourth year with 50 gallons of homemade beer through 10 taps, although the booth did not hold a vote this year to determine the attendees’ favorite. California Highway Patrol Officer Zack Kostik also returned to issue breathalyzer tests as a way to raise awareness about driving under the influence. Blood-alcohol content was measured as high as 0.23% by Kostik on Saturday. Food vendors weren’t lacking either; Sabrina’s at the Forks and La Cocina de Oro provided local options, while hot dogs and wings were also on offer.

The event is organized by the Downieville Improvement Group (DIG) as a fundraiser for the Downieville Fire Department’s firehouse project. The project proposes to build a new firehouse at the US Forest Service’s campus in Downieville and recently received a letter of support from Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier.

Downieville Brewfest chairman Michael Taylor explained, “The week prior to this year’s event, we had some weather with lightning strikes, which started four forest fires very close to Downieville. There was a fire in Goodyears Bar to our west and three fires to our east, which were named Lavezzola, Downie, and Craycroft. Our Downieville Fire Department responded swiftly and was able to get the fires quickly under control, but it was a reminder of how vulnerable we are in this area. The money raised from last year and this year’s Brewfest is going toward our Downieville Fire Department Building Fund. Our town is in the process of building a new facility for our Fire Department to help improve the department’s capabilities and efficiency. The contributions and support of the brew vendors and attendees of the annual Brewfest are making a real impact in our community.”

Though not yet officially set, the tentative date for next year’s Brewfest is September 12, 2026. More information is available at downievillebrewfest.com.