Breweries across the island are pulling out all the hops
Beer lovers, we’ve got excellent news! This week, Alameda’s schedule is chock full of beer-related events right here on the island. Several breweries will be participating in SF Beer Week, a 10-day series of special events organized by the Bay Area Brewers Guild. Other Alameda breweries not associated with the Guild will also be hosting their own soirees. The hardest part of the week will be choosing which events to attend. Cheers!
SF Beer Week Events
Admiral Maltings, 651A West Tower Avenue
Grain to Glass: A Farmer, Maltster and Brewer(s) Walk into a Bar
Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m.
Join Admiral Maltings’ longtime barley and wheat farmers for tastings, tours, and conversation. “Together, they’ll share insights into how premium grains, traditional floor malting, and innovative brewing techniques come together to create truly exceptional beer,” the event description promises. Tickets are $20 per person.
Malt & Brew Hands-On Brewing Class
Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to brew your own beer, this is your chance. Admiral Maltings and Dahoam1516 have teamed up to host a beginner-friendly grain-to-glass brewing class. The hands-on event will include a class, a tour of the malt house, and a meal. Read more and reserve a spot ($65 per person) online.
SF Drunken History
Tuesday, February 25 at 6 p.m.
Not all SF Beer Week events have a cover charge. The Rake at Admiral Maltings is throwing a free event to bring “the city’s most notorious (and beer-soaked) stories to life.” Sit down and enjoy an evening of storytelling, laughter, and friendship. More information is available online. No RSVP is required.
Cask & Queso
Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m.
Beer and cheese? Say no more! Come enjoy 12 local cask beers paired with a selection of delicious cheeses. As a special treat, some German-style Stichfass kegs will also be poured. Your $68 ticket includes unlimited tasting of feature casks, plus a cheese plate. Additional beverages, cheeses, and other menu items will be available for purchase.
Alameda Brewing Co., 1716 Park Street
Alameda Brewing Beer Week Passport Pickup
Friday, February 21 – Sunday February 23
Alameda Brewing Co. is hosting a lot of events for SF Beer Week. To kick off the week, swing by the taproom to grab your very own free Alameda Brewing Beer Week Passport, while supplies last. The passport will feature all the Beer Week events held at Alameda Brewing. Collect five stamps to win a prize.
Vendor Bazaar
Saturday, February 22, 4 – 8 p.m.
Swing by the taproom to grab a craft beer and shop local businesses at the Vendor Bazaar. Explore hot sauce, plants, jewelry, and more. Oakland Animal Services will also have a booth featuring some fuzzy friends and information about fostering.
Michelada Flight Night
Sunday, February 23, 4 – 8 p.m.
Can you take the heat? Stop by Alameda Brewing for Michelada Flight Night, a celebration of the michelada, a Mexican beer cocktail usually made with beer, citrus, and sauces—often using hot sauce or chilis. For this special flight, sip Alameda Brewing’s latest Mexican Lager, Día De Los Perros, paired with five hot sauces from Evolution Hot Sauce. Flights are $22 at the door.
FAAS Adoption Drive
Tuesday, February 25, 2 – 6 p.m.
Join Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter for a special pop-up adoption event during SF Beer Week. Hang out with some furry friends—and maybe even bring one home!
Wing Wednesday
Wednesday, February 26, 12 – 10 p.m.
Alameda Brewing is partnering with local Alameda restaurant Monkey King to bring together two classics: beer and wings. Stop by anytime to enjoy delicious bites and brews during Wing Wednesday.
Seltzer Mixer
Thursday, February 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
Take a short break from beer to explore Alameda Brewing’s line of Justin Time Seltzer at the Seltzer Mixer. Each beautiful flight comes with five vibrant, Instagram-able drinks. Flights are $15 at the door.
Beer, Bread, and Cheese Pairing
Friday, February 28, starting at 3 p.m.
What could be better than beer, bread, and cheese all together? This special event features beer from Alameda Brewing, bread from Semifreddi’s, and cheese from Farmstead Cheeses and Wines in Alameda. Reserve a spot in advance for one of the three seatings. Tastings will take place at 3, 5, and 7 p.m., and each tasting will last one hour. Tickets are $28.52.
Retro Day
Saturday, March 1, 12 – 10 p.m.
Join Alameda Brewing for good vibes and brews at Retro Day. The day will include retro music, free retro candy, and free sunglasses. Swing by for however long you’d like.
Brewer’s Holiday
Sunday, March 2, 12 – 10 p.m.
After over a week of great events, the brewers are taking a break. Stop by for Brewer’s Holiday, the last day of SF Beer Week at Alameda Brewing. It’ll also be the final chance to turn in your passport for prizes.
Humble Sea Brewing Co., 2350 Saratoga Street, #164
Stay tuned for more
Humble Sea is a member of the Bay Area Brewers Guild, but they’re taking a break from SF Beer Week 2025 while waiting for some patio construction to finish. The taproom is still open, however, and they’d love to see you. Stop by for some brews and Wednesday night trivia. And keep an eye out for upcoming events as they celebrate a new beautiful space.
Other Beer Events
Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster Street
Pinball and Pints
Sunday, February 23, 2 – 6 p.m.
No, the Pacific Pinball Museum hasn’t started a brewery in their spare warehouse (although we think that’d be epic.) They are, however, hosting the 10th anniversary of Pinball and Pints! Play as much pinball as you’d like on more than 100 machines while sampling brews from around the Bay Area. Reserve your spot online for $60.54.
Almanac Beer Co., 651 W Tower Avenue
Beetlejuice Showing
Friday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Almanac Beer Co. presents their very own Week of Wonders to celebrate all things beer. To kick things off, Almanac welcomes the public to a complimentary and family-friendly showing of Beetlejuice on their massive 25-foot screen. Enjoy some free popcorn while you’re there!
Almanac & Friends Kegger
Saturday, February 22 – Sunday February 23 (all day)
“Join us for a bonkers guest beer extravaganza!” teases the poster for the Almanac & Friends Kegger. Enjoy a full weekend of Almanac favorites and other special selections from their brewery besties. Almanac is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Almanac Rare Release Party
Wednesday, February 26, 12 – 9 p.m.
Almanac is bringing back some fan favorites for their Rare Release Party. If you’ve been missing classics like Bourbon Barrel Peche, Lamb & Geuze, Valley of the Heart’s Delight, or Hoppy Sours, now is your chance to taste them again!
Beetlejuice 2 Showing
Friday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m.
After refreshing yourself on the original Beetlejuice movie on the 21st, join Almanac for Beetlejuice 2 on the 28th. Admission and popcorn are still free!
Puppet Wars Live Wrestling
Saturday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Almanac is wrapping up their Week of Wonders with a unique and exciting performance. Come see the entertaining and hilarious Puppet Wars live wrestling for an unforgettable night. The family-friendly event promises delicious eats and drinks alongside the Puppet Masters Dojo performance. Get tickets in advance online for $23.18 or at the door for $25.
Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street
Faction Brewing is hitting the road this week for some special guest appearances at other Bay Area breweries. Grab a designated driver and head to several events beyond Alameda to taste their brews:
- Friday, February 21: LUPULIN Overload Weekend at The Hop Grenade in Concord | Ready for IPAs, double IPAs, and triple IPAs?
- Friday, February 21: Blind Flights at The Beer Aisle in Oakley | Can you pick Faction’s IPA out of a blind tasting?
- Sunday, February 23: Pinball and Pints right here in Alameda | You don’t have to drive far for this one!
- Thursday, February 27: Ghost Town Brewing’s West Fest 2025 in Oakland | Enjoy Faction beers alongside selections from over 40 other breweries.
- Friday, February 28: Buzzin on Hops’ Blind IPA Tap Takeover in Livermore | “We’re bringing together 12 different single IPAs from 12 incredible breweries, but there’s a twist..”
- Saturday, March 1: SF Beer Week events at Tap 25 in Livermore | Enjoy live music and a taco truck.
- Sunday, March 2: Tasty Day 2025 at The Hop Grenade in Concord | “Come on down and vote to choose who will be crowned Hop Grenade’s Brewery of the Year!”
Faction Brewing will also be hosting their regular weekly events at their Alameda taproom, 2501 Monarch Street:
- Friday February 21 and Saturday, February 22: Laughs on Tap presents comedian Rich Vos | “Don’t miss out on our biggest show in Laughs on Tap history.”
- Friday, February 28: Alameda Point Night Market: Karaoke and Silent Disco | Shop local goods and dance to your own beat!
- Sunday, March 2: Rock & Roll Flea Market | Enjoy 75 vendors, live music, food, and more.
What if I don’t drink beer?
Don’t despair! A plethora of fun events, in Alameda and beyond, are posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Reach her at [email protected].
