On October 5, 2013, the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica will hold their 4th Annual Beer, Art & Music Festival, fondly known as BAM Fest 2013 and it is destined to be better than ever. I went to BAM Fest last year and every person I spoke to that had attended one or both of the prior events told me it was the best ever. Well, last year they had about 30 brewers with taps; this year they have 42 scheduled so far. The reason I say “so far” is that a couple weeks ago I wrote an article about this event and they were talking 30+. At this rate, they could have more than 50; I think space may be their only enemy; everyone wants to pour at BAM Fest.

In addition to the beer there will be three bands, wine and homemade soda tastings and lots of gourmet food trucks. BAM Fest is a fundraiser for the 18th Street Art Center, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, so while you are sipping beer and listening to tunes waft through the air you can visit the studios of most of the artists as they leave them open as a way of showing what you are supporting. Culture and beer with all proceeds going to the 18th Street Arts Center, and you can probably bet the farm that it will be a nice day in Santa Monica. Tickets can be purchased online for $45 each; they will be $50 at the door if there are still tickets available on October 5.

The current list of participating craft breweries is:

Ale Industries
Anchor Brewing Company
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Angel City Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beachwood BBQ & Brewing Company
Boston Beer Company
Bootlegger’s Brewery Co.
Brasserie d’Achouffe
Brewery at Abigaile, The
Brewery Ommegang
The Bruery
Cismontane Brewing Company
Deschutes Brewery Company
Dogfish Head Brewery
Drake’s Brewing Company
The Dudes’ Brewing Company
Duvel-Moortgat
El Segundo Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Golden Road Brewing Company
Green Flash Brewing Company
Hangar 24 Brewing Company
Haven Brewing Co.
Kinetic Brewing
Los Angeles Ale Works
Ladyface Ale Companie
Lagunitas Brewing
Liefmans
Monkish Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company
Noble Ale Works
North Coast Brewing
Phantom Carriage
Pizza Port, Carlsbad
Port Town Brewing Company
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Smog City Brewing Company
Speakeasy Ales and Lager
Stone Brewing Company
Strand Brewing Company
Surf Brewery

It sounds like a great time for a good cause. I hope to see you there and smile for my camera. Cheers!