Beer festival season is getting going in a big way this weekend with events, parties and special releases happening across Los Angeles. From favorite local beer bars celebrating anniversaries to your chance to sit atop the Iron Throne of Westeros while sipping “Game of Thrones"-inspired beer, there’s an event for every taste Saturday.

Tony’s Darts Away 5th anniversary

While the neighborhood joint has been pouring suds for close to 40 years, it’s the fifth anniversary of the eponymous Tony Yanow converting the wood-paneled dive into an all-California craft beer bar. The celebration spans the weekend, and if past years are any indication, the tap list will be deep with rare and sought-after brews and the bar will be packed with fans and supporters. Details on what kegs will be tapped at what time over the two days will be announced on Twitter, but you can count on a fresh batch of the sneaky-potent TDA IPA (which was brewed at Golden Road Brewing with help from the TDA staff). There’s no cover to attend, and Easter Sunday will feature a different sour beer every hour.

Tony’s Darts Away, 1710 W Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, (818) 253-1710.


Bourbon O.E. & Goldie Bottle release at Smog City Brewing

More new bottles will be released from the Torrance brewery on Saturday, including cult-favorite O.E. barleywine that’s been aged in bourbon barrels for 15 months. Goldie, a Belgian golden strong ale aged in bourbon barrels for six months, will also be available in bottles, and there are sure to be some great brews on tap as well. The Smog City team is expecting big crowds, but they’ve streamlined their bottle-sales process for the event (and expect the bottled-beer to sell out if not on Saturday, then soon afterward). Doors open at noon and the brewery closes at 8 p.m.

Smog City Brewing, 1901 Del Amo Blvd., Suite B, Torrance, (310) 320-7664.

New ‘Game of Thrones’ beer release at Blue Palms Brewhouse


Once again, Hollywood craft beer hotspot Blue Palms will take over parts of the adjacent Henry Fonda Music Box Theater to celebrate the release of the next “Game of Thrones” beer from Brewery Ommegang. The Three Eyed Raven is a “black saison,” which blends a spicy farmhouse ale yeast with a slightly roasty and ink-black malts. There will be a dozen other Ommegang beers on tap, and a costume contest, themed caricatures and the Iron Throne photo booth for entertainment. The revelry begins at 1 p.m.; tickets are $20 ($25 at the door pending availability) and include one Three Eyed Raven Pour, “Game of Thrones” commemorative glass, and one serving of Three Eyed Raven Wings.

Blue Palms Brewhouse, 6124 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 464-2337.

Los Angeles Beer Fest - L.A. Center Studios

Veteran beer-event promoters Drink.Eat.Play are throwing another of their beer-soaked parties at downtown’s Los Angeles Center Studios on Saturday. There are two three-hour sessions (noon to 3 p.m., 5 to 8 p.m.) each featuring dozens of breweries, 15 food trucks and live DJs. Expect a rowdy crowd, lots of flagship brews, and games of cornhole. Tickets are $40 and include the beer (but not the food).


L.A. Center Studios, 1201 W. 5th St. T-110, Los Angeles, (213) 534-3000.

Run + Yoga at Angel City Brewery

If you’re feeling a bit tapped out after Saturday’s parties, head to the Arts District on Sunday morning for the weekly Run + Yoga event at Angel City Brewery Public House. After a short 2-mile run through the neighborhood (starting at 9:30 a.m.), there’s a Vinyasa flow yoga class at 10 a.m., and $10 gets you the class and a pint afterward. The Public House is also hosting the Beer Bazaar featuring local arts and crafts vendors beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday if you feel like sticking around.

Angel City Brewery, 216 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles (213) 622-1261.