Since 1996, mountain-town lovers have shown up ready to get dusty — and tipsy — at the annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza. This four-day music and beer festival in the Sierra Nevada throws a spotlight on California’s craft beer scene as well as the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The centerpiece of the festival is, of course, the beer: there are over 150 craft beers on tap from over 80 breweries — local and international, and soon-to-be-announced. You can slowly try them out throughout the weekend, or dive in deep at the Grand Tasting, where you can sample unlimited pours for a few hours on Saturday and Sunday. Look out for familiar names like Firestone Walker and Transmission Brewing, alongside local favorites like Mammoth Brewing Company.
As you sip, there are two stages to check out throughout the weekend, mostly playing blues. Past years have brought Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and Samantha Fish to Mammoth, and this year Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The California Honeydrops, and Danielle Nicole will take the stage. Most people take advantage of the local landscape during their weekend, too; there are ample mountain biking trails for adrenaline junkies and alpine lakes to hike or fish in Mammoth Lakes.
The festival is open to all ages, with free entry for children under 10 when accompanied by a paying adult. Just remember, it’s an outdoor venue, so bring a low-back beach chair or blanket to relax on.
The Specs
- Roughly 6,000 people attend most years.
- Weekend day tickets start at $100/day, 2-day passes start at $225, and VIP passes start at $935.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to California here.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the festival?
There’s a small airport, Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), right in town.
Where should I stay?
Mammoth is a resort town with many local home rentals and hotel options. If you want a more rustic option, you can also find a nearby campground.
What can I bring?
To stay comfortable, bring your photo ID, a water bottle, sun protection, and a low-back chair. Fanny packs and unframed backpacks are accepted, but no glass, alcohol, weapons, large outdoor furniture, etc. will be permitted.
Belongings will be searched upon entry, so make sure to check their website for a full list of dos and don’ts.
Is the event ADA-accessible?
ADA parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The grounds are uneven and often covered in soft wood chips, so maneuvering wheels can be a challenge.
Who is on the lineup?
The full lineup is not yet announced, but here are the artists that have been announced so far: Los Lobos, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The California Honeydrops, The Record Company, Devon Allman Project, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Danielle Nicole, Southern Avenue, Sugaray Rayford, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, Ron Artis II, Tinsley Ellis, and Grianne Duffy.
Poster
