Who knew that Palmdale got its name from mistaken identity? Apparently, arriving settlers were told they’d see palm trees when they neared the ocean and mistook the area’s yucca trees for palms. 140 years later, Palmdale’s the jewel of the high desert in the northernmost reaches of LA County, a symbol of resilience atop the San Andreas Fault, and “Aerospace capital of the US.”
As the expression goes, then, “It looks like you could use a drink,” and Palmdale is only too happy to oblige with the High Desert Beer and Wine Festival, which recently finalized its lineups for beer, wine, beverage, food and vendor participants as it returns for its fourth annual outing, Saturday, June 20, from 5-10 p.m. at the Palmdale Amphitheater, located at 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd.
Billed as “The High Desert’s Biggest Beer and Wine Party,” this signature summer event is the perfect place to sample the finest craft brews and wines in California, savor local culinary delights, and dance the night away to live music in the burgeoning high desert.
What’s “on tap?” First, guests can sample a variety of craft beers from top brewers in the region with unlimited tastings. Breweries confirmed so far include Altar Society Brewing Company; Antelope Valley Brewery; Bravery Brewing Company; Cerveza Cito Brewery; Brewery Draconum; Enegren Brewing Co.; Local Craft Brewery; Luchador Brewing; Lucky Luke Brewing; Malibu Brewing Company; Montucky Cold Snacks; Red Engine Brewing Company; Santa Cruz Brewing; Shadow Grove Brewing; Tortugo Brewing Company; and Two Tracks Cellars Brewery.
Is the fruit of the vine more your style? Discover exquisite wines from California’s finest wineries with unlimited tastings. Wineries/beverages confirmed so far include Antelope Valley Winery; Barrett Cellars; Honey Pot Meadery; Le Vigne Winery; Stephen Hemmert Wines; Rafael Tovar Wines; and Tehachapi Winery.
Food and beverage options abound, including The Artisan Woodfired Pizza; Chopped Craft BBQ; The Chubby Corn; Dirty Dan’s Beverage Company; Freedom Juice; Kona Ice of Lancaster; Lobo Coffee Roasters; Luv N Popcorn LLC; Old School Dogs; Tacos El Superior; and That’s a Pretzel. Additional vendors include: Rycebunnie Trinkets; Endless Dreams and More; and Queen Necessities Brown Sugar.
Eat and drink to the beat! Live music and entertainment: Enjoy performances from local and regional artists, including the original and first Bruno Mars tribute band, Uptown Funk, Reality Check, Wildfire Arts and DJ Aone Morris (DJ Aone), “educator by day, DJ by night.”
Lawn games and interactive experiences are also available to ensure there is something for everyone at the festival.
“With the festival only a week away now, we’re hugely gratified by the outpouring (!) of support from our local and regional businesses,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “With a stacked lineup of beer and wine, food and beverage options, music and activities, we’re expecting the best Festival ever. We are excited to welcome the community and visitors to celebrate right here in Palmdale while supporting the businesses, makers and partners that help our region thrive.”
Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop added, “The High Desert Beer and Wine Festival is a great example of how Palmdale brings people together through memorable experiences. Events like this celebrate our community, support local businesses and give residents and visitors another opportunity to enjoy the energy and hospitality that make our city stand out.”
What to expect:
First, the festival is 21 and over, and ID’s are required upon entry.
Second, tickets start at $63 and include unlimited beer and wine tastings. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and festivities commence at 5 p.m. for VIP entry and 6 p.m. for general admission. Note: VIP tickets include early access, a special entry lane, specialty tastings, concert seating and more. The event concludes at 10 p.m. Parking is $13 plus advance fees; $20 on site and is located on Rancho Vista Blvd. and 25th Street West (Highland Street).
And now, a word from our sponsors: The City of Palmdale; Bayshore Consulting Group; Bruin Geotechnical; Covington Group; Duke Engineering; and Waste Management.
See you there!
