Frequently Asked Questions
Beer City is a traveling circus of beer, running, and fun. Our Festivals offer great beer from local brewers you know and from new ones, we have come to know our travels. Join us in Alameda, Orange County, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and San Jose with new cities coming all the time.
All Beer City Festivals start with a run from our Beer City Half Series. You’ll also find a Beer Stroll, a 1-mile journey that starts and finishes with a taste. Shaking your booty is fun and it builds up a good thirst.
Once you’re done running there’s beer tasting with music, games, and food truck food on top of the usual post-run fare. This all goes on until noon, then we head off to the taprooms of our brewer friends.
ach finisher receives The Key Beer City medal (which doubles as a bottle opener). Hold it close! All finishers also receive a custom Beer City Half shirt and a special Beer City tasting glass made from recycled plastic. Yay sustainability!
There is packet pickup on Friday, March 20 from 3-6 pm at Sports Basement Long Beach (2100 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815). Yes, you can pick up for friends. No, this isn't required. You can pick up on race morning too. To wit:
On race day, there is bib pickup starting just after 7am at the Start.
There will be beer tastes for racers over 21 years of age. As much as you like. It's included with your registration fee.
as well as non-alcoholic beer and other drinks like bubbly water and soda pop. Beer drinking ends at noon at the Finish. There will also be post-race treats.
Yes, everyone is welcome. All ages. No ticket holders get a visitors bracelet. Have your team come cheer you on!
All races start and finish at Shoreline Aquatic Park on the waterfront in Long Beach (200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA). The start/finish/festival area is in the park adjacent to Pier Point Park.
Two answers. Paid parking is available at Pier Point Park, which is immediately adjacent to Beer City. There are 140 spots there. The time limit for parking is 2 hours and it costs $6. There is additional parking at the Pike Parking Structure, which is a half-mile walk. The address is 65 S. Cedar Ave, Long Beach, 90802. This lot opens at 7 am.
If you are running the half marathon, you will likely want to park at Pike, unless you are prepared to feed your meter at Pier Point Park.
Yes, they are.
It's a stroll with beer. We have found that folks come with friends who want a taste of beer and something to do. So we send you off with a taste of beer. You walk a mile. You have more beer. It's fun! You also get the same schwag as your overachieving friend or spouse who's running the full race. You don't have to be over 21 to take part in the Beer Stroll. Only if you want the beer part.
Like any beer mile, you drink 4 beers over 1 mile of running. With Beat the Beast, you must stay ahead of one of our Beer City Beasts who may run slower than you -- but drinks faster. Don't get caught by the Beer City Beast or you are OUT of the race. Kudos to the Mendocino Running Festival for this fun concept!
Join us in the afternoon from 12 pm to 5 pm at a taproom of our choosing. Special taproom activities just for Beer City weekend will be held, along with music and games. Your ticket covers your first beer. You receive a special treat too.
We have a very generous policy for deferrals and transfers called Forever Forgiving. You can read all about it here.
There is parking adjacent to the event at Pier Point Park, though there are only 140 spots. Overflow parking is available at The Pike Parking Structure, 65 S Cedar Ave Long Beach, CA 90802. This lot opens at 7am. Parking is paid.
If you are running the half marathon, we recommend parking at Pike Parking, since there is a 2 hour limit at Pier Point. Otherwise, prepare to upgrade you meter after you finish.
Yes, we expect all finishers to be done withing 3 hours and 30 minutes for the half marathon.
Yes, you can! This is an open course so pay attention to your surroundings.
Yes, friends can pickup.
Yes, we provide an area for folks to leave their things. This is not a formal will call or bag check, but it is safe.
Yes, there are water stops over 1 to 2 miles.
Yes, everyone gets a wooden medal, a custom tasting glass (made our of post consumer plastic) and a custom shirt.
Yes there are porta potties near the finish and 1 out on course.
All the beer you want is included with your registration. You don't need to buy another pass. For your friends, they can pick up their Lazy Friend wristband at the event.
We need to see them in person to know they are 'of age', so you can't pick it up in advance unless they accompany you.
Yes, there is NA IPA from Fieldwork Brewing. They are our premier NA partner.
You can find Fieldwork NA IPA at Wine & More throughout California.