The Circus is coming to town! For students of age, this not-so-typical circus invites those to grab friends, family, and prepare for a unique, beer-filled experience worthy of “hopping” out for. Ranging in its various types of entertainment and local craft beer, this for-charity event arrives at an affordable price. Petaluma’s 10th Anniversary Lagunitas Beer Circus will be held on Sept. 14 at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Strap in and get ready for an unforgettable experience with over 100 performers at two main stages that feature all-star bands, burlesque, sideshow acts, aerialists, and many other thrilling performances. The event will also provide a variety of local, delicious food trucks, Midway games, souvenir items and face painters.

Be sure to check out the headliner, Gogol Bordello. From the American punk band, one can expect nothing less than a gypsy punk performance at this year’s Beer Circus.

Get those creative juices flowing for this year’s event, as Lagunitas will be adding a fun twist:  the brewing company will be encouraging guests to participate in the circus with its “Beer Circus Costume Contest.”

While Lagunitas Brewing Company is the main host of the event, guests can anticipate delving into a variety of their favorite craft beer. In addition to its best-selling brews, Lagunitas invites a few of its local friends in the brewing business. The breweries left to join remain a surprise– however, expect to see some of Sonoma County’s top breweries too. 

Sonoma State University Alumni, Keahna Nicholson, attended the 2018 Lagunitas Beer Circus event and shares her experience. Keahna says, “it was absolutely incredible. Everyone was filled with energy and excitement. People showed up in the craziest costumes as they portrayed different circus characters. It was truly a thrilling event, definitely one not to miss,” she continues, “and I also highly recommend attending because not only are you having a fun, eventful day, you are supporting some great non-profits.”

The upcoming Lagunitas Beer Circus is not only an entertaining event, but a charity event as well. Last year 12,000 people attended the event, raising nearly $100,000 for their non-profit partners: Wild at Heart Foundation, CRISP, Urban Artworks, Petaluma Phoenix Center and The Learning Center, namely. These non-profits and youth programs provide a range of services and activities for young people to uphold a safer and welcoming community for the future–the Circus is all about giving back.

If interested in attending this year’s Lagunitas Beer Circus, purchase tickets through EventBrite. Tickets are currently selling at $40, but with your first beer on the house, it makes the cost all the more enticing. Unfortunately, this excitement-filled event is strictly for those 21 years of age and older; as it is a charity event too, once a ticket is purchased, it cannot be refunded. Make sure to drink responsibly, have a designated driver or public transportation available and most importantly, have fun!

Of course, “it’s not a Beer Circus until you show up,” says Lagunitas Brewing Company.