Highlights of the Sacramento beer scene: Check out these local breweries and festivals

While readers of The Bee named Flatland Brewing the region’s best brewery, the Elk Grove outpost is in good company. Sacramento’s craft beer scene is booming, and the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped it.

If you need a primer on where to find all the most interesting breweries and beer events in the area, look no further: Here’s an overview of some of the region’s buzziest destinations and festivals:

Top choice breweries

In addition to fan-favorite Flatland, these are the top breweries to try, according to the Bee’s beer expert, Jim Patrick.

Moonraker Brewing

12970 Earhart Ave., Auburn

With a 4.12 rating on Untappd, Moonraker can’t be missed. This brewery won a silver medal at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival in the golden or blonde ale category as well as a silver medal in 2018 in the imperial IPA category.

Slice Beer Company

665 6th St., Lincoln

Founded by one of the original Moonraker brewers, Slice is also highly rated on Untappd. In 2020, Slice became the first brewery to win the people’s choice award in both categories at the Bistro’s Annual Double and Triple IPA Festival.

Moksa

5860 Pacific St., Rocklin

This brewery in Rocklin, known for its stouts, was ranked the sixth best new brewer in the world in 2018 by RateBeer.com.

Bonus: Traditional beer fans should check out Alaro Craft Brewery (2004 Capitol Ave.), which also has great food. For good vibes downtown, try Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse (1322 V St.). And for an outdoor, dog-friendly atmosphere, head to SacYard Community Taphouse (1725 33rd St.).

Upcoming festivals

While a couple of the region’s major beer events have already happened this year — the Farm to Fork Festival took place in September and the Capitol Beer Fest was Oct. 16 — here are a few upcoming events to hit:

Taps & Apps Brew Fest

Check out the patios at Loehmann’s Plaza in Arden-Arcade for a beer tasting featuring 15 local craft breweries this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will also be appetizers and live music, and proceeds support Paint Sacramento Pink. Tickets cost $25.

Sacramento Beer Week

Sacramento Beer Week returns in 2022 from April 22 to May 1. The event features more than a hundred events put on by participating breweries themselves. The Sacramento Area Brewers Guild will also host an official festival to kick off the event.

Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival

Try unlimited samples of craft beer and sandwiches in Southside Park on May 14 at the Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival’s Grilled Cheese, Beer and Wine Tasting event. Tickets start at $65.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.