Village Fest

Honestly, you can't get any better than this for a Beer Festival. Actually, I don't know if I'd call it a beer festival at this point (well, they don't call it that either!). It really is a beer and culinary tastes festival. There's tons of entertainment on 3-4 separate stages. Beers from all over the world are showcased in beer-flight-sized samplings and local restaurants provide food for everyone -- everywhere you look there's a booth. Every year they grow bigger with more and more patrons, but they never, ever seem to run out of beer and food. The event is highly organized and well-staffed. I did miss the free glass tasting glasses this year, however I do understand why they switched to plastic. It just means I won't have a nice souvenir in my cupboard. It really is about the event -- value-wise, you get what you pay for and then some!

My first time going and it was a blast! I got invited last minute with a free VIP pass, so perhaps that is helping with the 5 star review Loved the atmosphere, booths, drinks, food, every thing! Having local radio stations DJ and live bands play (Dub Seeds, a favorite) at various stages makes it a fun little adventure and honestly, every person I visited, whether it was for food or drink, working the booths were pleasant and super nice! Which...if you've ever been in the presence of a lot of people consuming alcoholic beverages, is NOT EASY.I'll definitely go back, if of course, it is a free invite

Our group was hugely disappointed with this event. We have been to our share of beer festivals and this is regarded as the one to go to in Bakersfield. Well, we won't be returning.Why? The food vendors appeared not to be able to keep up with the demand of the attendees. We'd get in line during 2nd hour and some would be out of product. Also, the lines were very long. Hated to get in line to get again another pulled pork sandwich or mac n cheese. Most of beer seemed to be geared towards IPA drinkers. The music was excellent. Enjoyed Mr. Trimble, Member's Only, Mento Buru, and another ska band.Overall, more variety of beers and enough food would be appreciated.

Village fest was very fun when I first got there and saw the little cups and the voucher for only 15 samples I'll be honest I was like what a rip off. Then I started drinking and I didn't even get to 15!!! There was so much food and beer to try it was definitely worth it.

Ah Village Fest, formerly know as Brews in the Village, probably the best festival I have been to. I have been going about 7 years and each year it keeps getting better. The food this year was tops, and the serving sizes were slightly bigger. Enjoy a variety of beer, wine, local food, and local musicians. Pay a little more to be VIP and get in 30 minutes earlier, get an exclusive area with air conditioned restrooms, tables and chairs to sit and eat. There is so much to do here you won't get bored and you won't wait in long lines. This really is the event of the year. The event coordinators have done so well improving it each year. The proceeds go to a good case. I have been photographing the event for two years now, look for my photos on the event website.

What a great turn out this event had! Tons of people in all areas of the grounds.Most vendors were very friendly and the variety of food and beer was decent.Lino's had some of the best salsa ever! So hot!The VIP area had some nice Mexican food (chicken/pork tacos and slaw) offered by Greenhorn, various wines and beer.Only things that I was not a fan of: the VIP passes did not include parking? Why? So many people not aware, pulling a u-turn in the lot somewhat disappointed at that.VIP passes got you in at 5pm but you were only allowed to hang out in one smaller, particular spot until at least 6pm.The glasses... so easy to throw out by accident and I did :( Glasses on the smaller side and plastic. I get it, plastic is so much safer for this venue but the whole VIP experience to some would not feel so VIP. Also, getting out of the area by vehicle was a nightmare, took a very long time. More traffic control required next year.

Village fest was great. Great food and drinks. Lines for drinks and food wasn't too long and they had good entertainment.

I was pleasantly suprised when I attended this event. It was my first beer festival so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was better than I imagined. I had been to events at the museum before and everything was really spread out, but Village Fest was the complete opposite. Every street had vendors and some sort of entertainment lined up right after the other. There was lots of food, and plenty of water stations throughout the park. Having a drink limit card was not an issue either. I didn't even get to half the amount allowed. Music was great throughout and I am very happy I got to attend.

I've enjoyed the festival every year but it seems they run out of drinks faster every year.. last two times the last 90 minutes almost all vendors are out! I've been told the vip tickets are the best bang for your buck. I'll def have to check it out and update this review after. Although this is the priciest festival here in town it's the one with the most options, vendors, music and food. Look out for the early ticket sales for a nice discount.

So great in so many ways. Fabulous food, great music, outstanding beers and wine, clean outhouses etc. One HUGE problem though. The massive amounts of second hand smoke. Especially cigar smoke.Folks can smoke ANYWHERE. In food lines, on the dance floors, in front of the high powered fans etc.And there is a LOT of it. Really quite unbelievable. And while someone might argue a good cigar is pleasant, this is definitely not true of second hand cigar smoke! It's stomach churning putrid nonsense.Why not have designated zones for this? I have no problem with designated zones.It is truly remarkable that this can occur.