California Beer Festival

The beginning of October is officially the time of chugging, as beers, sausages and boobs (at the same time) overthrow civilized society and revelers toast to pink elephants and evil rabbits and urinate down public parking garage stairs. That holiday is called Oktoberfest, and the IE is no stranger to its festivities. Claremont is once again hosting a California Beer Festival, featuring over 60 brewers and restaurants bringing the best for attendees to test and vote. Event organizer Vincenzo Giammanco claims that wine tasting is popular, but beer tasting is not, and that’s the purpose of this event. Pay for a sampling cup and gain access to unlimited amounts of beer, food and live entertainment. The event sold out at 4,000 last year, and is expected to be larger this time around. Beer goggles: how do they work?

California Beer Festival at 502 W. 1st Street, Claremont, (805) 765-4294; www.californiabeerfestival.com. 12:30PM-5PM. $40.