Preparations are underway for the second annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest on September 29, a spin on a traditional Oktoberfest that connects the festivities with the city of San Gabriel through an unlikely pairing: dumplings and beer.
Image courtesy City of San Gabriel
City spokesperson Lauren Gold explained that pairing dumplings and beer was a “no brainer” when city officials conceptualized the event. “San Gabriel is known for its authentic Asian cuisine, and dumplings are a huge part of that,” Gold says. “Our dumpling restaurants are known as the best in the region and have been reviewed by food critics including the well-known LA Times food writer Jonathan Gold.” Gold added that craft beer and beer festivals have seen a significant rise in popularity, so it was only natural to pair dumplings and beer in a festival that brought San Gabriel’s cuisine to the forefront at historic Mission District in order to “bring the community together.”
The inaugural festival was held last year, where an estimated 3500 people attended the free admission festival. Gold expects this year’s event to attract even more visitors based on last year’s success. Right now, a few establishments have already contacted the city about being vendors, so the line-up has not yet been finalized. Updates are posted on the official Facebook event page.
The 2016 San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest is on Thursday, September 29 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the Mission District (320 S Mission Drive).
Admission is free to enter the festival, but beer tasting wristbands and food must be purchased.
Featured image courtesy City of San Gabriel
2:03 p.m. correction: A previous version incorrectly said the event was 6:30-9:00 p.m. The corrected time is now published.