The Beer Garden: A curated tasting trail among California’s native plants

Details:

Beer Garden is the Garden’s main fundraising event of the year, with every dollar raised supporting core programs in environmental education, conservation and research, and native plant horticulture. This year’s event is extra special as it takes place during the Garden’s 100th birthday weekend. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mission Canyon, 400 ticket holders are invited to explore the Garden’s 5.5 miles of walking trails while enjoying one-of-a-kind beers uniquely paired with California’s native plants. Acoustic music performances and paired finger foods supplied by area restaurants add to this multi-sensory, outdoor experience. Join us on March 14, 2026, as we raise a glass to the Garden’s next century!

Thank you to our 2026 Event Committee: Matt Kettmann (Co-Chair), Sophia Taylor (Co-Chair), Sarah Berkus Gower, Jonathan DiBenedetto, Katie Gerpheide, Rose Pondel, Dawn Seymour, Jesse Smith

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Redwood –

Oak –

Manzanita –

Kolohe, Mezcal & Bean | Riviera Locos | Schipper Construction

Poppy –

Katalyst PR | Mark Funk & Jim Owens | San Roque Beer Drinkers Association | Sarah & Hayden Gower | Sub Rosa Gardens | The Silva Spracher Family | Valerie Hoffman

Sponsorships available publicly Sept. 15 – Jan. 9

Why become a sponsor?

• Public Recognition: Showcase your commitment to native plant conservation and biodiversity. You will receive recognition pre-, during, and post-event.
• Make An Impact: Every dollar raised goes toward protecting native plants and habitats across the Central Coast.
• Exclusive Experience: As one of Santa Barbara’s most popular event, selling out in under 15 minutes in 2025, your sponsorship guarantees tickets to the VIP Grand Cru experience, with additional drinks and food, and the main event.

Tickets:

General Admission: $175 – Available January 14, 2026 at 9 a.m. PST

Located in the historic west side of the Garden, General Admission ticket holders have three hours (1-4 p.m.) to taste curated beers and bites from 25 local breweries and eateries highlighting California’s native plants.

Event Gallery

Nama Biru Rice Lager with a Desert lavender essence by Draughtsmen Aleworks.

Guests enjoying a native California Hummingbird sage spritz by T.W. Hollister.

Desert Lavender Cream Puff by 2025 Grand Cru Vendor, Helena Avenue Bakery

Guests attending the Grand Cru Experience

Wild Ale with California native Bay laurel and Desert lavender by Third Window Brewing

Guests enjoying food and cocktails from 2024 premier Grand Cru Vendors, Strange Beast and Good Lion Hospitality

Tacos by Taqueria La Unica

Spring pea, yerba buena hummus by The Lark

Long time Beer Garden sponsor Kelly Knight (left) of Knight Real Estate Group

Acoustic music performance by Ben Catch

Miso braised short rib, winter squash, sage butter & parmigiano risottino with crispy California native Black sage & horseradish gremolata from Convivo.

GA guests wondering through the Redwood grove

Guests enjoying beer cocktails by Good Lion Hospitality at the Grand Cru Experience.

“Box of Rain” with native California Wood mint from La Paloma