Brewgrass Festival in Felton: Craft Beer & Bluegrass Fun

Read the full experience

The Brewgrass Festival in Felton, California, hosted by Roaring Camp Railroads, offers an exceptional private outdoor adventure for craft beer lovers and music fans alike. This unique event combines a scenic train ride through the redwoods with live bluegrass performances and a vibrant craft beer tasting experience featuring over 15 local breweries. Attendees can enjoy mouthwatering food from local food trucks while soaking in the festive atmosphere surrounded by towering trees and charming historic railcars. The highlight is the VIP Beer Tasting Train, an exclusive onboard experience that includes beer samples and live music performances, making it a memorable day of good vibes, great brews, and beautiful nature. Whether you’re a brewery enthusiast, a music lover, or someone seeking a lively yet relaxed outdoor event, the Brewgrass Festival delivers a perfect mix of entertainment and wilderness beauty. Felton’s charming small-town vibe combined with the spectacular natural setting of the Santa Cruz Mountains makes this festival an ideal destination for California adventurers looking to savor local flavors and sounds.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4–6 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond walking short distances and boarding the train.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Brewgrass Festival suitable for children?

The festival is primarily geared toward adults due to alcohol tastings, though children are allowed with adult supervision; however, some activities might not be child-friendly.

Can I purchase craft beer outside of the VIP Beer Tasting Train?

Yes, there are multiple brewery booths offering tastings and sales throughout the festival grounds.

Are tickets required for the Brewgrass Festival and the VIP train?

Yes, advance tickets are recommended as both the general festival and VIP tasting train have limited capacity.

Is parking available at the event?

Parking is available, but spaces may be limited, so consider carpooling or arriving early for the best spots.

Are pets allowed at the Brewgrass Festival?

Pets are generally not permitted inside the festival grounds or train cars to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.

Is the festival accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Roaring Camp Railroads works to accommodate accessibility needs, including train boarding assistance; contact the organizers in advance for specific arrangements.

Local insights

Wildlife

Black-tailed deer
California scrub jay

History

Roaring Camp Railroads dates back to the 1880s, celebrating the region’s logging heritage with historic steam locomotives.

Conservation

The festival promotes sustainable practices including waste reduction, recycling, and supporting local breweries with environmentally responsible production.

About This Experience

Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming. Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest. Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer. Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.

Base locationFelton, California

Tours offered23+

Specialtyothers

Adventure tips

Arrive Early for Best SeatingVIP train seating and event spots fill quickly, so plan to arrive early to secure your preferred spot.

Wear Comfortable ShoesYou’ll be walking around the festival area and boarding trains, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must.

Bring a Reusable Water BottleHydration is important during beer tastings; bring a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Check Weather ForecastFelton’s weather can be variable; layers are recommended to stay comfortable from warm sunshine to cooler evening air.

Recommended gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes: For navigating festival grounds and train boarding safely and comfortably.
Layered Clothing: Stay warm in cool mornings and evenings, and be prepared for changing temperatures.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses help protect against intense midday sun during outdoor activities.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during alcohol tastings.