Spend two hours at Belmont Brewing Company learning bonsai basics—choose a tree, pot it, and take it home with ongoing support. A hands-on, social workshop inside Long Beach’s oldest brew pub.
Spend two hours at Belmont Brewing Company learning bonsai basics—choose a tree, pot it, and take it home with ongoing support. A hands-on, social workshop inside Long Beach’s oldest brew pub.
Book with Bonsai Bar
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bonsai Bar · Long Beach, California
On a warm evening in Belmont Shore, a low-slung brick brewpub hums with conversation and the scent of yeast and pine. Bonsai Bar at Belmont Brewing Company, at 25 39th Pl in Long Beach, California, turns that communal energy into a hands-on workshop where you craft a living miniature tree in two guided hours. The setup is simple: a selection of young stock, ceramic pots, peat-based soil in bins, shears, and a chopstick for planting. Taught by experienced instructors, this class is designed for first-timers who want a focused, tactile introduction to bonsai basics.
Belmont Brewing is itself a local landmark—opened in the summer of 1990 and known as the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County. The brewery runs a seven-barrel system and produces approachable ales and stouts under brewer David Blackwell, who has led brewing here since 1999. That working-brewery atmosphere—fermenters glinting behind glass, the murmur of pours—gives the workshop an on-the-ground, non-precious feel: this is craft you can touch and take home.
In two hours you’ll choose a tree and a pot, prune and shape, and learn wiring, basic soil mixes, and watering routines. Every ticket includes your tree, a ceramic pot, tools to borrow, and entry into Bonsai Bar’s Tree-iage support program for follow-up care. Organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes early to check in, order food and drink, and settle in. While drinks aren’t included, the option to sip a house ale while you trim adds a social, convivial edge unusual for plant classes.
What makes this workshop stand out in Southern California is the pairing of urban craft beer culture with an ancient horticultural practice. Long Beach’s coastal climate makes it possible to work with hardy species common to beginner bonsai, and the venue’s long history and community focus mean these nights draw a mix of locals—from hobby gardeners to curious first-timers.
Practical notes: workshops run about two hours, space is ticketed per person, and policies on under-21 entry vary by venue. Expect hands-on instruction, a small group, and ongoing support after the event. Whether you’re looking for an unusual date night, a creative way to meet people, or a calm, focused evening away from screens, Bonsai Bar at Belmont Brewing Company is an accessible, tactile way to bring a little living art home from Long Beach. Bring closed-toe shoes and expect to stand at a communal table; instructors will demonstrate pruning, soil composition, and basic wiring technique, then guide you as you make your own decisions. The class works well as a thoughtful gift, a low-pressure skill builder, or a way to meet neighbors who care for plants. Spaces fill quickly; book ahead through the event’s reservation link to secure spot and avoid disappointment.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical exertion; standing and light manual dexterity required
No. Drinks are not included; you can purchase beverages from the brewery during the event.
No. Events are ticketed per person and each attendee must have their own ticket and tree.
Yes. Workshops are designed for first-timers and provide step-by-step instruction and support.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to check in, order food or drink, and choose your tree and pot.
Each ticket includes a tree you pick, a ceramic bonsai pot, use of tools, two hours of instruction, and access to the Tree-iage follow-up program.
Refunds are not offered unless the class is canceled or rescheduled by Bonsai Bar due to insufficient numbers or unforeseen reasons.
Belmont Brewing opened in the summer of 1990 and is recognized as the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County.
Bring reusable containers and avoid disposing of potting mix in storm drains; the Tree-iage program offers guidance to keep bonsai healthy without wasting resources.
Bonsai Bar is a mobile bonsai workshop company based in Providence, Rhode Island that brings hands-on bonsai experiences to bars, breweries, and taprooms. The business runs guided sessions where participants pot, prune, and design their own tiny bonsai trees in social, relaxed venues. Each event includes live instruction, supplies, and a take-home pot so guests can continue caring for their tree after the workshop. Bonsai Bar focuses on accessible, beginner-friendly learning: no prior bonsai experience is required and guides teach practical techniques for styling, basic pruning, and repotting. Events are hosted at local partner venues and regional breweries, creating a casual atmosphere that combines craft beverages with creative activity. Typical locations listed for events include Great Heights Brewing Company, 5 Rights Brewing Company, Protector Brewery, Fruition Brewing and Kitchen, and other community bars and taprooms. Bonsai Bar offers workshops designed for groups, date nights, friends’ outings, and team-building nights, emphasizing social connection and a memorable evening. Booking information, schedules, and specific venue details are provided for each listed event so attendees know what to expect. The operation maintains simple, transparent offerings and relies on trained instructors to deliver consistent, safe workshops. Materials and live guidance are provided at every session, and the format supports small groups to ensure individual attention. For people seeking a creative, hands-on night out in a bar or brewery setting, Bonsai Bar provides an approachable way to learn bonsai basics while enjoying a social atmosphere. Participants leave with a planted tree and simple care instructions included.
Book with Bonsai Bar