Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden Celebrates 2 Years In Concord

CONCORD, CA — Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden is celebrating its two-year anniversary Saturday, Aug. 26. The event features a special beer release of the Super Sucker for Succulents (DIPA); 20-percent off merchandise; food from Ofie’s kitchen; and a live performance by the Jr. DeVille Blues Band from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Band plays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

The celebration is free, open to the public (all ages), and takes place at 1822 Grant Street in Concord.

Side Gate refers to impromptu backyard hangouts where everyone is considered family and can simply let themselves in through a side gate, hence the brewery's slogan: "Friends Don’t Knock," according to Paul Culbertson, co-founder and co-brewer.

"At Side Gate, everyone is welcome and treated like family," he said.

As homebrewers, opening Side Gate two years ago was a dream come true for Culbertson and co-founder/co-brewer Kevin Wilson. The Bay Area natives worked together but decided to quit their day job and launch their dream brewery.

Since opening its doors Sept. 10, 2021, Side Gate has become a pillar in both the local and beer communities, they said. The brewery has collaborated with several fellow breweries throughout the Bay Area; hosted brew competitions allowing homebrewers the opportunity to collaborate and brew on a commercial scale; started canning and distributing beers with unique and custom art; and provided an outdoor experience where friends and family can gather over live music and a continuously rotating selection of craft beer.

"It’s been such a fun adventure these past couple of years, and we are incredibly thankful to all our patrons, community members, industry partners and friends who have played an instrumental role in building Side Gate to what it is today," Culbertson and Wilson said.

The two-year anniversary is the first of two major fall events for Side Gate Brewery. An "unforgettable Oktoberfest" is planned from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, with live music all day, a craft fair, a stein-holding contest, corn hole, brats/sliders/pretzels and shaved ice, and German-style beers on tap.

For more information, visit Side Gate on Facebook or online at Sidegatebrewing.com.