To many out-of-state beer purists, “L.A. beer culture” may seem like a contradiction in terms, but in a region known internationally for its wine, Southern California has been vying for the reputation as a beer capital too. Billed as “an 11 Day Celebration of Beer Culture in Los Angeles and Orange Counties,” LA Beer Week (October 7-17) is doing its part to bring California-based microbrews to the masses with a citywide celebration of local ale.

Among the 60-plus L.A. restaurants taking part in L.A. Beer Week are the Foundry, Wurstküche, Bottle Rock, Library Alehouse, Tony's Darts Away and the El Segundo, Venice, and Pasadena Whole Foods. Dozens of bars, craft and artisan breweries are also participating, including Bootlegger's Brewery, Chimay, Eagle Rock Brewery, Speakeasy Ales and Lagers and dozens more. Related events include a Beer Class with the Beer Chicks at 55 Degree Wine & Beer October 16 and the second annual LA Beer Week Festival at Union Station October 17, which also features the ubiquitous LA gourmet food trucks on top of unlimited tastings from more than 70 international breweries. Thanks to LA Beer Week, drinking and civic duty temporarily go hand-in-hand — as if Angelenos needed another reason to drink beer.

L.A. Beer Week is October 7-17, citywide. L.A. Beer Week Festival is October 17, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Union Station: 800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Tickets are $40, including unlimited 4 oz. beer tastings. More information at L.A. Beer Week's website.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.