Southern California Homebrewers Festival – 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Southern California Homebrewers Festival (SCHF)!

Aloha, brewers! Join us as we transform the scenic Vail Lake KOA Resort into our very own “Island of Brewers.” Held on May 1st and 2nd, 2026, this event is more than just a festival—it is a massive, volunteer-driven community celebration. Whether you are sharing a bottle at the Thursday night social, pouring with your club, or exploring the campsite “neighborhoods,” you make this event special.

2026 Festival Highlights:

Friday Night Pro Pour & “Trick or Treating”:
Kick off the festival Friday evening with a night dedicated to our professionals! Enjoy pours from Southern California’s craft brewing elite.
When the Pro Pour ends, the party moves to the campground! Join the “Trick or Treat” campsite crawl, where registered homebrew clubs host pop-up bars at their campsites. Grab your glass and follow the map to find the best late-night pours.

Homebrew Tastings (Island Style):
Sample an extensive selection of beers from over 40 homebrew clubs. This year, we encourage all clubs to embrace the “Island” theme—expect tropical sours, tiki-inspired meads, and decorated booths! Talk to the brewers, discover unique recipes, and taste the most creative beverages in the state.

Live Music & Entertainment:
We are turning up the volume with a lineup of live bands performing on Saturday afternoon on the main stage, keeping the island vibes going from afternoon until evening.

Education & Community:
SCHF is built on education. Learn from the masters at our seminars led by industry professionals and expert homebrewers.
Thursday Night Bottle Share: Arriving early? Join the CHA Board on Thursday night for an intimate community bottle share to kick off the weekend properly.

Exciting Raffle Prizes:
Don’t miss your chance to win amazing prizes! Past raffles have included high-end brewing equipment, craft beer collections, and gift cards to top breweries. The raffles are a festival favorite and a fantastic way to upgrade your home brewery.

Bragging Rights Competition:
Show your support as clubs compete for the prestigious title of CHA Homebrew Club of the Year! This friendly but fierce competition challenges clubs to brew their best beer in a specific style. Witness the creativity and skill of California’s homebrew clubs as they vie for the ultimate bragging rights.

How to Attend:

We have streamlined the process for 2026! You no longer need to buy a membership and ticket separately.

  1. Purchase a Festival Bundle:
    Visit the CHA Shop and select either the General Admission Bundle or the VIP Bundle. Your 2026 CHA Membership is automatically included in the bundle price, satisfying our requirements for this private event in a single click.
  2. Arrange Accommodations:
    Camping and RV sites are available at Vail Lake KOA Resort, but they fill up fast! Prefer not to camp? Temecula offers several hotel options. Take advantage of the free shuttle service from select Temecula locations on Saturday. Don’t forget to add your free Shuttle Pass to your cart when buying your bundle!

Important Details:

  • Date: May 1-3, 2026
  • Location: Vail Lake KOA Resort, Temecula, CA
  • Age Requirement: Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Refund Policy: All sales are final; NO REFUNDS. Ticket transfers are available until April 30, 2026.
  • Membership: Included automatically with your festival pass.

We can’t wait to see you on the island! Get ready for an incredible weekend of craft beer, community, and fun.