Lagunitas Beer Circus is one of those things that just shouldn’t be missed. Since our jaunt with the festivities in 2013 we have been (very) impatiently counting down the days of its return. The Circus takes place each summer at the Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma, CA with proceeds going towards keeping music in schools. This is year 6 of the brewery opening their doors to a twisted exotic costumed world of side-show performers, burlesque acts, acrobats, contortionists, music and of course beer. Colorfully dressed patrons blend into a sea of accordions, mimes, clowns and stilts. Local breweries and eateries plant themselves in pop up tents weaved between three stages of outstanding entertainment put on by The Vau De Vire Society and The Moral Minority.
Performers of at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov and Dixie Delish steal hearts as they play up mid-century America while throwing knives, cracking whips and swallowing swords.
Molotov and Dixie Delish performing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov performing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov performing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov and Dixie Delish performing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
At the Circus the folks without painted faces seem to stand out more than someone who is in a tutu and on stilts. It is difficult to distinguish the performers from the patrons.
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Frickle (Fried Pickle) girls in costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov uses a sledgehammer to break a cinderblock which on top of a performer laying on a bed of nails.
Molotov uses a sledgehammer to break a cinderblock laying on top of a performer laying on a bed of nails. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov uses a sledgehammer to break a cinderblock laying on top of a performer laying on a bed of nails. Photo Melissa Uroff
Molotov uses a sledgehammer to break a cinderblock laying on top of a performer laying on a bed of nails. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Moral Minority stage included acts such as burlesque and traditional side-show. It even included a lion tamer and her kitties.
The Moral Minority stage at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA is full of traditional circus acts including playful kittens and their ringmaster. Photo Melissa Uroff
The ringleader of The Moral Minority stage at the Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Moral Minority stage at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA is full of traditional circus acts including sideshow acts intertwined with burlesque. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Moral Minority stage at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA is full of traditional circus acts including burlesque.
The Moral Minority stage at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA is full of traditional circus acts including burlesque.
Performance was found off the stage and throughout the venue.
Performance was found off the stage as well at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma, CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
In costume and on a unicycle at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Performance was found off the stage as well at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma, CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
Performance was found off the stage as well at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma, CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Vau de Vire Society kept things aerial and bendy. Group acts of aerial performers dangled from the sky while contortionists twisted their bodies below. A modern burlesque act where each balloon was “shot” by a villain, revealing a bit of the burlesque babes body upon each pop quickly became a crowd favorite. As the final balloon exploded, it covered the girl with red liquid, the final “shot” was made. It was very dramatic.
The Vau de Vire Society performing a modern burlesque act which included the popping of balloons wrapped around the performers body until she was left in next to nothing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Vau de Vire Society performing a modern burlesque act which included the popping of balloons wrapped around the performers body until she was left in next to nothing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Shown here the villain responsible for popping the balloons. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Vau de Vire Society performing a modern burlesque act which included the popping of balloons wrapped around the performers body until she was left in next to nothing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Vau de Vire Society performing a modern burlesque act which included the popping of balloons wrapped around the performers body until she was left in next to nothing at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
The Vau de Vire Society performing aerial acts at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA.
The Vau de Vire Society performing ariel acts at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA.
The Vau de Vire Society performing aerial acts at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA.
The Vau de Vire Society performing aerial acts at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA.
The Vau de Vire Society, $hredder, performing aerial acts at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA.
It is easy to say that the Lagunitas Beer Circus has something for everyone (over the age of 21). It is basically guaranteed a good time. Thank you again Lagunitas. You sure know how to throw a party! We had a blast and cannot wait until next year!
Loren Swartos enjoying himself very much at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus held in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
To learn more about Lagunitas or the Beer Circus visit http://lagunitas.com
And if you would like to see photos from our 2013 adventure click here.
Matt Millner with $hredder at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Melissa Uroff
$hredder and Melissa Uroff at the 2014 Lagunitas Beer Circus in Petaluma CA. Photo Matt Millner