What's new:

Live music has returned to the Ferry Taproom every Saturday! Check out the upcoming schedule below, and join us for great brews, food, and a variety of great acts.

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May 21 | 7-9pm: Conjunto Guarajuba

Conjunto Guarajuba plays Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). A genre that defies easy categorization that emerged in the 60s and 70s. What characterizes MPB in the most general sense, is an originality of composition that may diversify samba, the traditions of northeastern Brazil, Afro-Bahian folklore, and international styles. The prime singer-songwriters of MPB are Chico Buarque, Djavan, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento and Jorge Ben.

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May 28 | 6:30-8:30pm: Azucarada

Azucarada is a Bay Area son jarocho duo. Son jarocho is a genre of music from the south of Veracruz, Mexico with indigenous, spanish, african and arabic influences which combines elements of call and response singing, improvisation, percussive dancing and community participation. Mónica María Fimbrez and Cassandra Millspaugh, both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, have decades of experience studying and sharing their love for son jarocho both here in the U.S. and in Mexico.

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June 04 | 6:30-8:30pm: Matt Jaffe

After cutting his teeth on open mics around the Bay Area, San Francisco songwriter Matt Jaffe was discovered by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads. Together, they produced his first album at the age of 16, cementing Matt's dedication to music. Soon, he formed a band, dropped out of college, and has not looked back. Since then, Matt has written more songs than he can remember the words to, crisscrossed the country opening for Mavis Staples and Wilco, and co-written with Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T's. Inspired by the great lineage of rock n' roll, he marries literary lyrics with the undeniable urge to dance. Having suffered from seizures since 2015, Matt also uses his music to unite local and national epilepsy communities. Matt is currently rolling out his fourth and fifth albums, Undertoad and Kintsugi.

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June 11 | 6:30-8:30pm: The Deep Basement Shakers

The Deep Basement Shakers are stompin’ barrelhouse, early blues and roots musicians, with a unique sound featuring piano, washboard, suitcase and assorted DIY percussion.

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June 25 | 6:30-8:30pm: Zak Fennie

Zak Fennie is an indie/alternative singer-songwriter based out of the Napa Valley with over fifteen years of experience singing and performing in a multitude of professional environments. He is influenced by a wide range of musicians including Dashboard Confessional, Elliot Smith, The Police, The Killers, Johnny Cash, and Death Cab For Cutie.

Pleasanton Weekly – After a two-year hiatus, the Livermore Valley Craft Brew Festival is coming back next weekend with 40 craft breweries and several bites from throughout the Bay Area.

Among this year's vendors are a number of Tri-Valley breweries, as well as beermakers located across the Bay -- one of which sheds light on the Bay Area's wartime significance through sharing the stories of Vallejo's naval history.

For Mare Island Brewing Co. history is at the heart of everything the company does, and this year, the brewery is bringing that history to the Livermore festival for the first time.

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Since 1900, sailboats have been racing to Vallejo in what is now known as The Great Vallejo Race. This year, the annual race – hosted by the Vallejo Yacht Club – turns 122, and over 100 boats will be racing from Berkeley to Vallejo. Grab a beer at our Ferry Taproom or Coal Shed Brewery, and catch the final stretch of the race. Then, join the skippers over at the Vallejo Yacht Club for BBQ, burgers, a Tiki Bar, and live music!

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Enjoy A Brew with A View

Depending on the conditions, the fastest boats should be coming through the Mare Island Strait around 1:30p, with boats rolling through up until 4p or later. The boats will race right by our Ferry Taproom, and rafting up in the Vallejo Yacht Club harbor, just South of our Coal Shed Brewery.

Party at The Vallejo Yacht Club

Once you've had your fill of watching the boats roll in, head over to the The Vallejo Yacht Club for BBQ burgers, beer, an outdoor Tiki Bar, and live music! The steel drum band will begin at 2pm on the outdoor patio, with the party ramping up at 7pm when the Darrel Edwards Lighting Up the Soul band take the stage.

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The event is open to the public, so drop by and join the celebration at this historic Vallejo institution.

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Yardbirds! It's time for another epic, fun-filled Pick-up Party at our Coal Shed Brewery! Join us on our waterfront on Saturday, May 14 from 1-4pm for killer brews, great food, live music – and as always, some friendly competition in this season's Yardbird Game. We'll also have your 2022 Spring Yardbird Release ready to pick-up on your way out of the event.

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Live Music: Jimbo Scott Trio

We're stoked to have the Jimbo Scott Trio here kicking out their high-energy brand of folk and Americana from our stage on the waterfront. A favorite of the Bay Area’s folk and Americana scene, Jimbo Scott has been entertaining audiences far and wide for more than a decade, including 2 years as a member of the famed NorCal Jamgrass band, Poor Man’s Whiskey.

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Great Food

Chef David and his team will have three unique food stations, serving up delicious food throughout the party. Ticket purchase includes unlimited food for you and your guests. And for our vegan and vegetarian friends... Chef David has come up with some tasty options with you in-mind.

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Yardbird Game

Get ready to compete to earn your spot on the coveted Yardbird Games Trophy! As in year's past, the exact game you'll be participating in will be unveiled during the party... but here's a very vague, and unhelpful hint tied this spring's release: Murphy the Pig.

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Pick-up Your 2022 Spring Yardbird Release

This is your first chance to pick-up your Spring 2022 Yardbird Case (and find out which brews we've carefully selected to accompany this spring's release of "Murphy the Pig" Fresh Saison). For those of you who attend the Pick-up Party, we'll have your cases ready to pick-up after the event.

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Tickets on Sale Now

• Yardbird beer club members can purchase tickets for themselves, and up to three guests.
• Each ticket includes the first beer, unlimited food, and entertainment for you and your guests
• We suggest leaving the kiddos at home. However, if you'd like to bring them, please note that children 2 yrs. and older require a ticket.

Sun. May 1st, 11:30AM - 4:30PM
at the Coal Shed Brewery

We're excited to host the Lei of Aloha Festival, presented by Merna's Hawaiian Kitchen! Join us at our Coal Shed Brewery on Sunday, May 1st, from 11:30AM - 4:30PM for a free-to-attend, family-friendly day of great food, music, beer and more.

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• Live Hawaiian Music
• Hula Performances
• Cold Beer
• Traditional Hawaiian Food
• Art & Craft Vendors
• Lei Stands
• Keiki Corner

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Come Weave a Lei of Aloha with Us!

Presented by Merna's Hawaiian Kitchen:

In Hawai’i the giving of a Lei represents a symbol of your Love and Affection. When we make a Lei as a gift for someone we weave our good thoughts, intentions, love, and memories about that person as we add each flower to the strand. For Hawaiian’s we believed that our Aloha will be intertwined with each flower blossom to bless the receiver of the Lei as it rests upon their shoulders.

The Lei of Aloha Festival continues on with the concept of the Lei by inviting you, your family, and your friends to take part in the festivities and experience the culture of Hawai’i. It is our intent to share the Aloha Spirit with you to remind us to continue to have Kindness and Unity for others while being Agreeable, Humble and Patient.

From our Roots in Hawaii to our branches growing strong in California , we continue our responsibilities to our culture and walk in the path of our ancestors by always putting Aloha and Tradition in everything we do. Our Ohana owned and operated lunch wagon, Merna’s Hawaiian Kitchen is proud to partner with Mare Island Brewing Company to present you with an Authentic Hawaiian experience.

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The Brewing Network’s Spring Brews Festival returns to Todos Santos Plaza in Concord to celebrate its 11th year as one of the best craft beer festivals in the Bay Area! We'll be there pouring brews, along with over 50 other craft breweries. Stop by our tent to sample our brews, and meet our crew.

To mark the release of “The 21ers” Black Lager, we're hosting a special release event during SF Beer Week highlighting the people and historic Bay Area civil rights movement that inspired the beer. Join us at our Coal Shed Brewery to celebrate the release and enjoy a short speaking program (approx. 30min.) about the Mare Island Original 21ers, and how their actions in the 1960s led to major reform in decades of discriminatory labor practices at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and beyond.

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Join Us Feb. 17 at 6pm at our Coal Shed Brewery:

• Hear from Jake Sloan (author, activist, and member of the Original 21), and Brendan Riley (author, veteran reporter, and local historian). After speaking, Jake and Brendan will also be around for book signings and questions.
• The bar and food truck will be open for purchase
• $1 of each pint of “The 21ers” sold will go to the Michael James Jackson Foundation, supporting technical training and career advancement for black, indigenous , and people of color in the brewing and distilling industries.

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The event is free to attend, but RSVP is required.

Speakers

Jake Sloan

Author, activist, and Original 21er Jake Sloan will be speaking on his experience fighting for civil rights at Mare Island. He’ll also have the latest edition of his book, Standing Tall: Willie Long & the Mare Island Original 21ers – just revised this January – available for purchase and signing.

Brendan Riley

Local historian, celebrated veteran reporter, and author of Lower Georgia Street: California’s Forgotten Barbary Coast, Brendan Riley, will also speak on the broader context of civil rights within the history of Vallejo and Mare Island.

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About the Mare Island Original 21ers

On Nov. 17, 1961, a small, determined group of African-American workers on Mare Island Naval Shipyard bypassed their shipyard bosses, and complained directly to a Washington, D.C., committee that they faced racial discrimination in hiring, working conditions, pay, training, and promotions.

The efforts of that group, known as the Mare Island Original 21ers, led to sweeping change in the unequal labor practices at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Most of the 21ers were eventually promoted to positions previously unavailable to them, and their efforts played a part in influencing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other affirmative action that continue to benefit African Americans across the United States today.

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In 2007, Congress officially updated the Congressional Record to recognize the role of the 21ers in remedying racial discrimination at the shipyard. In 2010, a commemorative stone honoring the members was unveiled at Mare Island’s Alden Park, not far from our Coal Shed Brewery.

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Catch the Super Bowl with us at one of our three taprooms, and enjoy these awesome game day specials.

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Ferry Taproom

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Pulled Pork Potato Skins

Crispy Potato Skins, 3 cheese blend, Smoked Pulled Pork, Chipotle Sour Cream and Scallions

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Mini Corn Dog Trio

Bratwurst, Hot Link and All Beef Frank dipped in corn batter and fried. Served with Chipotle Ranch, Sriracha Ketchup and Honey Mustard

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Warm Jalapeño Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Sautéed Spinach, Marinated Artichokes and Pickled Jalapeños. Served with Fresh Tortilla Chips

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Coal Shed Brewery

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Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Caramelized Onions & Sweet Bell Peppers Cooked with Sliced Beef, covered in Provolone Cheese on a Sciambra Sour Roll

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Chicken Tinga Nachos

Crispy Tortilla Chips covered with Nacho Cheese Sauce, Chipotle Braised Chicken, Avocado Creme, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Jalapeños and Cotija Cheese

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First Street Taphouse

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Beef Rib

Braised Beef Rib finished with our Porter BBQ Sauce, served with a side of Pickled Veggies

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Loaded Papas Bravas

Cilantro Chimichurri, Cotjia, Cayenne, Smoked Paprika, Pickled Red Onions, Micro Cilantro

Since we opened the First Street Taphouse back in June of last year, we've been chipping away at renovating the 2nd floor. Well, we're pleased to say that The Benicia room is now up and running for special/private events!

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Here's what we've been up to upstairs:

• Walls are decorated with historical photographs showcasing Benicia's rich history
• We built out a new bar, with 8 taps of our craft brews
• Two large TVs for your sports viewing pleasure
• Plenty of seating (tables, booths, and chairs)

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Join Us for the Super Bowl

We'll have the Benicia Room open for the Super Bowl. Come check it out, and enjoy some epic game day specials while you're here. Beef Ribs, Loaded Papas Bravas, and killer craft beer do anything for you?

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We're excited to announce the release of Our Three Wiseman – a new Holiday Release, crafted specifically for our Yardbird Beer Club members. This special release features three barrel aged beers, inspired by three legendary figures in Mare Island history.

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Farragut's Barrel Aged Farmhouse Saison | 8.3% ABV
While this saison has been in our line-up since the early days, we've never bottled it until now. Aged with souring yeast in white wine barrels from White Rock winery in Napa, each batch develops its own unique variations during barrel aging and blending.

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Don Vallejo's Barrel Aged Mexican Lager | 7.3% ABV
We took our Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo Mexican Lager, and aged it in former agave barrels from Loch & Union Distillery in Napa Valley to create this unique spin on everyone's favorite Mexican lager.

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Chesty's Barrel Aged Stout | 9% ABV
A robust and hearty brew for the Holidays. Chesty's begins with our Coal Shed Stout, and then is carefully aged in former rye barrels from our Mare Island neighbors at Savage & Cooke Distillery.

We recently took over the suite connected to our Coal Shed Brewery, and built a portal to connect the two spaces. The new space is our Whaleboat Room - a private event space and beer garden dedicated to the amazing heritage of whaleboat racing on the Mare Island Strait.

This history-filled private event space features:

• 1200 sq. ft. of indoor space, and a scenic 1600 sq. foot. outdoor waterfront beer garden.
• A dedicated bar, built from a deconstructed whaleboat that was built on Mare Island in 1938
• Multiple configuration options (inside, outside garden, or both)
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Cyclocross Magazine – If there’s one race for a Northern California-based cyclocross racer to attend to make lasting memories, it’s the Mare Island PedalFest on September 26, 2021. The event brings urban cyclocross, spectator-friendly obstacles and refreshments and cyclists of every discipline together to enjoy a day in a unique, scenic, historic area. In 2019, Olympian bike racers took part in the event’s rodeo and relay race.

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We're excited to announce our new collaboration with San Francisco Bay Ferry for their Brews with Views project!

Together with our friends at East Brother Beer Co. in Richmond, and Faction Brewing in Alameda – we’ve each brewed a unique ferry-themed beer celebrating our communities, and the SF Bay Ferry routes that connect them.

Look out for our Ferry No. 2 IPA on select SF Bay Ferry routes (including the Vallejo–SF route). And if you're ferrying from the Vallejo terminal, make sure to stop by our Ferry Taproom and pick-up a special voucher that will get this brew in your hand for only $1.

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History Behind The Name:

Ferry No. 2 was built in 1879 in Oregon, and plied the waters of Portland before being brought to the Bay Area in the 1890s. Here she was renamed “SS Vallejo”, and served as a passenger ferry transporting visitors and shipyard workers between Vallejo and Mare Island for 50 years. After WWII, she was sent to Sausalito to be scrapped, and her story would have ended there had it not been for the local artists who bought her. She was converted into a houseboat and art studio, and over the years hosted gatherings among countercultural luminaries (including the famous “Houseboat Summit”). Timothy Leary, Alan Ginsberg, Janis Joplin, and Jack Kerouac have all partied aboard her storied hull. She sits in Sausalito to this day, and with this IPA, we toast to her legacy.

We're excited to announce our new First Street Taphouse in Benicia is officially open!

Over the past year, we've been working hard updating this beautiful historic Victorian-era building in downtown Benicia (our 3rd and newest location). We've got 12 taps of our tasty brews, wine and stellar food from Chef David. Swing by for pints, bites, or even just to grab some beers to-go!

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Vallejo Times Herald – There is no DeLorean, no Flux Capacitor and no crazy mad scientist named Doc Brown associated with Mare Island Brewing Co.

That being said the co-founders of the company have decided to go back to the future.

When Kent Fortner and Ryan Gibbons began remodeling their new Benicia location at 440 First Street, they discovered a large cistern (an historic water-holding tank) under the building. To celebrate the eventual opening of Mare Island Brewing Co.’s newest venue, the co-owners have decided to turn the cistern into a time capsule to commemorate the uniqueness of 2020 and 2021 with the intent to reopen the time capsule in 2031 (at the earliest).