Side Gate Brewing

Side Gate Brewery and Beer Garden opened in September 2021 with a simple but powerful philosophy: everyone is welcome, and friends do not knock. Named after the kind of impromptu backyard hangout where people let themselves in through the side gate and make themselves at home, this downtown Concord craft brewery has grown into one of the most community-centered live music venues in the East Bay. Co-founded by homebrewers Paul Culbertson and Kevin Wilson, Side Gate operates the largest beer garden in Concord just two blocks from Todos Santos Plaza and a short walk from Concord BART, making it one of the most accessible venues in the region. The taproom and expansive outdoor beer garden seat guests inside and out with a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site, available by the pint, flight, taster, crowler, and growler. Outside food is always welcome, and rotating local food trucks including La Kura keep the crowd fed. Live music is a regular fixture on the calendar, particularly on weekends, with acts ranging from blues and rock to acoustic and Americana. Major events like the annual Springnaniganz, Oktoberfest, and anniversary celebrations bring live music all day alongside special beer releases, craft fairs, and community activities. The vibe is decidedly family-friendly and dog-friendly, and no one has ever been made to feel like a stranger here.