11th Annual
Meading
at the Garden
Saturday, April 4th
Music by
Silk Button Butchers
VIP Tickets Still Available!
VIP SOLD OUT!
Early Bird Tickets End Soon!
Welcome to Meading at the Garden 2026!
Join us for a fun-filled day at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens where you can sip on delicious mead, enjoy live music, and explore the beautiful garden surroundings. This year is our 11th Anniversary of the festival, where you can sample wide variety of meads, ciders, and beers from some of SoCal’s finest brewers — 100% of proceeds are donated to the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Get your tickets now and let’s raise a glass together!
Ticket Options – Meading at the Garden 2026
General Admission and VIP tickets include acommerative glass, unlimited pours of an amazing lineup of meads, ciders, beers and wines, enjoying live music on the main stage, and exploring the renaissance of the Viking Village, featuring axe-throwing, live blacksmithing, and leatherworking.
Raffle tickets can be purchased to enter to win valuable merchandise! There are dozens of prizes donated by local breweries, homebrewers, mead-makers, and businesses – there’s something for everyone. Buy a ticket and you could be the lucky winner!
All proceeds from ticket sales will help Alta Vista Botanical Gardens to pay for improvements, maintenance, education, and natural resources like water and power. So your purchase not only gives you a chance to win great prizes but also helps to support the gardens
About Meading at the Garden 2026
Save the date!
Saturday, April 4
11th Annual Meading at the Garden is being held on APRIL 4, 2026
Meading at the Garden is one of the largest mead festival in the western US. This springtime festival features over 25 booths serving mead, cider, beer, seltzer, and kombucha. Local craft vendors will also be on hand sharing their products. Visit the Viking Village and throw hand axes in the Viking axe range! Watch the blacksmiths shaping steel in the forge and on the anvil! A leatherworker will be on hand showing off his handcrafted wares. Join the exclusive gourmet Mead Pairing at 11am in the VIP rose garden. NOTE: The VIP pairing requires a special VIP admission ticket on sale at: Eventbrite
The gift shop will be open all day selling a wide variety of plants, and other items. Snack vendors will be available throughout the event. In addition, three local gourmet food vendors are here all day selling delicious meals at the food court! Come join the fun! Meading at the Garden is a benefit for the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, and 100% of all proceeds are donated to help keep the garden operating and growing for everyone in our community!
Thank you!
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
Featured Music 1-5pm:
Silk Button Butchers
We are the Silk Button Butchers. Our fae folk rock band features Melody Maker on guitar, Chris Hellings on mandolin, Seth Hansen on violin, Luke Davis on Bass and Norm Antonini on drums. We play an eclectic and diverse mix of classic Americana rock, country, bluegrass, folk, popular pub songs and a few original tunes of our own. We always have a great time with an upbeat sound that makes it easy to dance and sing along to.
Click here to check out our music!
Beverage Vendors
Beverages
117 West Spirits
Arcana Brewing
Artifex Brewing Compnay
Batch Mead
Blue Honey Mead and Wine
Chubby Cheeks Meadery
Hidden Hive Mead
InZane Brewing
Lost Cause Meadery
Meadiocrity Mead
North County Homebrewers Association
Norse Legend Mead
Raging Cider & Mead
Remeadies Intoxicating Potions
Sabre Springs Wine & Meadery
Seven Seas Bar and Grill
Shield Wall Mead
Society of Barley Engineers
Twisted Horn Mead & Cider
AND MORE….
More Vendors Being Added!
Contact us if you would like to be a part of the event!
gm4avbg@gmail.com
And more!
Food Vendors
Updates Coming Soon!
Contact us if you would like to be a part of the event!
gm4avbg@gmail.com
VIP Gourmet Benefits – Meading at the Gardens
Enjoy a delicious 5-course VIP mead pairing featuring prominent fruit and spice themes in the ceremonial rose garden before the event from 11 am-1 pm! (VIP ticket required).
Appetizer
Twisted Horn Mead & Cider
Tuscan Bruschetta
Toasted Crostini, Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic, Olive Oil, Fresh Basil
Starter
Batch Mead
Pink Lady Salad
A vibrant blend of crisp mixed greens layered with sweet-tart Pink Lady apple slices, nutty shaved Manchego, and thinly sliced shallots. Finished with toasted pecans and a bright, house-made apple cider vinaigrette for the perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
Primer
Hidden Hive
Lemon Sorbet
Prime your palate with a bright and cheerful lemon sorbet, cool and refreshing with clean citrus, tangy notes that awaken your taste buds.
Entrée
Sabre Springs Wine & Mead
Tri Tip of Beef au Jus with Demi Glaze Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Petite Carrots
A tender, slow-roasted cut of tri-tip beef, sliced and bathed in its rich natural jus, finished with a glossy demi-glace for deep, savory flavor. It’s paired with creamy garlic-infused mashed potatoes and sweet grilled petite carrots, lightly charred to bring out their natural sweetness.
or
Ancient Grain Bowl – Vegan*
Quinoa and Farro with Roasted Vegetables, Avocado and Balsamic Glaze
*Please indicate at the time of purchase if you prefer the Vegan option.
Desert
Lost Cause Meadery
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry and Mint
A light and velvety chocolate mousse, rich and smooth, topped with fresh raspberries for a bright, tart contrast and finished with a touch of cool, aromatic mint.
Cheezcake – Vegan*
Digestif
Raging Cider & Mead
Tuscan Bruschetta
Toasted Crostini, Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Garlic, Olive Oil, Fresh Basil
Twisted Horn Mead & Cider
Pink Lady Salad
Mixed Greens, Sliced Pink Lady Apples, Manchego Cheese, Shallots, Pecans, Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A vibrant blend of crisp mixed greens layered with sweet-tart Pink Lady apple slices, nutty shaved Manchego, and thinly sliced shallots. Finished with toasted pecans and a bright, house-made apple cider vinaigrette for the perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
Batch Mead
Lemon Sorbet
Prime your palate with a bright and cheerful lemon sorbet, cool and refreshing with clean citrus, tangynotes that awaken your taste buds.
Hidden Hive
Tri Tip of Beef au Jus with Demi Glaze Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Petite Carrots
A tender, slow-roasted cut of tri-tip beef, sliced and bathed in its rich natural jus, finished with a glossy demi-glace for deep, savory flavor. It’s paired with creamy garlic-infused mashed potatoes and sweet grilled petite carrots, lightly charred to bring out their natural sweetness.
or
Ancient Grain Bowl – Vegan*
Quinoa and Farro with Roasted Vegetables, Avocado and Balsamic Glaze
*Please indicate at the time of purchase if you prefer the Vegan option.
Sabre Springs Wine & Mead
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry and Mint
A light and velvety chocolate mousse, rich and smooth, topped with fresh raspberries for a bright, tart contrast and finished with a touch of cool, aromatic mint.
Lost Cause Meadery
Digestif
Raging Cider & Mead
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Prohibited Items – Meading at the Garden
- No illegal or illicit substances.
- No weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, pocket knives and self defense sprays
- No flammable items including aerosols and fireworks
- No open containers of any kind. Sealed water bottles are permitted.
- No markers, pens or spray paint
- No bottles, cans, canteens, flasks, thermos, or coolers.
- No bicycles, skateboards, hover-boards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles other than authorized handicapped transportation equipment.
- No drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
- No animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and are not permitted entry to the festival.
- No water guns, squirt guns, nerf guns, or any other projectile launchers.
- No noisemakers or air horns
- No professional cameras or professional video and audio recording equipment, camera poles, or selfie sticks.
- No confetti, streamers, or loose glitter (wearable cosmetics are acceptable)
- Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of security officials.
Vendors Please Bring: We humbly ask that each vendor bring two corny kegs/sixtels (more are welcome), J-Box or some form of dispensing/tapping equipment, CO2 if needed, and some type of signage. Please have at least one banner or something to identify/brand yourself. Bottle and can pours are ok. We have tubs you can borrow to chill them.
What we provide: 10×10 Booth Space and Ice (40# per vendor), NOTE: For Table, Chairs or Canopy (please speak to us soon to reserve one.)
What we do NOT provide: Electricity, Ice Chests, Refrigeration Equipment, Beverage Dispensing Equipment (J-Box, CO2, taps, etc), Tape, Pens, Masks, Scissors, or Disposable Cups.
Load in starts at 9:00AM. Please arrive as early as possible to drop off your gear at your booth space and then move your vehicle to the dirt lot directly north of the front gate. The attendant at the gate will guide you to your assigned booth-space. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended while unloading, as many people will be loading in concurrently. Please call or email with any questions, concerns or problems.
Cheers,
Rusti Dixon, Garden Manager, Event Chair
760-533-9403 – Cell | gm4avbg@gmail.com
Erik Dixon, Event Chair
760-522-6819 – Cell
Note: 21+ ONLY event, no dogs, no infants, merchandise selling is OK. Type 02 Winemakers with a type 81 license may sell bottles. Last call at4:45.
Prohibited Items – Meading at the Garden
- No illegal or illicit substances
- No weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, pocket knives and self defense sprays
- No flammable items including aerosols and fireworks
- No open containers of any kind. Sealed water bottles are permitted
- No markers, pens or spray paint
- No bottles, cans, canteens, flasks, thermos, or coolers
- No bicycles, skateboards, hover-boards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles other than authorized handicapped transportation equipment
- No drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
- No animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and are not permitted entry to the festival
- No water guns, squirt guns, nerf guns, or any other projectile launchers
- No noisemakers or air horns
- No professional cameras or professional video and audio recording equipment, camera poles, or selfie sticks
- No confetti, streamers, or loose glitter (wearable cosmetics are acceptable)
- Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of security officials
Mead, Beer, Wine, Spirits & FUN
Meading at the Garden is a lively mead, beer, and win festival. 100% of all proceeds support the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.
Get Tickets!
The event will be Saturday, April 4th.
1 to 5 pm at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Member Pricing
General Admission – $45
Day of the Event – $50
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Non-Member Pricing
General Admission – $50
Day of the Event – $55
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens EXCLUSIVE – VIP Pairing
11 am – 1 pm
General Admission – $120
Only 100 Tickets!
*Ticket includes entrance into the gardens, unlimited tastings, and a souvenir glass.
MUST be 21 to attend.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are what make this event happen. Join us in being a part of the big day. There are many shifts the day of, and also for prep and set up the day before and day after event.
Sold Out!
– Vendors Payments Via PayPal –
- No illegal or illicit substances.
- No weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, pocket knives and self defense sprays
- No flammable items including aerosols and fireworks
- No open containers of any kind. Sealed water bottles are permitted.
- No markers, pens or spray paint
- No bottles, cans, canteens, flasks, thermos, or coolers.
- No bicycles, skateboards, hover-boards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles other than authorized handicapped transportation equipment.
- No drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
- No animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and are not permitted entry to the festival.
- No water guns, squirt guns, nerf guns, or any other projectile launchers.
- No noisemakers or air horns
- No professional cameras or professional video and audio recording equipment, camera poles, or selfie sticks.
- No confetti, streamers, or loose glitter (wearable cosmetics are acceptable)
- Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of security officials.
Mead, Beer, Wine, Spirits & FUN
Meading at the Garden is a lively mead, beer, and win festival. 100% of all proceeds support the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.
Get Tickets!
The event will be Saturday, April 4th.
1 to 5 pm at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Member Pricing
General Admission – $45
Day of the Event – $50
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Non-Member Pricing
General Admission – $50
Day of the Event – $55
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens EXCLUSIVE – VIP Pairing
11 am – 1 pm
General Admission – $120
Only 100 Tickets!
*Ticket includes entrance into the gardens, unlimited tastings, and a souvenir glass.
MUST be 21 to attend.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are what make this event happen. Join us in being a part of the big day. There are many shifts the day of, and also for prep and set up the day before and day after event.
Sold Out!
– Vendors Payments Via PayPal –