Steel Bonnet Brewing Marks 11 Years
Celebration Highlights Craft Beer, Music & Community
By Julie Horner
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company turns 11 this fall and welcomes everyone to a community party on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with a full day of live music, food, fresh beer releases, local vendors, and family-friendly activities at its Scotts Valley taproom. Scottish bagpipers officially open the festivities at noon, followed by live music performances throughout the day from Common People, The Kerry Sheepdogs, This Close!, and Caliban.
For the Love of Community
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife team Donald and Susan Cramb. Originally from Scotland, the longtime locals have successfully brought UK pub culture to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The family-owned brewery is known for its mix of traditional English- and Scottish-inspired ales and American craft beer styles, along with a community-focused taproom that regularly hosts live music and local events. The anniversary party is as much a celebration of the surrounding community as it is of the brewery itself.
“Steel Bonnet has long positioned its Scotts Valley taproom as a gathering place for families, friends, and the greater Santa Cruz Mountains community,” said Kristen Carranza, Steel Bonnet’s marketing director and talent buyer. “The annual anniversary celebration has grown into an opportunity to bring many of those people and organizations together under one roof — and raise a proper pint to another year!”
Food and treats will be available throughout the celebration, beginning with a breakfast truck at 11am. Enjoy a taste of Britain from The Cheeky Villain food truck and American fare from Shockwave.
Craft Brew with Scottish Attitude
The anniversary party will showcase new brews, experimental ales, and other special releases, giving longtime regulars and first-time visitors something new to discover. Steel Bonnet Brewing has won multiple awards since opening, including two first-place medals for its signature brews Big Trees Red Ale and Black Dragon UK Stout at the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition in May.
“Craft brewing is a beautiful balance of tradition, science, and patience,” said Peter Catizone, Steel Bonnet’s head brewer. “To have both our Big Trees Red Ale and Black Dragon Stout recognized as the best in California is a testament to the hard work we put into every single batch. We don’t take shortcuts, and these medals prove that beer lovers, and judges alike, can taste the passion and experience behind the tap.”
Catizone is also a member of This Close!, a semi-acoustic Americana roots rock quartet based in Boulder Creek, which will be performing at the party.
Local Bands a Highlight
The nanobrewery features live music and entertainment year-round and hosts a traditional Scottish session on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. In addition to This Close!, the anniversary lineup includes Santa Cruz Britpop group Common People, who will play ’90s covers from bands like Pulp, Oasis, and Blur. The Kerry Sheepdogs will bring their high-energy mix of traditional Celtic music and rowdy pub songs. The event’s headliner is Caliban, featuring fiddle player Jon Berger and multi-instrumentalist Lief Sorbye, founding members of Tempest, the heritage San Francisco Bay Area Celtic rock band. With this lineup, you’re sure to be lifting pints and doing the hornpipe at full tilt in no time. Sláinte!
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company 11th Anniversary Party
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11am to 10pm
20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley
Photo: Peter Catizone, Steel Bonnet’s head brewer
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