I have a question about the Sierra Nevada Experience:

Do you have a tasting room?

Located at the brewery is our Taproom and Restaurant. Here you can taste a variety of beers not seen in the trade. While enjoying a pint of Sierra Nevada, you can sample our pub fare – featuring our own grain- fed Sierra Nevada beef.

Why is it called The Big Room?

We spent quite some time on the naming process and The Big Room just seemed to outlast any other contenders.

How often do you present shows?

We currently average three to four shows a month. Visit our Calendar page for current listings.

Why do you present shows mainly on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights?

First and foremost we are a brewery. Our local area bars, restaurants and event venues all sell our beers – in an effort not to draw business from them we do shows on nights they do not.

What are the hours I should be aware of when attending a show?

Our doors open at 6 PM (lines begin to form about 5 PM).  The show starts at exactly 7:30 PM and the shows last from 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

How do I find out about the upcoming shows?

Three ways.  Go to our website and visit the Live Music page.  Second, sign-up for our mailing list.  Our mailing is sent out every Monday and it lists all upcoming shows, information on the performers and the exact time and date that tickets will go on sale.  And lastly, call our taproom and restaurant at (530) 345-2739 and ask.

How can I buy tickets?

To purchase tickets you may either visit the pub when the tickets go on sale or you may call (530) 345-2739 and purchase them using a major credit card. For more information see our How to Buy Tickets page.

Why do the shows sell out so fast?

We bring in top of the line, nationally known entertainment and provide it in a exquisite dinner theatre environment that has become one of the west coast's premier musical venues.  That and great sound, good food and world famous beer create a demand for tickets that far exceeds our 325 seat capacity.

Do you serve food at the shows?

We serve a full dinner buffet from 6 until 7:30 prior to each show.  For more information call (530) 345-2739.

What is the seating policy?

We offer general admission seating only.  You may want to show up early in order to get a good seat and enjoy a beer!

Can tables be reserved prior to the show?

No.  If you do see a reserved seat sign, it is generally for the house.

How do you determine who plays in the Big Room?

Bob Littell is in charge of booking the Big Room.  He tries to bring in a mix of national class entertainers with a focus on roots/Americana, folk and blues. If you have a suggestion for someone you'd like to see, you may contact music@sierranevada.com.  Please remember, with only 325 seats, national headliners are not possible.  Also please realize that west coast unknowns are also a challenge because the question we have to ask is not "are they great?" it's "can we sell it?"

Why do your shows start so early?

We start all our shows right at 7:30 PM.  The reason is for this is that we offer our shows on "off nights,” that is, “non-weekend nights," and our clientele have to go to work the next day. Our shows generally average 1 1/2 to 2 hours in length, thus getting people home by 10 PM.

Is there a dress policy in the Big Room?

Casual comfort always works.  Shoes and shirts are required.  Our clientele range in ages from early 20's to 80-plus and the Big Room is a dinner theatre.

What Sierra Nevada products are available during the shows?

We generally offer at least seven or eight Sierra Nevada lagers and ales, a wide selection of wine and soft drinks, coffee and water.  No hard alcohol or non-Sierra Nevada beer products are served.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., in accordance with California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, strictly abides by the Bona Fide I.D. requirements when determining drinking age. An acceptable form of I.D. must be issued by an Official Government Agency (Federal, State, County or City) and must contain all of the following: name, photo, physical description, date of birth and must be currently valid. (Bona Fide I.D. is one card that contains all of these items).

Do you have a dance floor in the Big Room?

We have a wonderful hardwood dance floor that's open for "dance" events such as blues and rock shows.  For acoustic shows, we seat the dance floor.