LONG BEACH WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours, One Tiny Tree: Hands-On Bonsai Workshops at Belmont Brewing
A two-hour beginner workshop at Belmont Brewing where every participant pots a tree with all materials provided and receives ongoing Tree‑iage support; this guide covers what to expect and how to plan.
Two Hours, One Tiny Tree: Hands-On Bonsai Workshops at Belmont Brewing.
Adventure brief
Two Hours, One Tiny Tree: Hands-On Bonsai Workshops at Belmont Brewing
Bonsai Bar at Belmont Brewing Company turns a brewpub evening into a focused, hands-on bonsai workshop: over two hours you choose a tiny tree, pot it in a ceramic container, learn core techniques from instructors, and leave with ongoing Tree‑iage support so your tree continues to thrive.
On a warm evening in Belmont Shore, a low-slung brick brewpub hums with conversation and the scent of yeast and pine. Bonsai Bar at Belmont Brewing Company, at 25 39th Pl in Long Beach, California, turns that communal energy into a hands-on workshop where you craft a living miniature tree in two guided hours. The setup is simple: a selection of young stock, ceramic pots, peat-based soil in bins, shears, and a chopstick for planting. Taught by experienced instructors, this class is designed for first-timers who want a focused, tactile introduction to bonsai basics.
Belmont Brewing is itself a local landmark—opened in the summer of 1990 and known as the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County. The brewery runs a seven-barrel system and produces approachable ales and stouts under brewer David Blackwell, who has led brewing here since 1999. That working-brewery atmosphere—fermenters glinting behind glass, the murmur of pours—gives the workshop an on-the-ground, non-precious feel: this is craft you can touch and take home.
In two hours you’ll choose a tree and a pot, prune and shape, and learn wiring, basic soil mixes, and watering routines. Every ticket includes your tree, a ceramic pot, tools to borrow, and entry into Bonsai Bar’s Tree-iage support program for follow-up care. Organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes early to check in, order food and drink, and settle in. While drinks aren’t included, the option to sip a house ale while you trim adds a social, convivial edge unusual for plant classes.
What makes this workshop stand out in Southern California is the pairing of urban craft beer culture with an ancient horticultural practice. Long Beach’s coastal climate makes it possible to work with hardy species common to beginner bonsai, and the venue’s long history and community focus mean these nights draw a mix of locals—from hobby gardeners to curious first-timers.
Practical notes: workshops run about two hours, space is ticketed per person, and policies on under-21 entry vary by venue. Expect hands-on instruction, a small group, and ongoing support after the event. Whether you’re looking for an unusual date night, a creative way to meet people, or a calm, focused evening away from screens, Bonsai Bar at Belmont Brewing Company is an accessible, tactile way to bring a little living art home from Long Beach. Bring closed-toe shoes and expect to stand at a communal table; instructors will demonstrate pruning, soil composition, and basic wiring technique, then guide you as you make your own decisions. The class works well as a thoughtful gift, a low-pressure skill builder, or a way to meet neighbors who care for plants. Spaces fill quickly; book ahead through the event’s reservation link to secure spot and avoid disappointment.
Route Schematic
Itinerary — the workshop flow
A typical session follows a short check‑in, a hands‑on selection and potting sequence, and a wrap where you secure your new bonsai and learn follow‑up care.
Arrival & Check‑In
Arrive early to check in and get settled; organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled start so you can be processed and grab a drink if you wish.
Select Your Tree & Tools
Participants choose a tree and a ceramic bonsai pot, and may borrow shared tools and a soil bin to begin the potting process.
Instructional Potting Session
Over the two‑hour workshop instructors guide trimming, planting and finishing techniques so each attendee completes a potted bonsai.
Finish & Ongoing Support
At the end of the session you take your potted tree home and gain access to ongoing Tree‑iage support for follow‑up care questions.
Check the venue’s under‑21 policy before booking; events are ticketed per person (sharing a single ticket/tree is not permitted) and spaces are limited.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The session is brisk and focused: a convivial pub atmosphere gives way to hands‑on instruction as participants select a tree, set up their potting station and follow step‑by‑step guidance through trimming, wiring and planting during a two‑hour workshop designed for newcomers.
THE WORKSHOP
Two hours to build and take home a bonsai
In a lively, beginner-friendly session you pick a tree and a ceramic pot, spend two hours learning basic styling and care, and leave with your own potted bonsai plus ongoing support through the Tree‑iage program.
THE VENUE
Learn among Long Beach’s longtime brewpub
The workshop is held at Belmont Brewing Company, a Long Beach brewpub with a long local history and an active beer program—an intentionally social setting for a hands‑on craft session.
THE TAKEAWAY
All materials provided and tools available to borrow
Ticket holders receive their tree and ceramic pot and can borrow essentials—soil bins, shears and a chopstick—so you don’t need to bring specialized gear to participate.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop works for—and who should confirm details first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your event ticket and, if desired, money for drinks—the workshop provides the bonsai, ceramic pot and shared tools (soil bin, shears, chopstick) so you don’t need specialty gear.
Every ticket includes a tree you pick, a ceramic bonsai pot, two hours of instruction, and ongoing Tree‑iage support; tools are available to borrow during the session.
Workshops run for two hours; attendees are asked to arrive roughly 15 minutes early to check in and settle before the session begins.
Tickets are sold per person and cannot be shared; confirm the venue’s under‑21 policy with the operator if you plan to attend with minors.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can two people share one tree/ticket?
No. Events are ticketed per person and each attendee must have a ticket; sharing a single ticket or tree is not permitted.
Are Bonsai Bar workshops 21+?
Maybe. Many venues are family friendly and allow minors to attend with a parent or guardian—contact the venue directly to confirm the under‑21 policy.
Are drinks included with the ticket?
No. Drink tickets or beverages are not included in the price of the workshop ticket.
When should I arrive for the workshop?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled event to check in and get settled; workshops start promptly as scheduled.
What does my ticket include?
You keep a tree you pick, a ceramic bonsai pot, two hours of instruction, and access to ongoing Tree‑iage support; shared tools and a soil bin are provided to borrow during the workshop.
What tools are provided during the event?
Organizers provide borrowable tools including a bin for soil collection, shears for trimming and a chopstick for digging.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:12:32.655Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.