Neon nostalgia, craft beer and live music will take over Rancho Cordova on April 11 as Movement Brewing Co. hosts its annual 90s Fest. Photo courtesy of Michael Meza

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Neon nostalgia, craft beer and live music will take over Rancho Cordova on April 11 as Movement Brewing Co. hosts its annual 90s Fest, a daylong celebration expected to draw large crowds.

The fifth annual event, running from 11 a.m. to 10:20 p.m., blends a beer festival, block party and throwback tribute into one high-energy experience. While the early Beer Fest tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a 21-and-over ticketed event that is “almost sold out,” according to owner Alana Cavanagh, the festivities will continue with a free, all-ages public celebration beginning at 2:30 p.m.

That open-to-the-public portion, organizers emphasize, is where the party truly expands, with live 90s cover bands, food trucks, exclusive beer releases and a full taproom experience designed for the entire community.

Live music will carry the event into the evening, with three returning bands performing 90s covers throughout the day. Photo courtesy of Michael Meza

“Believe it or not, the 90s Party started as a house party about 14 years ago,” Cavanagh said. “When we opened Movement, we figured it was time to level it up and move the party to the brewery so everyone could join the fun.”

What began as a small gathering has grown into a regional draw. In its first year at the brewery, the event featured just eight breweries. This year, more than 40 breweries from across the United States, and even internationally, are expected to pour at the festival.

Managing that kind of turnout takes coordination, but Cavanagh credits the tight-knit craft beer community.

“We love the craft beer community and have worked, and played, really hard to make connections,” she said. “Also, lots of organization, communication and emails.”

The festival has also become a point of pride for Rancho Cordova, drawing visitors and highlighting the city’s growing craft beer scene. Photo courtesy of Michael Meza

This year’s theme leans into 90s video games, and attendees are encouraged to dress the part, something regulars have embraced in past years with everything from retro jerseys to iconic pop culture costumes.

“The fest will be full of world-class beers, awesome 90s music and vibes all day,” Cavanagh said. “People really bring it when it comes to dressing like their favorite 90s throwback.”

The day kicks off with the ticketed tasting event, where guests receive a custom 90s-themed glass and access to samples from participating breweries. But even for those who miss out on tickets, the later portion of the event offers plenty to experience.

At 2:30 p.m., the brewery opens its doors to the general public, continuing the celebration with four new collaboration beer releases, additional taproom favorites and a full lineup of entertainment.

Live music will carry the event into the evening, with three returning bands performing 90s covers throughout the day. Inverness95 opens during the tasting hours, followed by Adam Aldama and the Aces in the afternoon and Pacific Roots closing out the night.

The fifth annual event, running from 11 a.m. to 10:20 p.m., blends a beer festival, block party and throwback tribute into one high-energy experience. Photo courtesy of Michael Meza

Food vendors will also play a central role, with trucks like Jojo’s Hawaiian Fried Chicken, Staq and Cream Burgers, and West Coast Taco Bar serving throughout the day.

For Cavanagh, the event is about more than just beer or nostalgia. It’s about creating a shared experience.

“That moment when you have a tasty beer in your hand, standing next to your good friends and your favorite 90s song comes on, you can’t help but sing along,” she said. “It’s just a vibe like you did back in the 90s.”

The festival has also become a point of pride for Rancho Cordova, drawing visitors and highlighting the city’s growing craft beer scene. With support from Visit Rancho Cordova, organizers say the event continues to expand both in scale and impact.

Whether attending for the beer, the music or the throwback atmosphere, one thing is certain: for a day, Rancho Cordova will feel a little more like the 90s again.

Or, as Cavanagh put it: “It’s totally tubular.”