With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The 'F*cking Catalina Wine Mixer' From 'Step Brothers' Is Actually Happening
It may have been seven years since Step Brothers was released in theaters, but the memory of the "F*cking Catalina Wine Mixer" from the comedy is still alive and kicking. A real-life festival inspired by the events that unfolded in the movie is taking place on Catalina Island on September 13.
Over at the Descanso Beach Club in Avalon, the Original Catalina Wine Mixer will have a wine tasting, gourmet food, live bands and DJs. And yes, there will be helicopter rides to and from the event if you just so happen to be a baller.
In case you don't remember, the "F*cking Catalina Wine Mixer"—as the event is referred to many times in the movie—is the "biggest helicopter leasing event in the western hemisphere since 1997," as Brennan's (Will Ferrell) pompous and more successful younger brother Derek (Adam Scott) tells him in the film. Brennan tells his brother why he wants to throw the mixer: "'Cause I want to make bank, bro. I want to get ass. I want to drive a Range Rover."
Sponsored message
Also to refresh your memory, after Uptown Girl, the strictly '80s-only Billy Joel cover band performing at the mixer gets thrown off the stage, Brennan and his step brother (John C. Reilly) take the stage and perform the "Por Ti Volare" opera in an epic way.
Unfortunately, the cover band from the movie won't be performing at this real-life festival, but instead, The Dan Band, which has been featured in movies like The Hangover and Old School will be performing. We can only hope they perform some sweet Joel covers like "We Didn't Start the Fire." TMZ reports that the band will be arriving by helicopter, just like in the movie!
The company behind the film gave the folks behind the event the greenlight to host the mixer, according to TMZ. A spokesperson for the event told BuzzFeed that they had been wanting to throw this party ever since the movie came out, but it wasn't until now that "everything came together and it was [the] perfect time."
General admission tickets run at $35 and that gets you a souvenir wine glass and access to the festival. The $100 VIP tickets gets you that plus wine and food tastings. For more information, visit their website here.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
