
Bonsai & Brews at Crooked Thumb Brewery | Safety Harbor, FL
🌱🍻 Join us at Crooked Thumb Brewery in Safety Harbor for an unforgettable Bonsai & Brews experience! 🌿🍻
Discover the ancient art of bonsai while enjoying a refreshing pint at one of Safety Harbor’s favorite breweries. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or a curious beginner, this event is perfect for everyone. No green thumb required—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
• Hands-On Bonsai Workshop: Learn the basics of bonsai from our award-winning artists. You’ll receive a tropical species pre-bonsai tree, ceramic glazed bonsai pottery, wire, bonsai soil, and substrate.
• Guided Instruction: Our experts will guide you through the steps of creating your own miniature masterpiece, from shaping delicate branches to potting your bonsai.
• Craft Beer Selection: Explore Crooked Thumb Brewery’s extensive menu featuring a variety of brews, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts. The brewery houses a 15-barrel brew system with an offering of 15-20 beers on tap in the tasting room.
• Community Connection: Connect with fellow plant lovers and beer aficionados. Share stories, swap tips, and raise your glasses to creativity and community.
Each Ticket Includes:
• A tropical species pre-bonsai tree
• Ceramic glazed bonsai pottery
• Wire, bonsai soil, and substrate
• Hands-on guidance to style and care for your bonsai
• Use of all necessary tools provided
• Aftercare instructions and guidance
Space is limited, so grab your tickets today. Each attendee needs a ticket to participate. Join us for a unique opportunity to blend the meditative joy of bonsai with the laid-back atmosphere of Crooked Thumb Brewery. Cheers to creativity and community! 🍻🌳🎉
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What is Bonsai & Brews?
Bonsai & Brews is a fun and creative workshop-style event hosted in collaboration with local breweries. During this 2-hour hands-on experience, you will create your own bonsai tree from scratch with guidance from local bonsai artists, as well as learn the basics of care from before you take home your own living masterpiece!
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What do I need to bring to an event?
You don’t need to bring anything to an event, except your enthusiasm and creativity. We will provide everything you need to create your own bonsai tree.
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Can I bring a friend, does every attendee need a ticket?
Of course, you can bring a friend. The more the merrier! 😊 However, please note that each person should have a ticket to attend. If your friend does not have a ticket, due to limited seating availability we cannot guarantee that you can sit together, if at all. You can book a ticket online up until the start of the event, or with the host at the venue, subject to availability. 🍻
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What is the minimum age for attending an event?
There is none! Bonsai & Brews is a fun and creative experience designed to be accessible and entertaining for all ages and skill levels.
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Are the brews included?
No, drinks are not included in the ticket price. Bonsai & Brews is hosted in collaboration with local breweries, we bring the bonsai, the brewery offers the brews! Note: Some brewery locations do offer a welcome drink, that information will be included on the event page.
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What kind of tree we want in the class, are they all the same?
We work with dwarf jade (Portulacaria afra) because it’s hardy, forgiving, and perfect for learning the fundamentals of bonsai. While we stick to that species for the class, you do get to pick your own tree from a selection of pre‑bonsai.

Artists
Justin ZabinskiAs an artist and workshop instructor, Justin has a knack for taking all the intimidation out of the art form, making complex techniques like structural wiring, pruning, and soil prep feel natural, approachable, and zero-stress.
Frequently highlighted by workshop guests for his patient, step-by-step guidance, Justin is always floating around the room to offer a hand, answer care questions, or reassure first-timers that there’s no reason to stress over a wrong cut. For Justin, bonsai is all about going with the flow, enjoying the hands-on process, and making sure everyone leaves the event with a great tree, new confidence, and good vibes.
Larry NaederLarry Nader is the owner of Thunderstruck Bonsai, a nursery dedicated to creating living bonsai art. His deep passion for bonsai artistry has earned him widespread recognition and respect in the bonsai community.
As the owner of Thunderstruck Bonsai, Larry has built a business dedicated to nurturing and cultivating premium bonsai specimens. He is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community through education and consultation on bonsai care. Larry actively engages with the community through workshops and educational events, teaching enthusiasts and newcomers about the artistry and techniques of bonsai.
In addition, Larry serves as the Vice President of the Suncoast Bonsai Society and is Chairman of the BSF Epcot Committee. He is also a dedicated student of renowned bonsai artist Nacho Marin, further enhancing his expertise and artistry.






