Yosemite Mustache & Beard Championships poster with bearded man, mountain backdrop, and event details.

  • Mike Brewer, Celebrity Judge

    Mike Brewer, Celebrity beard judge Yosemite Celtic Festival

    Mike Brewer aka Coffee with Brewer on IG, YouTube, and TikTok, lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has been bearding  for over 20 years, competing for the last 5. 


    While he’s not affiliated with any one beard club, he actively supports and participates in events across the country. 

    He’s also the co-host of The Bearded Respect on YouTube, a show that highlights the bearded community and beard clubs nationwide. 

    Mike’s passion for bearding started after leaving the Army, when he grew his “freedom beard” and never looked back.


    He’s earned multiple awards, including 1st place and Best in Show at the 2024 Land of 10,000 Whiskers and top honors at competitions like You Matter 4 and 5, Wolek’s Famous Beard Championship, the Fredericton Barber Convention, National Beard and Moustache Championships, Midwest Beard Fest, Mile High Beard Bout, and most recently took 1st place and Best in Show at the Laramie County (WY) State Fair! 


    Mike enjoys the camaraderie and fundraising spirit behind every event. 


    I am truly honored to be apart of this judging panel and excited to check out all of the Celtic Festival exhibits!


  • Wolf Faulkins, Competition Host


GET TICKETS & ENTER CONTEST

All beards assemble! From classic full beards to Celtic-inspired showpieces, our Great Celtic Beard Off Contest celebrates grooming, creativity, and community pride. Step on stage, show your style, and win the crowd—then the judges.


When/Where:

Competition is held at Yosemite Celtic Festival on Saturday, October 17th at Oakhurst Community Center Celtic Howl Stage.


Entry:

Sign up for one or more categories during your event ticket purchase. 


Check-in:

30 minutes before your category time.


Award Categories (Total: 11)

(Organizers may combine/split categories based on entries.)

Full Beard (length measured from bottom lip to longest point):

  •  Full Beard – Short (≤6")
  •  Full Beard – Medium (6.1"–12")
  •  Full Beard – Long (12"+)


Free Style Beard

  •  Any Length


Mustache:

  • Mustache – Natural (minimal product)
  • Mustache – Styled (wax/product & curls welcome)


Additional Categories:

  • Partial Beard (goatee, chops and whaler)
  • Veteran's Freedom Beards (any length, any style)
  • Whiskerinas (crafted beards, secured to face)
  • Wee Whiskers (kids crafted beards)
  • Best in Show (1st place winners from all adult categories)


Judging Criteria


  • Grooming & Care: cleanliness, conditioning, tidy lines
  • Shape & Symmetry: silhouette, balance, proportionality
  • Density & Texture: fullness, health, consistency
  • Presentation & Stage Presence: confidence, costume, family friendly presentation
  • Instrumental Performances not allowed during competition.  Entertainment will be arranged for intermission periods.

Official Rules


  1. Family-Friendly: Keep it PG. No offensive symbols, language, or props.
  2. Safety: No sharp/unsafe accessories; avoid shedding mess (no loose glitter/confetti).
  3. Natural vs. Styled:
  • Natural categories (Full Beard lengths, Partial Beard, Mustache–Natural): no extensions, dyes, or fillers; light grooming product OK.
  • Styled/Freestyle: safe products/tools/temporary color allowed.
  1. Eligibility: Choose one primary category (Crowd Favorite and Best in Show are automatic).
  2. Check-in & Call Times: Miss your call = forfeit. Be side-stage 10 minutes prior.
  3. Youth: Under 18 may enter only with parent/guardian present; they must compete in an appropriate category.
  4. Photography Release: Participation grants photo/video use for festival promotion.
  5. Conduct: Be courteous to staff, judges, and fellow competitors.
  6. Registration Cap: Limited entries per category; waitlist may be used.


Prizes & Recognition


Adult Category Winners:  Whisker care & pampering prizes  + website/social shout-out