See What’s Brewing at the 6th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest

Craft Brewing in San Diego

Craft brewing has a long history in San Diego county. With over 200 breweries, it is no secret that Southern Californians like craft beer. San Diego beer lovers fuel the craft beer culture that spans from Chula Vista to Little Italy, the northern beach cities and beyond. The popularity of craft beer has skyrocketed throughout the past decade but has roots as far back as the 19th century. During Prohibition, almost all of the breweries in San Diego were forced to close. From the 30s to the 80s, mass production owned the beer scene. However, after California legalized homebrewing in 1978, brewers jumped at the opportunity to revive the craft and Karl Strauss opened in 1989. This lead to a boom of centerpiece breweries like Stone and Pizza Port opening. This time of year, beer lovers everywhere are gearing up for Oktoberfest celebrations and pints of German beer. If you are a beer lover in Carlsbad, you can beat the Oktoberfest rush and try all of San Diego’s newest brews at the 6th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest on September 7th.

A Growing Celebration of Craft Beer in Carlsbad

During the past five years, the Brewfest has grown from a typical San Diego beer festival to one of the county’s largest events celebrating some of the finest craft beers in the state. The event is presented by the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club and is hosted at one of Carlsbad’s historic outdoor parks. Holiday Park is just blocks from City Hall and the historic Barrio neighborhood. The Park is considered one of the oldest parks in the city and is well manicured, with gazebos, restrooms, horseshoe pits, and more. Ample tree cover and sun exposure make it the perfect spot for the Brewfest. All proceeds from the Carlsbad Brewfest are given to local and regional charities. In 2018, the festival raised $50,000. This year, the proceeds will be benefiting Bikes for the Barrio.

Brewfest 2019 Information

From noon to 4:30, Holiday Park will be home to 40+ breweries and cider houses. The 80+ craft beers, ciders, kombucha, and wine varieties will be accompanied by live music, entertainment, games, and food vendors. Seven of the 43 brewers featured at the event have joined together to create the 2019 Carlsbad Brewfest Collaborative Brew. This brew will only be available at the event for VIP and General Admission ticket holders. Ticketed guests will have the rare chance to enjoy the exclusive collaboration, brewed by the talents of Arcana, Burgeon, Culver, Karl Strauss, Papa Merces, Pizza Port, and Rouleur brewers.

There are three types of tickets available for the Brewfest. VIP tickets are being offered for $75 and grant guests early access to the park. An hour before General Admission doors open, VIP guests will be allowed to start tasting samples and get the first chance at trying the Collaboration Brew, which will only be available in limited quantities. VIP tickets also include a $10 food voucher, and a raffle ticket for a shot at winning one of three amazing raffle prizes. The raffle prizes include: (4) La Costa Spa Day passes, (1) Foursome round of golf at the La Costa Country Club, and a Custom Brewfest Electra Cruiser Bicycle. Guests can also opt for a VIP 2-Pack for $135, which includes two VIP tickets and all of their benefits plus special pours from Ale Smith, Bell, Melvin, Karl Strauss, Belching Beaver, Burgeon, Green Flash and Firestone.

General Admission tickets are just $55 and include ticketed entry from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. General Admission tickets offer unlimited tasting samples (including samples of the Collaboration Brew), music, entertainment, games, and food vendors.

Designated Driver tickets are also available for $15. Local parking will be limited, so public transportation, bikes, and ride shares are recommended. The festival is 21+ and space is limited to ~2,000 people. Get your ticket today, before it sells out!