San Diego Spirits by the Bay Festival
WHEN: October 14, Noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 1st Street
Given the astronomical success of craft beer in San Diego, it only made sense that craft spirits were next. Liquor reps for mainstream brands complain that today’s consumer wants small-batch, local, unique bases for their cocktails. Bombay Gin is out, San Diego’s Old Harbor is in. This festival will gather some of the best distillers in the city, pouring their whiskeys, gins, vodkas, rums, and whatever arcane specialty spirit they’ve chosen to chase down the rabbit hole. You know the drill—drinks, cocktails, snifters, tastes, music, food, raffles, giveaways.
COST: $55-$75
San Diego Beer Week
WHEN: November 3-12
WHERE: Port Pavilion, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown
Speaking of craft beer, this is your annual chance to sample San Diego’s crowning gift to the country. Put on by the San Diego Beer Guild, there are events all over the city. The main kickoff parties are Nov. 3-4 at Port Pavilion, with, you guessed it, pretty much every craft brewer in town pouring. But the celebration has tons of mini-events all over the city until November 12, like “Bends and Brews Yoga” at Karl Strauss, a Barrel-Aged Day at Duck Foot Brewing, donuts-and-beer pairing with Nomad Donuts and Thorn Street, you name it. Just go to the website, block off a few hours perusing the parties, and fill your calendar at will.
COST: $35-$100
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
WHEN: November 12-19
WHERE: Everywhere
This is San Diego’s biggest food and wine event, canvassing the entire city and culminating in the grand ole party, the Grand Tasting. There’s something for everyone—events dedicated to Baja cuisine, ocean-to-table, fish tacos, fermented food and drink, whiskey-and-wagyu, Champagne, Spanish food, oysters, cult wines, sushi & sake, brunch. Just everything. If high-end is your thing, take a look at the “Culinary Icons” meal, which will bring Relais & Chateaux chefs together for a collaborative meal, including visiting chefs Louis Moskow (315 Restaurant & Wine Bar, New Mexico) and Matt Zubrod (The Little Nell, Colorado) along with locals William Bradley (Addison Del Mar), Bernard Guillas (Marine Room), and Aron Schwartz (Marina Kitchen).
COST: Varies
The Best Food & Drink Events in October and November
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
