There’s no wrong time to enjoy a craft beer, but this month is as good a time as any, considering there are three beer festivals featuring hundreds of breweries from around the world. Try them all—plus loads of local food—two ounces at a time.
Fourth Annual Festival of Dankness
Where: San Diego Waterfront Park
When: August 25
Pretty much everything you need to know is in the name. But check out this lyrical riff from the festival’s website describing it as “an armada of the world’s most powerful beer sorcerers will descend upon San Diego’s beautiful Waterfront Park bearing gifts of unparalleled hop-centric wonderment.” General admission tickets ($50) include food vendor access and unlimited 2oz pours from 60 local breweries like Pizza Port and North Park Brewing Company, as well as some from as far as Chicago, Denver, Portland, Seattle, and Anchorage. VIP tickets ($80) buy you early entry and first crack at food vendors and beer. Bonus: They have bicycle valet.
Del Mar Craft Beer Festival
Where: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
When: August 18
Unlimited beer tastes from 100 local and international brewers set to the sounds of live DJ sets. Tickets ($35-42) include racetrack admission.
Stone 22nd Anniversary Celebration and Invitational Beer Festival
Where: Cal State University San Marcos
When: August 18
Beers from Stone Brewing and 55 other local and international breweries poured in endless 2 ounce tastes from names like AleSmith Brewing Company, Eel River Brewing Co., South Park Brewing, Maui Brewing Company, Insurgente, and more. Take in live music, head to the cigar lounge, and hit up the food vendors, who will be serving complimentary tastes. Tickets are $65 but designated drivers can get one for $15.
Try a world of beers, one little glass at a time. | Photo: Modern Times