San Diego, November 27, 2025
San Diego will host a series of winter beer festivals in 2026, showcasing local breweries and their innovative products. The festivals will include the San Diego Brew Fest, North Park Festival of Beers, and more, offering attendees a chance to enjoy craft beers, food, and live entertainment. These events highlight San Diego’s thriving craft beer culture, support local entrepreneurs, and celebrate community engagement. From family-friendly festivals to exclusive tasting events, there’s something for every beer enthusiast to enjoy.
San Diego Announces 2026 Winter Beer Festivals
San Diego, renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, is gearing up to host a series of exciting winter beer festivals in 2026. These festivals are poised to offer a rich palette of flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts, celebrating the local brewing culture and fostering community engagement.
As San Diego continues to cultivate its reputation as a craft beer capital, these winter festivals present a unique opportunity for local breweries to showcase their innovative products. Reduced regulations around small businesses have allowed entrepreneurs to flourish, creating a vibrant marketplace that supports local economies and celebrates San Diego’s diverse community.
San Diego Brew Fest
Date: January 10, 2026
Location: Preble Field at Liberty Station, San Diego, CA 92106
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Details: The 15th annual San Diego Brew Fest will feature over 70 breweries and more than 200 beers. Attendees can enjoy unlimited samples, live music, and food from 10 of San Diego’s best food trucks. General Admission is priced at $50, while Early Admission is available for $65, offering an additional hour to taste specialty beers. This event is strictly for individuals aged 21 and over. Parking is free and accessible throughout NTC Park, and the event will proceed rain or shine.
North Park Festival of Beers
Date: April 4, 2026
Location: Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104
Details: The North Park Festival of Beers will showcase beer sampling from over 50 craft breweries, complemented by live music and a variety of food booths. This festival encourages patrons to connect and explore a spectrum of local brews.
Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival
Date: May 23, 2026
Location: Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway, Santee, CA 92071
Details: In its 16th year, the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival will present over 300 vendor stalls, art exhibitions, live performances, and a kids’ zone. This family-friendly festival focuses on local craft beers, broadening access to the region’s brewing scene.
Art & Beer Night Market
Date: March 19, 2026
Location: AleSmith Brewing Company, 9990 AleSmith Court, San Diego, CA 92126
Details: This evening market will feature local artists, craft makers, and a selection of craft beers. Attendees can enjoy unique artwork and fresh pours while relaxing amongst local vendors.
Seven Seas Craft Beer and Food Festival
Date: March 5 – May 2, 2026
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Details: The Seven Seas Craft Beer and Food Festival will offer a culinary adventure with over 125 distinct offerings, including 75 craft beers and a new vegan-only station, complemented by live entertainment including acoustic music and Polynesian dance.
2026 J/22 Beer Can Series
Dates: Thursdays, June 4 – August 27, 2026
Location: La Playa, San Diego, CA
Details: Hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club, this series combines competitive sailing with social gatherings, offering a unique blend of sport and community.
San Diego County Fair – Brewery of the Day
Dates: June 10 – July 5, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Location: Del Mar, CA
Details: The San Diego County Fair will feature a “Brewery of the Day” event, providing a platform for breweries to showcase their offerings and connect with attendees.
2026 Beer, Wine & Spirits Summit
Dates: January 18–20, 2026
Location: Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA
Details: This summit is a premier gathering for top executives in the beer, wine, and spirits industry, focusing on key trends and innovations that shape the marketplace.
2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship
Dates: Late June 2026
Location: Nationwide
Details: An international competition open to professional breweries and award-winning home brewers, highlighting over 140 styles of beer.
2026 World Beer Cup
Dates: To be announced
Location: Nationwide
Details: Known as “the Olympics of beer,” this competition represents America’s independent craft brewers and is a significant event on the brewing calendar.
2026 San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival
Dates: To be announced
Location: San Diego, CA
Details: This festival is among the largest culinary events in the nation, spotlighting the region’s culinary tourism and offerings.
These upcoming festivals herald an exciting opportunity for San Diego residents and visitors alike to engage with the local beer scene and appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of craft brewers in the region. As the craft beer movement continues to thrive, these events embody the commitment to community building and small-business innovation that defines San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego Brew Fest?
The San Diego Brew Fest is an annual event featuring over 70 breweries, offering more than 200 beers. Attendees can enjoy unlimited samples, live music, and food from 10 of San Diego’s best food trucks. The 2026 festival is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at Preble Field at Liberty Station, San Diego, CA 92106, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. General Admission is priced at $50, while Early Admission, which includes an additional hour and specialty beers, is available for $65. The event is for individuals aged 21 and over; no pets or children are permitted. Parking is free and accessible throughout NTC Park. The event will proceed rain or shine.
What is the North Park Festival of Beers?
The North Park Festival of Beers is a festival featuring beer sampling from over 50 craft breweries, live music, and a variety of food booths. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow beer enthusiasts and explore a wide range of local brews. The 2026 festival is scheduled for April 4, 2026, at the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104.
What is the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival?
The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival is an annual event featuring over 300 food and vendor stalls, art exhibitions, live performances, and a kids’ zone. The 16th annual festival is scheduled for May 23, 2026, at Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway, Santee, CA 92071.
What is the Art & Beer Night Market?
The Art & Beer Night Market will feature local artists, craft makers, and a selection of craft beers on March 19, 2026, at AleSmith Brewing Company, allowing attendees to enjoy unique artwork and fresh pours.
| Festival Name | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Brew Fest | January 10, 2026 | Preble Field at Liberty Station | Over 70 breweries and 200 beers, food trucks, live music, 21+ only |
| North Park Festival of Beers | April 4, 2026 | Lafayette Hotel | Over 50 breweries, food booths, live music |
| Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival | May 23, 2026 | Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway | Family-friendly, 300+ vendors, art exhibitions, live performances |
| Art & Beer Night Market | March 19, 2026 | AleSmith Brewing Company | Local artists, craft beers, vendors |
| Seven Seas Craft Beer and Food Festival | March 5 – May 2, 2026 | SeaWorld San Diego | 125+ offerings, vegan station, live entertainment |
| 2026 J/22 Beer Can Series | June 4 – August 27, 2026 | La Playa | Competitive sailing and social gatherings |
| San Diego County Fair – Brewery of the Day | June 10 – July 5, 2026 | Del Mar | Daily featured brewery with special beers |
| 2026 Beer, Wine & Spirits Summit | January 18–20, 2026 | Hotel Del Coronado | Top executives gathering for industry insights |
| 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship | Late June 2026 | Nationwide | International brewing competition with multiple styles |
| 2026 World Beer Cup | To be announced | Nationwide | Largest beer competition, organized by Brewers Association |
| 2026 San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival | To be announced | San Diego | Luxury culinary event, featuring local chefs and attractions |
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