Firestone Walker Brewing has announced the return of what we consider to be, one of the finest craft beer festivals in the nation.

On January 21, the Paso Robles, California-headquartered brewery released the official lineup for the 2026 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival, happening Saturday, May 30, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be another classic.

In 2026, this one-of-a-kind event will bring together 65 standout breweries from around the world, plus live music and artisan foods from more than 20 local chefs and restaurants.

Often called the “Best Beer Festival in the West,” the Invitational is really a full weekend affair. Festivities kick off with the Firestone Walker 30th Anniversary Block Party on Friday, May 29, roll into the main festival on Saturday, and wrap up with a laid-back Brews & Brekky Brunch on Sunday, May 31.

Tickets for the 2026 festival go on sale at 10 a.m. PST on February 4 at FirestoneWalker.com.

“The fest is about inviting some of our favorite breweries to come share great beer with those who care about it most,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “It’s a chance to put down our sales pitches, showcase our rarest beers, and celebrate craft culture together.”

The 2026 Fest Collaboration Beer

To mark the occasion, as well as the brewery’s 30^th Anniversary, Firestone Walker teamed up with pFriem Family Brewers of Hood River, Oregon, to create pFreal, a limited-edition West Coast IPA that will serve as the official fest beer.

“This collaboration is about two breweries speaking the same language, learning from each other, and pushing toward something special,” Brynildson added.

And starting in May, pFreal will be available at select Firestone Walker accounts, all three Firestone Walker California locations, and on tap throughout festival weekend.

65 World-Class Breweries

The 2026 lineup spans the globe, with confirmed participants including Hill Farmstead (Vermont), Verdant (UK), Bofkont (Belgium), SirHopper (Argentina), Fidens (New York), and Craftrock (Japan).

The full list of breweries is available on the event page, with more additions expected in the coming weeks.

A Festival with Deep Roots

Since launching in 2012, the Firestone Walker Invitational has rightfully grown in reputation and stature.

Beyond the beer, it remains deeply connected to the local community, with proceeds benefiting Paso Robles Pioneer Day and other area nonprofits, including Central Coast Honor Flight, Estrella Warbird Museum, and local youth sports leagues.

(Firestone Walker’s Matt Brynildson)

Weekend Schedule at a Glance

• Friday, May 1 – Official release of pFreal West Coast IPA
• Friday, May 29 – Firestone Walker 30th Anniversary Brewery Block Party
• Saturday, May 30 – Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival at the Paso Robles Event Center
• Sunday, May 31 – Brews & Brekky Brunch at the Firestone Walker Taproom

If you’re into great beer, good food, and a weekend that actually feels like a celebration of craft, this one is absolutely not to be missed.

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