(Courtesy San Diego Brewers Guild)

There are beer festivals, and then there are beer festivals that scream ROAD TRIP, and San Diego’s “Capital of Craft Beer Fest” falls squarely into that category.

For decades, San Diego has been one of the driving forces behind the American craft beer movement. While cities like Portland, Denver and Asheville have all earned legendary beer reputations, San Diego carved out its own identity with bold, hop-forward West Coast IPAs that helped define modern American brewing today. The region is home to well over 150 breweries, countless award winners. Beer culture is part of its DNA, from neighborhood taprooms to waterfront brewpubs.

That heritage will be on full display when the San Diego Brewers Guild teams up with 91X for the return of the Capital of Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, September 19 at Broadway Pier along San Diego’s scenic waterfront.

The festival celebrates everything that has made the city one of America’s great beer destinations.

More than 65 locally brewed craft beers will be available for unlimited sampling, giving visitors the chance to experience the creativity and diversity that have become the region’s calling card. San Diego’s spectacular city to begin with and breweries will also be pouring a wide range of styles in the vibey waterfront location  that showcase just how much the local scene has evolved beyond its IPA roots.

(Broadway Pier San Diego)

One of this year’s highlights is the debut of the People’s Choice Hoppy Beer Award. Festival attendees will sample a variety of hop-forward beers before casting their votes to crown their favorite, adding a little friendly competition among some of the city’s best breweries.

And as with the best beer festivals, this event isn’t just about what’s in the glass. Local food vendors, artists and craft makers will help create the kind of laid-back atmosphere that’s become synonymous with San Diego’s beer scene. Live music will keep things moving throughout the day with hometown favorites Agent 51, a familiar name to 91X listeners, joined by 80s Resurrection presented by Dead Man’s Party.

Like many of the region’s best beer events, the festival also gives back.

A portion of every ticket sold supports the San Diego Brewers Guild, the nonprofit organization that has spent years promoting independent breweries while advocating for the local brewing community through education, collaboration and outreach.

General admission tickets are $50 and include unlimited samples from more than 65 local beers. VIP admission is $70 and includes early entry, exclusive beer pours and additional festival perks.

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to experience one of America’s great beer cities, this is as good as any. Great breweries, fresh beer, live music and a waterfront setting are exactly why San Diego has remained one of the country’s premier craft beer destinations for more than three decades.

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