The San Diego Brewers Guild Revamps 2018 Guild Fest, Adding New Features to its Premiere Annual Event

San Diego CA— A decade since the first-ever San Diego Beer Week, America’s Finest City is now regarded for its award-winning brewing community and has rightfully earned the nickname: Capital of Craft™. This year’s 10-day celebration is presented by Lyft and the San Diego Brewers Guild, a 501(c)(6) dedicated to promoting the region’s independent brewers. The festivities begin on Friday, Nov. 2 and continue through Sunday, Nov. 11. San Diego County will kick off the week with a countywide toast, followed by the 2018 Guild Fest on Saturday, Nov. 3 and a closing to the momentous occasion with The Beer Garden at The Lodge Torrey Pines on Sunday, Nov. 11.
SDBW is an annual celebration involving San Diego’s industry of more than 130 independent craft brewing locations. The week will be filled with more than 500 beer-centric events throughout the county, allowing craft beer aficionados and newbies a chance to try the best of San Diego indie beer. Participating breweries, tasting rooms, bars and restaurants are encouraged to host special events on the first night of SDBW and join a virtual toast at 7:30 p.m. PT. Fans may find events at sdbeer.com/events and take part in the Countywide Virtual Kickoff Toast by sharing photos on social media using #SDBEER and #SDBW.
“San Diego Beer Week is the perfect way for both locals and tourists to enjoy our region’s vibrant craft brewing community,” said Paige McWey, Executive Director of the San Diego Brewers Guild. “This year, we’re especially excited to give fans a completely revamped Guild Fest to start the week. We think attendees will really enjoy the new location in Downtown and be pumped to try beers from our neighboring California and Mexico guilds, as well as the option to pre-party on a boat in the San Diego Bay.”
For the first time ever, regional brewery guilds from outside of San Diego, such as the Mexicali Brewers Guild, Sacramento Brewers Guild, Orange County Brewers Guild, Los Angeles Brewers Guild and more to be announced, will be pouring beers alongside SDBG brewery members at Guild Fest. Fans may choose between general admission passes or a brand-new VIP harbor cruise experience. Ticket are available at sdbeer.com/sdbw.
General admission passes ($50 + tax and service fees) include:

• Unlimited samples from more than 60 independent breweries, with 120-plus beers to choose from
• A new spacious location in Downtown San Diego – Embarcadero South
• Food available to purchase from local craft beer-friendly restaurants
• A commemorative tasting cup
• Tasting session from 2 to 5 p.m.

VIP passes ($90 + tax and service fees) include:

• Ticket for a 60-minute VIP Harbor Cruise, hosted by Flagship Cruises
• One general admission pass to 2018 Guild Fest
• Small food bites and specialty beers aboard the boat
• Beer samples during both the VIP Harbor Cruise and Guild Fest
• Early entrance into the main festival, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Closing out SDBW is the Beer Garden at the beautiful Arroyo Terrace of the Lodge in Torrey Pines. From noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, guests will enjoy unlimited tasters of local craft beers from 28 breweries, creatively paired with artisanal food from 14 chefs. With live musical entertainment and panoramic ocean views, this event is the most exquisite end to SDBW. All-inclusive general admission tickets cost $85 (plus tax and service fees), while ‘Designated Driver’ tickets cost $50 (plus tax and service fees) and come with non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets for the Beer Garden may be purchased at sdbeer.com/sdbw/beer-garden.
Searching for craft beer in San Diego is now made simple with the SD BEER App, a mobile application giving fans access to a plethora of events, interactive map, brewery profile listings and more. To make the entire SDBW experience even easier, event-goers are able to request a Lyft ride to any location listed in the SD BEER App via the push of a button. Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company, is also the official co-producing sponsor for SDBW. With the goal of providing safe and reliable rides to and from locations, the discount code ‘SDBW2018’ gives craft beer drinkers 20 percent off up to two trips during SDBW.
“San Diego is an icon for the craft brewing industry, one we are proud to support through our partnership with the San Diego Brewers Guild,” said Lyft San Diego Market Manager Hao Meng. “We want everyone attending San Diego Beer Week to be able to enjoy the delicious craft beer offerings responsibly, so we are happy to provide discounted rides and encourage event-goers to let Lyft handle the driving as they make their way to and from the different events.”
For more information about the San Diego Brewers Guild or to find an event, indie beer fans may download the SD Beer App, available for Android and iOS devices. Learn more and download at sdbeer.com/app.
“Visiting America’s Finest City for San Diego Beer Week and Guild Fest is the perfect destination for craft beer lovers around the world,” said Paige. “We look forward to another year of celebrating passionate indie brewers and supporting the businesses that help our industry shine…Cheers!”