Beer festivals can be very inspiring events. In fact, some inspire the establishment of other beer festivals. Bluesapolooza, an annual beer-and-music extravaganza held in Mammoth that's a favorite among local brewers, was the driver for Daniel Love, owner and brewer at Mother Earth Brew Co., to bring a similar event to Vista.

After putting the finishing touches on his company’s tap house, which opened in Historic Downtown Vista in June, he shifted his energies to this project, working with Gumaro Escarcega of the Vista Village Business Association to put on the first annual Classic Blues and Microbrews Festival, which will take place on October 20 from 12 to 6 p.m.

It took a lot of work on the duo’s part, but they found a great deal of support from local businesses, blues musicians, and breweries. In fact, response from the latter group has been impressive, especially considering the inaugural nature of this festival. Local operations (including Vista-based Latitude 33 Brewing, Backstreet Brewery, Indian Joe Brewing, and The Belching Beaver), as well as big-name out-of-towners like Hangar 24 Craft Brewery and Maui Brewing Company have signed on sling brews amid the sound of the blues.

Firefly, Swingin’ Kings, and headliner Ruby and the Red Hots are scheduled to perform and proceeds from the event will benefit Project Walk, an organization assisting with spinal rehabilitation. Tickets are currently on sale—five tasters for $20 or ten tasters for $30. Tickets purchased at the event will be five dollars more. For those attending but not drinking, the cover charge is $5. The event is 21 and up.