San Diego Beer Week 2016's Best Bets

Hundreds of brewery and cross-promotional events are planned around San Diego Beer Week 2016, featuring thousands of beers. You cannot drink them all. But you can cover quite a few of them by checking out the following events.

Beer Week Festivals
VIP Brewer Takeover Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Friday, November 4, 6–9pm, $75–100. The first of four anchor events produced by the Brewers Guild, this is a chance for brewers to bring special brews to share with their most ardent local fans, beer tourists, and each other.

Guild Fest Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Saturday, November 5, 2–5pm, $40–50. The second anchor event amps up the setup of the first, featuring live music, plus thirty minute beer school sessions throughout the day.

The New Kids Marina Village — Baja Room, Mission Bay 1936 Quivira Way, Thursday, November 10, 6–10pm, $30–40. All the breweries serving beer at this annual fest have been around under two years, making this a great opportunity to discover a new favorite.

Food and Pairing Events
Stone Rare Beer Breakfast Stone World Bistro & Gardens, Escondido, 1999 Citracado Parkway Friday, November 4, 9am–12pm, $65. The toughest choice you face all week may be which 15 of the dozens of special beers you try with brunch at this unofficial beer week kickoff event.

Modern Times Beer Dinner Mess Hall at Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Monday, November 7, 6:30–10pm, $65. A rare food and beer pairing for vegetarians in Point Loma, featuring a fine variety of beers made a mile away.

The Beer Garden at Torrey Pines The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, Sunday, November 13, 12–3pm, $85. The Brewers Guild's closing party doesn't simply offer beer, it pairs unlimited amounts of beer with dishes prepared by a slew of acclaimed San Diego chefs in a beautiful oceanfront setting.

Barrel Aged & Sour Events
Wild and Woody Machete Beer House, 2325 Highland Avenue, National City, Friday, November 4, 3pm–12am. Barrel aged and sour beers on tap all day, with the option to create your own tasting flights.

Karl Strauss Barrelful Hamilton's Tavern, 1521 30th Street, South Park Saturday, November 5, 3pm–12am. One of the city's most developed barrel programs is on display at this Hamilton's anniversary event, featuring everything from big dark beers to wild ales, including Karl's latest gold medal winner.

Double Talkin’ Jive Mother Pucker O'Brien's Pub, 4646 Convoy Street, Kearny Mesa, Saturday, November 5, 10:30am–1am. Sour beers take over O'Brien's in a big way, promising world class and bottle selections intended for the initiated.

Out of Town Breweriy Events
Beer Without Borders Machete Beer House 2325 Highland Avenue, National City, Friday, November 11, 4pm–12am. Baja craft breweries get all 30 taps at Machete for the night, offering our side of the border an incomparable glimpse of the strides made by our sister beer scene to the south.

Battle of the Guilds Toronado San Diego, 4026 30th Street, North Park, Friday, November 11, 6–10pm. It's our turn to host the ongoing popularity contest between San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco craft beer guilds. Fifteen beers represent each city's best, and audience vote determines a champ. The trick here is to drink all the harder to get San Francisco beers, then still vote for San Diego Brewers Guild to win.