When the summer-sun and temperatures are both high, the time is right for quenching one’s thirst for both beer and good times. There’s no shortage of either to partake in this month, so take a gander at some of these premier events, then search our full events page for even more sudsy fun in the sun.
July 20 | Hop-Con 4.0: It’s a bird, it’s a plane…no, it’s nerds of all types (but mostly the comic, sci-fi and beer variety) will descend on the outdoor portion of Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station brewpub. Some will don capes, tights, masks and other Comic-Con-esque regalia, but all will indulge in special beers (including this year’s high-ABV w00tstout), food pairings, retro-arcade games and orations from celebrity guests. | Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, #116, Point Loma, 8 p.m.
July 23 | Christmas in July: The monastic theme of San Marcos’ The Lost Abbey extends to the generosity of the souls within. Each year, the brewery releases bourbon barrel-aged versions of its imperial stout, Santa’s Little Helper, pitch a “giving-tree” and hold a toy-drive benefiting underprivileged kids. Stock up on nice-insurance then visit the on-site Santa with your wish-list. | The Lost Abbey, 155 Mata Way, Suite 104, San Marcos, 11 a.m.
July 23 | Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival: Apparently, dressing up like comic-book and blockbuster movie characters is the thing to do come July, because this is the second beer-festival (see Hop-Con above) where it’s part of the game-plan. Come ready to rid the festival site of ales and lagers from more than 40 different breweries. Then consult the true heroes—Uber drivers. | Waterfront Park; 1600 Pacific Highway; Downtown; 2:30 p.m., General Admission: 3:30 p.m.
July 23 | San Diego Brew Fest: Six years in and this fest is still Cushing it. Forgive and (hopefully) forget this terrible pun based on the street upon which this event will take place, and head out to yet another Liberty Station-based suds rally featuring dozens of beers ranging in origin from ultra-local to international. A variety of food-trucks will be on hand to lend extra locavorian appeal. | Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station, 2640 Cushing Rd., Point Loma, 12 p.m.
July 30 | Hess Fest: Mike Hess of—you guessed it—Mike Hess Brewing Company has lots of friends in the beer-biz. Rather than horde them and their wares to himself, every year he invites them to set up tents and pour for his patrons at an epic block-party that doesn’t disappoint. Make a day of it and enjoy brews spanning from SoCal out to the Arizona Wilderness. (Get it?) | Mike Hess Brewing Company, 3812 Grim Avenue, North Park; VIP: 12:30 p.m., General Admission: 1 p.m.