December 6 & 7 | Strong Ale Fest: It’s the type of memorable event one struggles to remember year after year. Why the memory lapse? Pizza Port’s always-impressive array of 60-plus beers all coming in (well) above 8% alcohol-by-volume. Arrange for a ride home, then indulge in the county’s mightiest annual beer festival, now in its 23rd year. | Pizza Port, 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, Times Vary
December 14 | Tap House Grand Opening: It’s been open a minute, but this celebration will officially break in Carlsbad-based Guadalupe Brewery’s Vista taproom. On-theme art, food and live music will further bolster the venue’s already colorful Mexican wine country style. Tickets entitle partygoers to a commemorative glass plus two full pours (or four taster servings). | Guadalupe Brewery, 631 South Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, 12 p.m.
December 19 & 20 | Santa’s Secret Stash: Venerable beer bar Hamilton’s Tavern always gets in the Christmas spirit. This event, featuring draft and cellared holiday beers from around the world, is a highlight, but stop in December 7 for 12 Bell’s of Christmas with Bell’s Brewery, December 14 for a three-headed Second Saturday or December 25 for assorted Christmas Day specials. | Hamilton’s Tavern, 1521 30th Street, South Park, Times Vary
December 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebrations: There are many ways to ring in the new year, but the best way is with beer. Stone Brewing will hold grand-scale, ‘80’s-themed events with food, themed music and arcade games at both of its bistros, AleSmith Brewing will conduct is annual “hop-drop” gala, and 32 North Brewing will put on a party with a DJ, photo booth, food truck, dancing and cocktails. Sláinte and so long, 2019! | 32 North Brewing, 8655 Production Avenue, Suite A, Miramar; AleSmith Brewing, 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar; Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido; Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma; Times Vary
Don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for a regularly updated listing of even more beer-related events taking place in San Diego County this month and beyond.