With Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recommendation that events should be limited to no more than 250 people until at least the end of March, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, some event organizers are scrambling.
The second annual “Luck O’ Loma” won’t take place tomorrow in Point Loma, and given the name, won’t be back until next year. The Best Coast Beer Fest, originally scheduled for March 21, was moved to Saturday, July 25. Meading at the Garden, planned for April 4, is now Saturday, August 1. And the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club’s beer fest won’t take place April 25, with a future date TBD. Pucks & Pints (March 21) with the SD Gulls is canceled.
The Brewers Guild’s signature spring event, Rhythm & Brews (May 2), is still a “go” for now. “I have been in contact with the City of Vista and we are still on for R&B,” said Paige McWey, executive director of the guild. “We are also taking guidance from the San Diego County Dept. of Health – https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus/.”
The status of the North Park Festival of Beers (April 4) and the North Park Festival of Arts & Music (May 9) is currently unclear.
Many smaller-scale events, like the opening of Bay City Brewing’s East Village tap room this coming Monday (627 8th Ave), are taking place as scheduled. There, they’ll open at 11 a.m. with new cans and new can designs.
Likewise, Lost Cause is moving forward with their new Bay Park tasting room unveiling on Saturday, March 28, changing the title from “Grand Opening” to “Super Safe & Sanitary Soft Opening.” The meadery will have expanded to-go options.
Meanwhile, some brewery owners worry about the possibility of further measures and restrictions, including forced closures of businesses.
In the meantime, Thorn Brewing in Barrio Logan is getting extra creative by adding a “drive-thru” in the alley behind the brewery. “There will be a Thorn employee posted up, ready to hand off beer and take payment! So far, this service will be available this Friday, March 13th from 3 PM-7 PM and Saturday, March 14th from 10 AM-2 PM with plans to expand in the future,” a post on Facebook said.
Additionally, Longship Brewery is installing a pick-up option starting today: “In order to reduce exposure and reduce possible spread of the COVID-19 virus, Longship Brewery is now offering a pick-up option for all beers to go. Our customers can place an order ahead of time by phone or email. We’ll have the to-go beer ready for pickup within 10 minutes right at our front door.
Longship Phone: 858-246-7875; Longship Email: info@longshipbrewery.com“