The San Diego Spirits Festival, a cocktail and cultural event, is shaking things up for its 13th year with a move to the newly-renovated Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla. San Diego’s annual spirits extravaganza will take place 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, featuring unlimited cocktails from over 65 brands, live music and entertainment, access to MCASD’s galleries, and more. Tickets are now available.
“This event has grown exponentially through a community of craft cocktail and premium spirits lovers, and this year, we look forward to taking the San Diego Spirits Festival upmarket to La Jolla in this world-class museum,” said Liz Edwards, owner, and founder of the San Diego Spirits Festival. “We’re creating an experience-driven event completely unique to the community, where guests can be inspired by exceptional cocktails and spirits, exquisite art, and spectacular views.”
This incredible new setting will take SoCal’s favorite spirits festival to where art, bespoke spirits brands, and cocktails will come together for a two-day experience. San Diego Spirits Festival’s move from downtown San Diego to La Jolla will build on the event’s loyal following while attracting a new audience within La Jolla and adding new layers to the event.
The festival offers an upscale event for novice cocktail lovers and fashionistas to experienced mixology professionals and restaurateurs. Spirits and art enthusiasts will explore the world of whiskey, bourbon, tequila, rum, gin, vodka, and other fine spirits, plus ready-to-drink beverages including seltzers, canned cocktails, and more from local craft distillers to national brands.
Recently reopened after a two-year, $200 million renovation, MOCA is comprised of both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views of the La Jolla coast throughout. The festival will take place on multiple levels of the museum, with the full exhibition from its galleries on display.
Featured entertainment will include Samba dancers, roving belly dancers, a pole dancer Flamenco soloist, and two bands – Gone Blond on Saturday, and Fleetwood Max on Sunday.
Whiskeys: Endless West Whiskeys; Buskers Irish Whiskey; Heavens Door Whiskeys; Clyde May’s Whiskeys; McConnell’s Irish Whisky’s; Cutwater Whiskey & Bourbon; Story House Whiskey & Bourbons; First Light Coffee Whiskey; Knucklenoggin Whiskey; Uncle Nearest Whiskeys.
Tequilas: Don Ramon Tequilas; Adictivo Tequila Group; Tinta Negra Group; Mexcor Tequila Group; Padre Azul Tequila; Little Toad Creek Tequilas; Tanteo Tequilas; Cutwater Tequilas; Ambrosio Tequilas; Chactunin Tequila; Rancho La Gloria Infused Tequila.
Vodkas and gins: Truly Vodka; Blue Shark Vodka; Wild Roots Vodka; Story House Spirits Vodkas & Gins; Cutwater Vodka & Gins; Tahoe Blue Vodka; Engine Gin; Two Shores Gin.
Other spirits: Toco Cachacha; Chinola Liqueur; 9North Spiced Rum; Koloa Rum; American Soju; Batch 22 Classic Gold Aquavit; Nardini Liqueurs; Curious Juniper craft syrups.
Ready to drink (RTD): Happy Hour Tequila RTD; El Hempe RTD; Florida Caribbean Distillers RTD; Easy Tomorrow Hangover, and Liquid Death Mountain Water.
Small bites from Ranch Events, Starfish Eatery, Mermaids and Cowboys, Beeside Balcony, Lobster West, and The Alcove.
Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased through Eventbrite here. More information about the festival can be found at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.
Photo: Chris Brake Photography
