Throwback Thirty at the California Festival of Beers

It’s back! California Festival of Beers is returning to San Luis Obispo May 27–28 to celebrate the 30^th year of the event benefiting Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice SLO County), a volunteer hospice offering programs and support groups for those dealing with a life-limiting illness throughout San Luis Obispo County.

While you may be familiar with the popular “BeerFest,” do you know how it all started? Like many great things in life, it had a humble beginning – to be exact, in a parking lot behind a local San Luis Obispo pub in 1986. Since then, the festival has grown to become one of the largest regional beer festivals in California, bringing more than 4,000 attendees each year.

This year’s two-day event will offer a wide array of beers, food and entertainment. Friday’s “Arts and Drafts” Connoisseur Tasting at the Madonna Expo Center will feature select craft beers, local food pairings and the work of local artists and musicians. Saturday’s Grand Tasting in the Madonna Meadows features breweries from all over the country, local food offerings, outdoor games and live music.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Hospice SLO County, which runs completely on donations, grants and proceeds from fundraising events like BeerFest. All Hospice SLO County services are offered at no charge to the family.

A piece of advice from us to you – the event historically sells out so don’t wait too long to buy those tickets. (You can’t say we didn’t warn you!) To purchase tickets to BeerFest, visit californiafestivalofbeers.com. For more information on Hospice SLO County, visit hospiceslo.org.