With spirits, cocktails, entertainment and more straight up, the 16th annual event returns to La Jolla, with something for everyone.
It will be happy hour in La Jolla all weekend long Sept 27 and 28, as the 16th annual San Diego Spirits Festival once again prepares to enliven the community at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Prospect Street.
A curated celebration of cocktails and coastal living, the San Diego Spirits Festival is an all-inclusive ticket for premium spirits, food and entertainment, with something for everyone, according to event founder and director Liz Edwards.
“If you don’t drink, there’s no reason not to come to the festival,” Edwards said, as the lineup goes far beyond alcohol.
For two days, the festival will delight tastebuds with “amazing brands” including Rums of Puerto Rico with a full portfolio of rums, she said, along with a vast array of tequila companies, some of which are offering tastes of tequilas that run $300 to $400 per bottle.
Gins, whiskeys, brandies, mezcals, vodkas and ready-to-drink cocktails will also display their best sips.
“Some of the bottles themselves are just absolutely beautiful,” Edwards said. “I’m really impressed with the craftsmanship that goes into creating that.”
At least 30% of the brands that are in the festival have been awarded a medal at the 2025 International Bottle Competition, she said.
The brands represented are global, and some are newly-launched San Diego companies.
New to the San Diego Spirits Festival this year is cava and Napa Valley wines, Edwards said.
And with non-alcoholic brand Spiritless, there will be a drink for everyone, she said.
Beyond the cups, the festival will keep participants dancing with top talent: George Pajon Jr of the Black Eyed Peas, singer-songwriter Andrew Cole and flamenco guitarist Jason Jenkins will perform in what feels like “a private concert,” Edwards said.
San Diego Spirits Festival
The Samba and belly dancers will return; Rideshare Jazz and DJ Mike will also join the lineup of entertainment.
Several eateries have also signed on to serve alongside the drinks, including La Jolla spots Akari Sushi, Lobster West and Zoya; The Glass Box; Hendo’s Barrel House; Farm Fresh To You; Saltare Catering; and The Old Spaghetti Factory.
“I want to make sure that people have lots of food options,” Edwards said. “They always look for more food.”
The San Diego Spirits Festival has grown since its first pour 17 years ago, when Edwards founded the event because “there was nothing like that here in San Diego,” she said. “The first one was a huge success.”
San Diego Spirits Festival
Moving the festival to La Jolla and MCASD four years ago was “fantastic,” she said, as the people who attend now become just as passionate about the craft of spirits as the distillers.
“The attendees love to hear that history,” Edwards said.
Unlimited cocktails, food and entertainment access is included in every ticket to the San Diego Spirits Festival. For more information, visit sandiegospiritsfestival.com.
