San Diego, the undisputed “Capital of Craft,” doesn’t just brew beer—it throws beer-soaked bashes that could make a monk reconsider celibacy. With over 150 craft breweries and a reputation for hoppy excellence, September in San Diego is less about pumpkin spice and more about crisp pints and frothy festivals. Whether you’re a hophead chasing the perfect IPA or a casual sipper looking for a good time, this month’s beer events are your ticket to a sudsy good time. From quirky taproom shindigs to massive festivals, we’ve scoured the scene to bring you the top brewing events in San Diego for September 2025, complete with all the details you need to plan your boozy adventure. Grab your designated driver, and let’s dive into the foamy fun!

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1. North Park Festival of Beers

What Makes It Special?
The North Park Festival of Beers is like the Coachella of craft beer, minus the flower crowns and with way better IPAs. On April 5, 2025 (okay, it’s technically a bit past September, but the buzz starts now with early-bird tickets and pre-festival hype), this event transforms North Park into a hoppy wonderland. Over 50 breweries from San Diego and beyond pour their finest, from juicy hazies to barrel-aged stouts that taste like a hug from a lumberjack. Live music from local bands keeps the vibe electric, and food vendors sling everything from gourmet tacos to pretzels big enough to use as a flotation device. Presented by 91X, this fest is a love letter to San Diego’s craft beer culture, with a side of community swagger. Pro tip: Snag a VIP ticket for an extra hour of sipping and exclusive pours that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Admission & Addresses:

• Date: April 5, 2025 (planning starts in September, so book early!)
• Time: VIP: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM; General Admission: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
• Location: North Park, exact address TBD (typically centered around 30th Street and University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104). Check sandiego.org for updates.
• Admission: General Admission: ~$50–$60; VIP: ~$75–$90 (based on historical pricing). Tickets available via eventbrite.com or sandiego.org.
• Age Restriction: 21+ only, no exceptions. Leave the kids and pets at home.

Amenities:

• Parking: Street parking is available but tighter than a hipster’s jeans. Arrive early or use rideshare apps to avoid circling like a vulture. Limited paid lots may be available nearby.
• Bathrooms: Portable restrooms are plentiful, strategically placed to keep you from doing the pee-pee dance mid-pour.
• Extras: Food trucks, shaded seating areas, and water stations to keep you hydrated (because beer isn’t that hydrating). Bring sunscreen—San Diego’s September sun doesn’t mess around.

2. Art & Beer Night Market SD

What Makes It Special?
Think of the Art & Beer Night Market as a craft beer party that got a PhD in cool. Held at various San Diego venues (with September dates popping up on Eventbrite), this event pairs local brews with indie art, live music, and enough food trucks to make your stomach sing. Breweries like Belching Beaver and Modern Times show up with their best, while artists hawk everything from neon-painted skateboards to earrings made of bottle caps. It’s a sensory overload of hops, creativity, and good vibes, perfect for those who want their beer with a side of culture. The laid-back, open-air setup makes it feel like a backyard bash thrown by your hippest friend.

Admission & Addresses:

• Date: Multiple dates in September 2025 (check eventbrite.com for exact schedule).
• Time: Typically 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.
• Location: Varies; common spots include Liberty Station or North Park (e.g., 2899 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 for Black Plague Brewing events).
• Admission: ~$10–$20, often including a tasting wristband. Some events offer free entry with pay-as-you-go drinks.
• Age Restriction: 21+ for beer tasting; some family-friendly areas may be available.

Amenities:

• Parking: Venue-dependent, but most locations offer street parking or nearby lots. Liberty Station has ample free parking; North Park is trickier, so consider rideshare.
• Bathrooms: On-site restrooms at host venues, plus portable toilets for larger crowds. Cleanliness is generally decent, but bring hand sanitizer just in case.
• Extras: Live art demos, music stages, and seating areas. Food trucks cater to all diets, from vegan to carnivore. Some events include lawn games like cornhole for extra fun.

3. Brewdoodle Drink and Draw at Culture Brewing Co.

What Makes It Special?
Ever wanted to doodle a masterpiece while sipping a pint? Brewdoodle Drink and Draw at Culture Brewing Co. in Solana Beach is your chance to channel your inner Picasso with a beer in hand. This quirky September event (check dosd.com for exact dates) combines live music, craft brews, and a drawing session where you can sketch anything from hop cones to your neighbor’s questionable mustache. Culture Brewing’s Solana Beach taproom pours fan-favorites like their Hazy IPA, and the chill beachside vibe makes it feel like a mini-vacation. It’s less about art skills and more about laughing, sipping, and maybe accidentally drawing a hop that looks like a broccoli.

Admission & Addresses:

• Date: Weekly in September 2025, typically Wednesdays or Thursdays (confirm via dosd.com).
• Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM.
• Location: Culture Brewing Co., 111 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075.
• Admission: Free to attend; pay for drinks (beers ~$6–$8). Art supplies often provided, or bring your own sketchpad.
• Age Restriction: 21+ for drinking; non-alcoholic options available.

Amenities:

• Parking: Free street parking and nearby lots in Solana Beach. Arrive early to avoid a hike.
• Bathrooms: Indoor restrooms at the taproom, clean and well-maintained.
• Extras: Live music, limited food menu (think bar snacks), and outdoor seating with ocean breezes. Dogs welcome on the patio, so your pup can judge your art.

4. Beer and Brushes at The Hop Stop

What Makes It Special?
If Brewdoodle sounds fun but you’re more of a “paint-by-numbers” type, Beer and Brushes at The Hop Stop is your jam. This paint-and-sip event (scheduled throughout September, check eventbrite.com) lets you create a canvas masterpiece while sampling craft beers from local brewers like Pure Project or Societe. Guided by a local artist, you’ll paint something vaguely frame-worthy while sipping on a crisp lager or a juicy IPA. The Hop Stop’s cozy vibe and killer tap list make it a perfect spot for a low-key night out. Bonus: You’ll leave with a painting you can either hang proudly or hide in the attic forever.

Admission & Addresses:

• Date: Various September dates (check eventbrite.com for schedule).
• Time: Typically 6:30 PM–9:00 PM.
• Location: The Hop Stop, exact address TBD (often in North Park or Hillcrest; check eventbrite.com).
• Admission: ~$35–$45, includes painting supplies and one drink. Additional beers ~$6–$8.
• Age Restriction: 21+ for drinking; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Amenities:

• Parking: Street parking or nearby lots, depending on venue. Hillcrest and North Park can be busy, so rideshare is a smart move.
• Bathrooms: Indoor restrooms at the venue, clean and accessible.
• Extras: All painting materials provided, plus a curated beer list and snack options. Outdoor seating may be available, weather permitting.

Conclusion

September in San Diego is a craft beer lover’s paradise, with events that blend hops, creativity, and community into a frothy cocktail of fun. From the massive North Park Festival of Beers to the artsy Brewdoodle and Beer and Brushes, there’s something for every palate and personality. These events aren’t just about drinking—they’re about celebrating San Diego’s world-class brewing culture, complete with live music, tasty food, and enough IPAs to make your head spin (in a good way). Parking can be a hassle, so plan ahead or embrace rideshare to keep the vibe stress-free. Bathrooms are plentiful, and amenities like food trucks and live entertainment ensure you’re never bored between sips. Check eventbrite.com, sandiego.org, or dosd.com for the latest details, and raise a glass to San Diego’s unbeatable beer scene. Cheers to September, and may your pints always be cold!