Annual San Diego Spirits Festival set for Oct. 19-20 at MCASD in La Jolla

Experience the ultimate lip-smacking cocktail celebration at the 15th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival, Oct. 19-20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla, 700 Prospect St.

Whether you’re a novice cocktail enthusiast or a seasoned mixology professional, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Unwind with unlimited tastings of spirits and cocktails, delectable delights from local restaurants, and eclectic entertainment, all set against the backdrop of stunning museum ocean views.

General admission tickets start at $85 for Saturday, 2-6 p.m., and tickets are $75 for Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission includes unlimited access to a curated selection of cocktails.

SDSF’s founder-director, Liz Edwards, started the festival in 2009 in Downtown San Diego. “I knew several people in the spirits industry and I just decided to do something to promote craft cocktails and the spirits industry to let people learn the background of some of these brands they wanted to test and buy,” she said noting it was a huge success from the start.

Billed as “cocktails with a view,” Edwards promised the 2024 spirits festival would be special.

“We want companies to promote their products and the attendees to get to know the brands in the marketplace, the typical ones they know, and those they don’t, as well as new ones that keep coming out,” said Edwards, noting the festival is taking over five specific areas within MCASD La Jolla.

There is something new at the spirits festival this year. “For the first time, the museum is allowing me to have some restaurants inside, as well as those on the terrace outside and in the entrance,” Edwards said adding, “We’ll have a silent auction as flamenco dancing and guitar music.”

The festival will include a special entertainer, Andrew Cole, a Canadian-born singer-songwriter who has toured globally opening for, or performing with Elton John, Radiohead, Tears for Fears, Metallica, Tom Jones, Lorde, and John Fogerty, Andrew has performed on the Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy stages.

The goal of the San Diego Spirits Festival is to advance the industry and all that it encompasses via market launches, industry advancement and exposure, product innovation, education, and directly engaging target audience.

Noting the Spirits Festival is “a social event built around spirits,” Edwards added, “The event has grown over the years. I can say it’s an event where you get value for money because the ticket price includes everything.”

An interesting side note, Edwards pointed out they are planning to go through 8,000 pounds of ice during the eight hours of the event spread over two days.

A lot of the spirits brands at the festival will also be giving away swag. “If there is one word to describe this festival, that word is incredible,” Edwards said of her woman-owned business which she noted has, “really built something up from nothing to where it is today in an upscale venue where spirits connoisseurs can try something good in a vibrant atmosphere while also indulging in culinary delights.”

SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, Oct. 19: 2-6 p.m., $85. Sunday, Oct. 20: 1-5 p.m., $75.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla.

Brands available: Hive₂O Hard Honey, Uncle Nearest Whiskeys, Flor de Canna Rums, Tanduay Rums, Boracay Rums, Adictivo Tequilas, Brown Forman – Old Forester Bourbons and Whiskeys, La Sirena Tequilas, Nardini Grappa + Liqueurs, Nàdar Vodka, Vulcanica Vodka, Arbike Vodka and Gin, Rodeo de las Aquas Tequilas, Old Hillside Bourbons, BlowFish Tequilas, Ole Smokey Whiskeys, RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbons, Tanteo Tequilas, Tequila RG Legado, Zomoz Mezcal, Ravella Tequila, West Peak RTD, Stateside Vodka and RTD Teas, Square One Organic Spirits, Common Ground Spirits – Gins, Isle of Mann Distillery – Gin + Single Malt Whiskey, Barritts Ginger Beers, De La Torre Tequilas, Goza Tequila, Kentucky 10 Bourbon, Puerta de Indias Gin Salt Point RTD.

All-inclusive tickets include:

• Spirits from top-shelf brands.

• Unlimited cocktails.

• Guest appearance by singer-songwriter Andrew Cole.

• Performers: Samba and belly dancers, DJs, flamenco guitarist Jason Jenkins.

• Artisanal bites from restaurants – Beeside Balcony, Lobster West, Daybreak Island Grill, RedO Mexican, Alchemy | Choose Thy Poison, Soulful Grubz, Cajun Fusion.

• 5 unique settings.

• Silent auction to benefit the Center for Culinary Culture.