The National City Chamber of Commerce is toasting up its newest event.
After three years of planning, the inaugural Bayside Brew and Spirit Festival will come to National City’s Pepper Park, 3299 Tidelands Ave, from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 21.
“We’re really excited to finally see it come to fruition,” said Jacqueline Reynoso, president and CEO of the National City Chamber of Commerce.
Reynoso said while the Bayside Brew and Spirit Festival is a community event, it is mainly designed as an economic development effort to begin attracting more microbrewers into National City.
“We have seen the impact that the brewery industry has had in San Diego at large and in discussions with our board of directors and community leaders, we definitely want to tap into that market and reap that investment and the positive impact that breweries do have in communities,” she said. “We’ve seen the transformation of what’s happened in communities like Barrio Logan and City Heights and we felt National City is well positioned to be able to attract the microbrewer and perhaps the expanding brewery that’s looking for a second location.”
Reynoso said National City is just starting to hit the brewery and craft beer market.
Machete Beer House opened a few years ago on Highland Avenue and is the first craft brew bar in the South Bay.
Embarcadero Brewing Company recently opened on W. 26th Street. It first opened up as a craft brew mart, selling supplies and equipment to do home brewing then the store evolved into a tasting Room.
Novo Brazil Brewing in Chula Vista wants to open a second location in National City within the next year, Reynoso said.
Reynoso said National City is a prime location for breweries because of its proximity to the US-Mexico border. Because of their proximity, wineries and spirits from Baja California will be present at the event with their products. Reynoso said the event will attract more than 40 craft brewers, spirit manufactures and wineries from both side of the border, with most coming from the San Diego region. There will also be music performances and entertainment.
To purchase VIP tickets for $100 and General Admission tickets for $50 at Baysidebrewfest.com. Designated Drivers can purchase an admission ticket for $25. The VIP area consists of a private lounge with food, access to special limited release beers, wines and spirits. VIP guests will also have the opportunity to meet Art Lawrence, owner of Cascade Brewing and Portland Brew Festival.
Proceeds from the festival will benefit A Reason to Survive, a National City nonprofit helping youth realize their full potential through arts and creative expression.
