The +21 showcase runs from 12 to 4pm at Ballast Point’s Little Italy flagship on India Street. The concept blends a traditional tasting event with a visual art exhibition, inviting guests to sample beers while also exploring the graphic design, illustration, and branding behind the cans and bottles lining San Diego shelves. Organizers say the goal is to highlight the full spectrum of creativity that fuels the region’s craft brewing industry.
Participating breweries include 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co., Barley and Sword Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing Co., Fall Brewing Co., Harland Brewing, Pizza Port, Societe Brewing Company, and several others. Throughout the afternoon, breweries will compete in multiple categories, including “Best Beer” and “Best Label,” with attendees casting votes for their favorites. Winners are scheduled to be announced at 4pm.
In addition to tastings, the event will feature panel discussions with brewers, offering insight into both the technical side of brewing and the storytelling that shapes a brand’s visual identity. Ballast Point’s full food menu will be available for purchase during the event, though food is not included in the standard ticket price.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP admission offers early access from 12 to 1pm, exclusive limited pours beyond the primary ten breweries, curated food pairings, and a notable perk: a $10 gift card from each participating brewery, totaling $100 in value. General admission runs from 1 to 4pm, with both indoor and outdoor areas utilized to maintain a comfortable, limited-capacity environment. Tickets are available online.
Ballast Point’s Little Italy location has long served as a flagship gathering space for the brand and a central player in the city’s beer tourism scene. The launch of The Art of Beer underscores how far San Diego’s brewing community has evolved, from focusing primarily on hops and ABV to embracing the full lifestyle and aesthetic culture surrounding craft beer.
The Art of Beer San Diego takes place Saturday, March 14, from 12 to 4pm at Ballast Point Brewing, located at 2215 India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Ballast Point’s Little Italy location has long served as a flagship gathering space for the brand and a central player in the city’s beer tourism scene. The launch of The Art of Beer underscores how far San Diego’s brewing community has evolved, from focusing primarily on hops and ABV to embracing the full lifestyle and aesthetic culture surrounding craft beer.
The Art of Beer San Diego takes place Saturday, March 14, from 12 to 4pm at Ballast Point Brewing, located at 2215 India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Originally published on March 1, 2026.
