Beer me: San Diego Winter Brew Fest is back

What better way to escape your winter blues than with a beer festival? Head over to the San Diego Winter Brew Fest, hop-ily taking over the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park on Saturday, Feb. 18. The event will kick off at 7 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. and offer tastes of stellar beer from more than 20 different California breweries.

This year, attendees can sip selections from Eppig Brewing, North Park Beer Co., Second Chance Beer Co., Pure Project, Alpine Beer Co., Lagunitas Brewing, Pizza Port Brewing, Half Door Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Hillcrest Brewing, Mike Hess, Novo Brazila Brewing Co., Ballast Point Brewing and more. There also will be some non-beer options provided by Boochcraft, 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Julian Hard Cider.

While perusing the plethora of beautiful brews available, groove to live tunes from Elektric Voodoo. San Diego Winter Brew Fest proceeds will benefit the Outdoor Outreach and the San Diego Mountain Biking Association.

Tickets are $40 in advance; $50 day of event. VIP tickets are $50 in advance; $60 day of and offers early admission at 6 p.m. and a special Venissimo cheese and beer pairing. This event is 21-and-up only. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com

The San Diego Hall of Champions, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park. sandiegobrewfest.com