There will be plenty of free, fun and family friendly action on the beaches and along the boardwalk at this year’s Pacific BeachFest Saturday, Oct.1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Action starts early with sports tournaments including 2 Man Pro-Am Volleyball Tournament, VAVi 4Sum Social Volleyball and Revolt Summer Series Surf competition on the south side of Crystal Pier. The day-long series of events also features a morning beach run, Pacific BeachFest 5K.
“Pacific BeachFest is our signature event and it’s all about highlighting our great neighborhood and everything local,” said Sara Berns, executive director of Discover PB Business Improvement District (BID). “From local retailers, service providers to restaurants and action sports, it’s a celebration of all things PB with something for everyone.”
Berns noted the event’s Kid’s Action Alley on Thomas Avenue has been expanded, complementing a 5K run to be followed by sunset yoga.
Kicking off the Beachfest will be an inaugural beer tasting competition the night before on Friday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at PB Shore Club, 4343 Ocean Blvd.
“Our inaugural Pacific Beachfest Beer Cup has local craft breweries competing for best in show and the public gets to vote,” said Berns.
Participating Breweries include: Amplified Ale Works, Abnormal Beer Co., Karl Strauss Brewing Co., Mike Hess Brewery, Mother Earth Brewing, Belching Beaver Brewery, Coronado Brewing Co., Iron Fire Brewery, Green Flash Brewing Co., Modern Times Brewery and PB Alehouse.  
Get your Beer Cup tickets now before they sell out. Each ticket provides tasters at all 11 local breweries, music, fun and a chance to vote for who should win the Best West Coast IPA. Beer Cup winners will be announced that Friday night and will also be featured as beer of the month in restaurants throughout PB in November. Berns noted the BeachFest itself is “interactive with plenty of ways to get in on the action including voting in the Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest.” 
Throughout the day, thousands of BeachFest goers can enjoy live music on three stages: the Main Stage featuring world beat dance music, the Community Stage featuring the best local talent and the Grand Stage where the hottest DJs and Reggae will be featured in the San Diego Craft Beer Garden.
Guests can shop and browse among the dozens of fine arts and crafts displays and visit the many eclectic shops and popular restaurants at the PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale. The Taste of PB Food Court will provide a variety of PB’s finest restaurants serving up tasty cuisines.