San Diego

Ballast Point Heads ‘Made in San Diego Block Party' in Little Italy

The local event goes down on March 30, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., near the Ballast Point Little Italy Tasting Room on India, West Ivy and West Juniper streets

The brands that call San Diego home – from craft breweries to food and music – will soon come together for a hometown block party in Little Italy spearheaded by local brewery, Ballast Point.

Ballast Point announced Wednesday it will host the “Made in San Diego Block Party” on March 30 to celebrate the company’s local roots and the beer, food, arts, and music scene in America’s Finest City.

The 21+ party goes down from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on India, West Ivy and West Juniper streets, near the Ballast Point Little Italy Tasting Room. Entry is free, with a suggested donation to the Little Italy Association of San Diego, a group dedicated to the revitalization of Little Italy and ongoing support of the community’s small businesses and residents.

Organizers say entry will be based on capacity, but a $5 donation will get you guaranteed access to the event. Attendees must RSVP ahead of time here. For those who want to sip on beer samples at the event, a $35 to $45 craft beer sampling package includes unlimited 2-ounce pours of craft brews.

The beer list is still being worked out, but a full list of homegrown craft breweries is forthcoming, Ballast Point said Wednesday.

The block party will also include San Diego-based food vendors and a “Makers Market” featuring a healthy list of local vendors curated by the artist collective, San Diego Made. This lineup will include locally-made clothing, bath and body care products, jewelry, accessories and more.

Meanwhile, block party entertainment will include live performances by local artists Wavves, The Donkeys (winner of Best Rock at 2012 San Diego Music Awards), Mrs. Magician, & The Schizophonics, according to event organizers.

Cohort Collective, an artist-driven collective that seeks to elevate the local San Diego art scene, will also take part in the event, creating an installation specifically for the block party. Local muralist Chris Konecki will lead the efforts to put together the piece.

Ballast Point Brewing Company was founded in 1996 by a small group of San Diego home brewers and has grown into San Diego’s largest brewery.

In addition to several San Diego-based tasting rooms, Ballast Point has expanded to include a brewery and restaurant in Daleville, Virginia, a brewery and restaurant in Chicago, and, most recently, a brewery and restaurant at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney District, which opened last month.

But, no matter how big Ballast gets, Ballast Point Vice President of Marketing Hilary Cocalis said in a press release that San Diego will always be home.

“For over 20 years, Ballast Point has called San Diego home. By coming together with local brands and breweries, our aim is to celebrate this community that has supported us from the beginning,” she said.

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