Stone Brewing Co. to Celebrate 17th Anniversary

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Oh happy (hoppy?) day! Preparations for the Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival are underway, and this year’s event figures to be the biggest and best yet.

On August 16 and 17, Stone Brewing Co. will set up shop at the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) campus in North County San Diego to bring fans an epic array of craft beers, all in the name of celebration and charity. One hundred percent of the profits from the festival will be donated to local charities, including Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Fight ALD, Palomar Family YMCA, and Surfrider Foundation.

Seventeen years ago, Steve Wagner and Greg Koch opened Stone Brewing Co. and sold the very first keg of Stone Pale Ale. Stone has since grown from a small operation producing 400 barrels of craft beer during its first five months of operation to the 10th largest craft brewery in the U.S. with a projected 210,000 barrels of production this year. Although the company has grown significantly throughout the years, brewing and promoting craft beer has always remained at the forefront of the company’s focus. Also a core value of Stone’s culture is giving back to the community.

“Each year we’ve raised a glass to celebrate our accomplishments, but more importantly, in total, our Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festivals have raised more than $1.5 million for local charities,” said Koch. “We hope you join us for a great time and help us contribute to worthy organizations that support our community. You may officially consider enjoying beer with friends a selfless act!”

The two-day event begins Friday, August 16 with a Brewers Reception held on the grounds of CSUSM. The $75 ticket price includes a commemorative glass, tastings of special beers that will only be available that night, mingling with world-class craft brewers, complimentary gourmet fare from Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens and other local vendors, live music, and an upper-level cigar lounge.

The Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival will also be held at CSUSM. Tickets are $40 per person, with two sessions available — Session A will take place from 11am – 2pm and Session B from 3 – 6pm. The festival will feature more than 50 breweries and 100 beers, as well as complimentary homebrewed sodas, samples of the famous Mike’s Beer Cheese and special Stone beers on cask. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative tasting glass with 15 three-ounce samples.

About Stone Brewing Co.

Known for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone Brewing Co. has been brewing in North County San Diego since 1996. Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone is the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States—a position it achieved without paid advertising, discounting or compromised standards. In addition to brewing, Stone owns two eclectic farm-to-table restaurants—Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Escondido and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Liberty Station—and Stone Farms, an organic farm located near the brewery which grows produce for the restaurants. Stone also operates an off-site events company, Stone Catering, as well as Stone Distributing Co., which distributes more than 30 craft beer brands throughout Southern California.