New Foodie Festival – Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest coming July 18

The inaugural event, Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest is coming to downtown’s Waterfront Park July 18 from 12pm – 5pm.

With more than 40 restaurants anticipated, the Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest features food tastings from San Diego’s top culinary minds, cooking demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, dozens of retail vendors and a free family area.

The family-friendly event is not only designed to be a palette-pleaser, but will also feature a diverse lineup of local music and a festive beer garden and wine tasting area. Each Beer Garden attendee will receive a souvenir Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest tasting mug.

“From its diverse craft beer selection to its acclaimed coastal cuisine scene, San Diego is a foodies’ dream,” said Lynda West, Founder of Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest. “This event will showcase the originality and creativity of San Diego’s best chefs. ”

There will be a free kid-friendly area featuring activities for all ages, including face painting, photo booths, inflatables, a bounce house and various other games.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale through June 30. The regular ticket includes unlimited food, beer and wine for $55.00. The $65.00 VIP ticket allows event-goers to be the first to sample the many dishes at the fest with early admittance from 11am-noon. Military tickets are $50 and kids 10 and under are free. On July 1, prices go up to $65 for regular tickets and $75 for VIP.

Proceeds from the event help support NSEFU Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects endangered species and creates job opportunities in Nsefu, Zambia. Through community projects and sponsoring scholarships to educate children, they hope to end the cycle of poaching.

For more information about the Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest, visit www.LemonZestandGarlicFest.com or join the festival’s social networks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.