This Weekend in San Diego: Brews and Bands around the County

It’s the first weekend of November and we are well on our way to the holiday season. Why not give yourself a treat by enjoying some the great events lined up for this wonderful weekend in San Diego?

Thursday, November 4

Many marvelous musicians are in the San Diego area this weekend. The House of Blues hosts Ingrid Michaelson with the Guggenheim Grotto on the main stage, while ListenLocalsd.com presents Vulgarrity with SweetTooth and The Ordeal for free on the Voodoo Stage. Hit up Belly Up Tavern to see Mavis Staples with Charlie Musselwhite, or witness The Smithereens rock the 4^th & B stage.

Get educated with Tequila 101 at El Vitral Restaurant! Learn the history and differences between blanco, reposado, and anejo, as well as their complimentary pairings. Upon completion of your three-course meal, seminar and flight, receive a certificate of completion.

Friday, November 5

Today is the start of the 2nd Annual San Diego Beer Week. Indulge in ten days of microbrew madness all around the County. Pubs, breweries, and restaurants all over San Diego will feature special brews on tap as well as a multitude of beer events for your enjoyment. Check out the event website for a list of all the great hopping celebrations, such as today’s Rare Beer Breakfast http://sdbw.org/events/1710/ at the Stone Brewing Co. As part of the San Diego Beer Week celebrations, start the day by tasting fifteen of the variety of rare beers paired with your delicious breakfast as you enjoy live jazz music.

More concert craziness in the county as Circa Survive rocks the House of Blues while Jewel and Colbie Caillat hit up Petco Park as part of the Western Metal Concert Series. Get your laughs in as funnyman Craig Ferguson, host of the Late Late Show on CBS, visits the Balboa Theater. Also check out Celtic Thunder as they perform at the Civic Theatre for “It’s Entertainment!” a musical review covering six decades of classic and contemporary tunes.

Saturday, November 6

Forget mimosas with brunch, it’s all about beer this week! Visit Alchemy Restaurant & Bar’s Local Beer Brunch to enjoy regional brew specials with your morning meal. Then head over to Liberty Station for the San Diego Brewers Guild Festival for a wonderful line-up of musicians while tasting some of San Diego’s finest beers on tap.

After working up some liquid courage, get your groove on at the House of Blues as it welcomes Great Big Sea. The Western Metal Concert Series continues at Petco Park tonight with John Legend and special guest Macy Gray.

Sunday, November 7

It’s Daylight Savings Time! Set your clocks back one hour, then head over to the Gaslamp Quarter for the 10^th Annual Fall Back Festival, an afternoon of entertainment and activities for kids of all ages.

The loss of an hour won’t stop the Beer Week celebrations, they’ve unbelievably gotten better. Today’s wonderful line-up of hop-tastic fun includes the Ultimate Beer & Chocolate event at the Stones Brewing Co. as well as Day I of the Phil’s BBQ and Beer Fest.

Photos courtesy of mfajardo, Martijn vdS, Mirka23, poptech, and The Delicious Life via Flickr.