The small town of Paso Robles, California, and its surrounding communities are known globally as one of the best wine-producing regions in the United States. But people outside California might not realize Paso Robles is also home to one of the biggest independent breweries in the country, the Firestone Walker Brewing Company. The brewery is best known for producing the 805 blonde ale, which happens to be the best-selling beer in California, but its most significant legacy in the brewing world might be the annual Firestone Walker International Beer Fest.

The brewery started hosting the festival in 2012, and it’s since evolved into a can’t-miss event for craft beer aficionados. Dozens of breweries from all over the globe convene with local food vendors and musicians to create a celebratory atmosphere where great, creative beer is the star of the show. The event has become so popular amongst the beer cognoscenti that all available tickets typically sell out within minutes. The 2023 fest, which recently concluded, was another sellout crowd.

What sets Firestone Walker’s festival apart from other big beer events is that every brewery that participates is personally selected and invited by brewmaster Matt Brynildson. Most other festivals are pay-to-play, so Firestone Walker’s invitation-only roster ensures that only the best of the best breweries are showcased. And the price of admission grants attendees unlimited access to every brewery’s offerings, so there aren’t any obnoxious sales pitches or price gouging once you’re there.

Another fascinating thing about the festival is the way it combines the hyperlocal with the international. Breweries native to the area like There Does Not Exist are on equal footing with perennial festival favorites like Garage Project from Wellington, New Zealand. Local restaurants hand out samples of Detroit-style pizza and shrimp ceviche tostadas, while festival goers sip a Bianca Blueberry Space Jam Lassi Gose from Sweden’s Omnipollo brewery.

The festival also allows beer aficionados to try things they would likely never get to experience. Beyond the international breweries like Cervecería Antares from Argentina or Bamberg Germany’s Mahrs Braü, many domestic craft breweries bring special, super-limited beers to commemorate the occasion. For example, Three Floyds from Indiana brought their infamous Dark Lord, a Russian imperial stout whose annual “Dark Lord Day” release has grown into an impressive celebration in its own right. Another popular special release at this year’s festival was the “Spaghett About It” from Alvarado Street Brewing. This light lager brewed with an Amaro tincture tastes remarkably similar to an Aperol spritz and was the perfect easy sipper for a warm afternoon in June.

If you’re quick enough to grab a ticket to the 2024 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest, you’re not likely to be disappointed. Whether you prefer a light, crisp German pilsner, a heavy, barrel-aged stout, a sour, or even something completely far out and experimental, there’s plenty to explore. The tickets are good for five hours of access to unlimited pours, all the food you can handle, and a convivial and celebratory atmosphere.