Social Exercises: September 2013

#ShareSLO's Official Resource Guide for Firestone Walker's 805 Beach Festival

For the last 8 years, what has been the best beer festival on the Central Coast? Oaktoberfest!

Beer Olympics, live music and beer garden? Check. Warm Pretzels? Yes please. Men in lederhosen? Ha. Originally held in Paso Robles (hence the name Oaktoberfest) but now in Avila Beach, this festival has joyfully ushered in the fall season. The price point of each ticket is low at $20, and beers around 5 bucks separate this event over other rowdy “all-you-can-drink” events for $75+, attracting a more mature crowd.

But when I found out they weren’t having it anymore…

Apparently, The Bear and Brewmaster of Firestone are traveling for "work" to the real Oktoberfest in Germany.

Work payed for that? Good job.

But what about the rest of us? To my surprise, Firestone Walker is offering up the 805 Beach Festival event instead (just a few weeks earlier than the annual Oaktoberfest.)

Ahhhhhhh! It's back!

Whew.

What: Celebrate the last day of summer at the Firestone Walker 805 Beach Festival
When: Saturday, September 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Avila Beach Golf Resort

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Curious how this inaugural event would stack up to the former, on behalf of the #ShareSLO StreetTeam I did a little investigating. Thanks to Katie Manly, Director of Events at Avila Beach Golf Resort, I got the scoop. Here’s a roundup of what the locals can expect this year, and a few tips for any first timers or visitors from outside San Luis Obispo county.

The Hashtag

I need to know.

What's the hashtag? #805BeachFestival. Use it.

The Beer

Let's hear it for the beer!

While some of you may like surprises, craft beer lovers are anxiously anticipating the lineup. Thankfully, I got the list. Ten beer stations scattered around the venue will be serving all six beers, so you can head to the shortest line and still get your favorites. Fill up your commemorative Klean Kanteen 16 oz. pint glass for $6 plus tip, cash only—805 Beach Festival will not be selling beer tickets.

Firestone Walker's 805 Beach Festival Lineup:

805 – Blonde Ale
DBA – Double Barrel Ale, British pale ale
Oaktoberfest – (It's back!) German Marzen
Pale 31 – California Style Pale Ale
Pivo Pils – Hoppy Pilsner
Velvet Merlin – Oatmeal Stout

#ShareSLO's #805BeachFestival Tip: Challenge yourself to drink water while waiting in line for your next beer. « Tweet This!

The Food

No pretzels?

What. I'ma need some food. Stat.

When drinking in the hot sun, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated and well-fed. As of Sept. 18th 805 Beach Festival will have water bottles for $2, or free water available in 5 gallon jugs. No outside food or beverages are permitted (per usual) but Central Coast vendors will serve tri-tip sandwiches, fish tacos, mac and cheese and beer brat sandwiches. In the past, food sells out quickly so fill up fast! The committed vendors are:

Spikes
Marston's
High Street Deli

#ShareSLO's #805BeachFestival Tip: An ATM is on site, but bring plenty of cash for water and food. « Tweet This!

The Bathrooms

When it's time to go I run like:

Just like Oaktoberfest, there will be a slew of co-ed Porto-pottys toward the entrance. Although Avila Beach Golf Resort has a public restroom, the average wait in the past years has been upwards of 30 minutes. Plan accordingly!

#ShareSLO’s #805BeachFestival Tip: Avoid the awkward foam and water pump. Bring hand sanitizer. « Tweet This!

The Venue

The event space, while not directly on the beach, overlooks gorgeous Avila Bay. I greatly appreciate this because the sand and my feet just don't get along. The fog, if any, typically dissipates by early afternoon this time of year. The majority of the venue is a grassy lawn with plenty of room to roam around. Parking on the lawn at Avila Beach Resort costs $10 per car, or only $5 if four or more people carpool. In addition to beer and games, other vendors will be selling merchandise like surf art and photography. The Surfrider Foundation will also be on site, which receives $2 for every event ticket sold.

PS – if I get an update this week on the schedule of games, I will update this post.

#ShareSLO’s #805BeachFestival Tip: Ladies! Wear wedges, flats or boots to avoid sinking in the grass. « Tweet This!

The Music

Here’s a preview of the artists that are playing at the main stage, and approximate times:

The Small Kicks: 12 – 1 p.m.

Rey Fresco: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Gardens and Villa: 3 – 5 p.m.

After The Festival

When it's over:

The official ride share for 805 Beach Festival is offered by Pacific Beverage Company. See details on Firestone’s website for locations and times. Also, here are a few other services operating in San Luis Obispo:

The residents and business owners of Avila Beach are generous in hosting a slew of festival goers, so please remember to be kind to the small family-oriented tourist town. Public restrooms are available at the Avila Beach Pier.

#ShareSLO’s Tip: Book a restaurant reservation NOW if you plan to stay in @AvilaBeach_CA after #805BeachFestival! « Tweet This!

Thanks to @FirestoneWalker, @AvilaBeachGolf @AvilaBeach_CA for hosting the #805BeachFestival! #ShareSLO « Tweet this after the festival!

Extras

Do you need directions? Google it!

DD tickets are not available.
No entry over 21 or without your photo ID.
If you haven’t already, join your friends on the 805 Beach Festival official Facebook event page.

#ShareSLO’s Tip: Get your ticket NOW for #805BeachFest. Cheaper in advance! http://bit.ly/14MPBxf « Tweet This!

Now that you have the details...