The first of several nationwide Epic Beer Festivals took place in San Diego the weekend of March 15 and 16. Next the fest will hit Denver, then Dallas and Philadelphia, among many others planned. We went out to California for the inaugural bash, and what an epic event it was.

San Diego, CA was a good first stop, since the region is one of the great beer brewing areas in the U.S., with over 30 craft breweries and counting. The event featured more than 88 breweries from California and beyond, pouring over 250 types of beer. All three sessions sold out completely, and on Friday night the VIP guests included All-Star Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. Definitely epic.

How does an Epic Beer Festival work? Modeled after the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Epic brings in the breweries and the beer. You buy a ticket and receive a 2-oz. tasting mug. Then you sample as many beers as you want for the next three hours. Plus, Epic bottle openers were given out to all and the proceeds of Epic t-shirt sales went to a fine San Diego charity, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. The lucky few who were able to get VIP tickets (which sold out three months prior) were allowed entrance to the festival one hour early for a more private beer tasting.

Epic’s next big event will take place in GABF’s hometown of Denver, CO, on June 28 and 29. The current beer list for that event is even more epic with 120 breweries and over 300 types of beer. Tickets are already available for $40 each. Spring for an $80 VIP ticket to gain access an hour early and a t-shirt. Can’t make it to Denver? Dates for the Epic Festivals in Dallas and Philadelphia will be announced soon.

Want to be an integral part of the action? The best way to experience an Epic Beer Festival is to volunteer - hundreds of people are needed to pour beer, sell t-shirts and pass out mugs. Epic had great volunteers in California and hope that continues with each city - if you’re in Denver you can sign up today.