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Sails ‘N Ales: Craft Beer Kick-off Party
September 12, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Grab a cold one at our
Sails ‘N Ales: Craft Beer Kick-off Party!
Friday, September 12th | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Craft Beer, Music, and Tall Ships!
Join the Ocean Institute in kicking off the Maritime Festival with our Sails N’ Ales event! Enjoy craft beer tasting from different local breweries as well as live music, food, wine, and a prime viewing location of the visiting tall ships!
Activities include:
- Beer tastings
- Food for purchase
- Tide Pool touch tank
- Shark Exhibit
Entry Ticket: $10
Tasting tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the event.
Parking is limited, we encourage carpooling and/or using a ride-share app.
Featured Beer and Tasting Tents: Station Craft, Docent, Left Coast Brewing, Mission Brewing, Project Social, Green Cheek Beer Co., Pfeiffer Brewing, Webbs Grainworks
Tasting Cards: Each tasting is a 3-oz pour
- 5 Tastings– $12
- 10 Tastings – $20
- 15 Tastings – $26
- 20 Tastings – $30
- Unlimited Tastings – $35
Tasting cards are for individuals or can be shared in a group. Cards are available for purchase at the event or ahead of time online.
Wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.
Band: Nothing But a Good Time
F.A.Q.
What time should I be there?
Doors will open at 6:00 pm. However, we recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes early to find parking. Event ends at 10:00 pm.
Where do I park?
Parking will not be available in the Ocean Institute lot. Limited parking will be available in the Cove Road, Fishing Pier, and Baby Beach lots. We recommend using rideshare apps or carpooling.
What should I bring?
- Please bring your driver’s license or another form of photo ID. We cannot serve alcohol unless we have seen your ID, even if you are over 21.
- If you purchased tickets beforehand, please have them on your phone or printed out and present them at check-in. Admission and tasting tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
- This is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately and bring a jacket.
How do I check in?
- Once you arrive at Ocean Institute, go to our front entrance and present your ticket and ID. You can also buy a ticket at the door. Beer tasting tickets are sold separately.
- You will be given an entry wristband at check-in, as well as a tasting punch card and reusable cup if you purchased tastings.
How do tastings work?
- Tasting cards are available for purchase in increments of 5.
- You will present your card to the staff at each brewery’s tent/table. Staff will punch your card each time you get a beer tasting.
- Tastings are 3 oz and will only be poured into the Ocean Institute–provided tasting cups.
- Additional tasting cards can be bought throughout the night.
- You can share your punch card with other members of your party. However, the unlimited tasting option is for one person only. Anyone who purchases unlimited tastings will be given an identifying wristband.
Are there other drinks besides beer?
There will be wine and soft drinks available for purchase at the bar. These must be purchased separately from tasting cards.
Will there be anything to eat?
We will have multiple food trucks in the Ocean Institute parking lot during the event. You can bring your food into the Ocean Institute courtyard, but you cannot bring alcohol into the parking lot. You must finish your drink before going to get food.
What can I do besides beer tasting?
- We will have live music during the event, and our aquariums and shark exhibit will be open for viewing. The Discovery Pool sea star touch tank will also be open.
- Drinks are not permitted in lab spaces.
Is this a 21+ event?
The event is open to all ages! Anyone who is under 21 or does not have a valid ID will be given an identifying wristband.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed in Ocean Institute’s facility unless they are certified service animals.
Maritime Festival Tickets – Refund and Transfer Policy – Click Here