Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival
The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest was born from a dream of creating a world-class festival featuring some of the best brewers in the world. This is a day when we can set the sales pitches aside and simply share our beers and stories with passionate craft drinkers. It’s all about the brewers, their beers, good music, and folks who care.
The Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest benefits the nonprofit Paso Robles Pioneer Day, a cherished community organization that has been a cornerstone of local tradition since 1931. Pioneer Day was founded to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Paso Robles and to bring the community together in gratitude and fellowship. Each year, this volunteer-driven event hosts a historic parade, antique tractor and carriage displays, and free community activities, embodying the values of unity, history, and shared pride. Proceeds from FWIBF support the preservation of these traditions, ensuring that Pioneer Day continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Friday May 30th | 1:30pm – 10pm | Free to the public – Taproom
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating beer, community, and good times at the Invitational Brewery Block Party — hosted at our Paso Robles Taproom and open free to the public.
This lively outdoor event is all about beer culture at its best. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with delicious barbecue, beer sampling, guest taps (including special pours from some of the breweries featured in FWIBF), exclusive bottle releases from Firestone, games, and live music.
The street between our brewhouse and Taproom restaurant will be open to foot traffic for a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Bonus: We’ll also be offering behind-the-scenes Brewery Tours throughout the day — don’t miss your chance to explore where the magic happens.
- Live Music Lineup
- 2pm to 4:30pm| Cloudship
- 4:30pm to 6pm | Burnout Santa Cruz
- 6pm to 8pm | Pancho and the Wizard
Bring your friends, your love for craft, and come celebrate with us — no tickets needed, just good vibes.
Saturday May 31th | Sold Out | Paso Robles Event Center
Tickets are SOLD OUT
- If you are a lucky ticket’s holder:
- Your ticket grants all-inclusive access to a hand-selected array of the world’s best beers, tasty food, great music, and unforgettable moments.
- Enjoy over 65 world-renowned breweries, delicious food from local artisans, live performances by two energetic bands, and unique and rare beers
- Early Admission begins at 11 a.m.
- General Admission starts at 12 p.m.
- The event concludes at 5 p.m.
Breweries Attending
This year, the brewery lineup will feature 65+ breweries from across the globe, including 15 first-time participants and 16 international brewers showcasing their finest creations and bringing global flavors to the celebration. You can expect over 300 carefully curated beers to be poured throughout the event
Taproom Brunch
9am – 1pm | Free to the public – Taproom
As per tradition, we’ll be hosting a festive brunch at our Paso Robles Taproom, and we’d love for you to join us.
Before you hit the road, swing by for a relaxing time filled with delicious Chef Specials, refreshing drinks, and plenty of good vibes.
Let’s share one last toast together and make a few more memories!
Wandering Don
To celebrate the 2025 fest, we are releasing “Wandering Don IPA”—the limited-edition official 2025 fest beer made in collaboration with Odell Brewing Company in Ft. Collins, Colorado, brewed with an artful blend of old and new school hops to create a singular take on the West Coast IPA style. Wandering Don is a 7% ABV West Coast-style IPA brewed with Chinook, Krush, and experimental hop HQG #4. The result? A crisp, hop-forward beer with layered notes of citrus, pine, grapefruit, and passionfruit. It’s vibrant yet balanced – offering just enough bite to keep things interesting, and just enough smoothness to keep you coming back. Do you want to learn more about the story behind the name visit this page?
App
Download the app for everything you need to know before heading to the fest.
Inside you’ll find all you need to navigate the fest like a pro: the full schedule, a curated lineup of rare and special beers, tools to build your tasting wishlist, details on killer food vendors, an interactive map to help you plan your route, and a shout-out to all the awesome sponsors who help make this beer magic happen.
Don’t forget to log in during the fest to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Awards — pick your favorite brewery and restaurant before the final pour. Everyone who votes gets a shot at winning two tickets to the 2026 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest. Cheers to that!
What is included with the ticket?
Your ticket will get you admission to the festival, a complimentary tasting glass with the event logo, beer and food samples (while supplies last), access to live music entertainment, and a chance to talk to your favorite brewer – if you can catch them.
Are there designated driver tickets?
Because the ticket price includes food and entertainment in addition to beer samples, we aren’t able to offer specially priced tickets for designated drivers. But remember – all net proceeds benefit the Pioneer Day, a local non-profit organization.
Is parking included?
The parking fee is not included with your ticket. Parking is located in the main parking lot on Riverside Avenue, across from the Paso Robles Event Center.
Does my name need to match my ticket?
No. However, if your ticket does not scan at the gate, and the name of the ticket does not match the name on your ID, then we cannot let you in. If you are purchasing your ticket via a third party, please ensure the name and email address are updated to yours via their account. The original buyer can do this on their own.
I don’t have a license. Can I still get in?
You must bring a valid form of identification that verifies your age, otherwise you will not be admitted to the festival. No exceptions.
Will there be food available at the event?
Some of the top restaurants on California’s Central Coast will offer free tasting portions during the event. If you have dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own food inside the event, but please note that no outside beverages are permitted except empty or sealed water bottles.
What can I bring inside with me?
You may bring empty or sealed water bottles, but no other outside beverages. You may also bring outside food if you wish (however there will be complementary food available at the event). All bags are subject to be searched. Nobody under 21 will be permitted entry to the event – including babies and children. No animals are permitted except service dogs.
What time should I arrive?
For General Admission ticket-holders, the festival begins at 12 p.m. Please note that each year, people line up early for check-in. We will open the gate to the Vendor and Special Collaboration outdoor pour area around 11:15 a.m.
What time does the festival end?
General admission is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., but the party doesn’t stop then. A handful of breweries by the Frontier Stage will be pouring until 5 p.m. so that you can enjoy listening to the band while still sipping on brews. But please remember to drink responsibly.
Can I leave my car overnight?
Please plan ahead for your transportation, as we do not want anyone drinking and driving. You may leave your car in the parking lot, but it must be retrieved by 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 1st.
Are there shuttles provided?
Yes, we will offer complimentary shuttle service. Please do not drink and drive! The shuttle schedule is coming soon, and will be posted in the “Transportation” section when finalized.
Am I allowed to leave the event and re-enter?
No re-entrance is permitted, so once you leave, you will not be allowed back in. But we’re pretty sure you won’t want to leave anyway – we’ve got a great day lined up.
Can I buy merchandise at the event?
Yes, we’ll have official 2025 FWIBF merchandise available for sale inside the Pavilion.
Where do the proceeds from the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival go?
Net proceeds from the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival benefit Paso Robles Pioneer Day, a non-profit organization dedicated to local historic preservation and community engagement.
When does the voting for People’s Choice Brewery and People’s Choice Restaurant end?
Voting ends at 3:45 p.m., and the People’s Choice Brewery and Restaurant will be announced at 4:15 p.m. Submit your votes on the official FWIBF app, and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to next year’s festival!