The final event of SF Beer Week was the Best of the West Fest, put on by the Celebrator Beer News. It was held at the Oakland Convention Center at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Oakland, the same venue where the National Homebrewers Conference will be held later this year. Instead of an anniversary party, the Celebrator’s annual party this year instead focused on celebrating beer in the Bay Area, in keeping with the SF Beer Week theme. Fifty-five breweries were pouring nearly 250 different beers throughout the evening and a record attendance was there to enjoy the evening. With so many familiar faces, both locally and from out-of-town, it sure felt like the perfect way to finish out the week. Everyone there seemed to be having a terrific time. After ten days of merriment and trying to attend as many events as possible, I’m certainly feeling exhausted, but overall it’s a good kind of tired.

Inside the Best of the West Fest, Motor (from Beerschool.com), Sarah Knopp (from Murphy’s Pub) and Jen Garris.

Many festival-goers came to the party in costumes, such as Alice and her cohorts through the drinking glass.

On the air with the Brewing Network, broadcasting live from the fest. From left: Shaun O’Sullivan, me and Tom Dalldorf.

Rodger Davis (from Triple Rock).

Jessica Jones (from Firestone Walker Brewing) at the end of the evening.

For more photos from Celebrator’s Best of the West Fest, start at the photo gallery for Part 1 or jump to Part 2.