The leaves may be starting to change colors on the other side of the country, but here in San Diego we are still squeezing in those last few weeks of summer bliss. With temperatures high and the sun still shining, ten tastings of delicious cold beer are sure to drive any local into sheer hoppiness.

San Diego Festival of Beer pours into downtown on September 18, marking its 15th year of supporting local cancer-fighting charities while giving donating event-goers a taste of the best drafts San Diego boasts. Last year, the event pulled in 4,000 beer lovers, and this year has increased its goal to 6,000 guests.

Hosted by San Diego Professionals Against Cancer (SDPAC), the event began in 1994 when a group of friends dedicated to the fight against cancer modeled their charity after a similar event in San Luis Obispo County. Although the Festival of Beer struggled its first few years in brew, it was reintroduced as a street festival in 1996 and has thrived ever since.

This year, SDPAC hopes to make the event even more fun for participants and rewarding for beneficiaries. Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Nightshift, 5 South Band, and the Hong Kong Cavaliers (which features original members of Slightly Stoopid and Dubcat) will all perform live during the festival. Besides great music, there is also an amazing line-up of 120 microbrews from 60 breweries, including local favorites Rock Bottom Brewery and San Diego Brewing Company.

San Diego Festival of Beer has also partnered for the first time with the W Hotel. Festival-goers who foresee an expensive cab ride home can buy a one-night stay at the W Hotel for $229 and receive free Festival of Beer admission with their purchase. If tasters plan on traveling in pairs, they can spend $269 on a double room and will receive two event tickets.

The SDPAC will donate proceeds to local San Diego cancer focused charities, patient treatment, and research organizations. In past years, funds raised have been donated to the Rady Children's Hospital and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.

The 2009 San Diego Festival of Beer will take place downtown between Columbia and B Street from 6pm to 11pm on September 18. For tickets and more information, visit SDBeerFest.org.