Beach blanket beer-O: It's that time again, beach bunnies and surfin' birds! Join Firestone Walker Brewing Company for the 805 Beach Festival, kicking off Aug. 16 at Avila Beach Golf Resort. Tickets are $20 and include live tunes by Cisco Adler and Makua Rothman, a Stunt Masters action sports show, food, and more. This is an all ages event with a full bar for 21 and up, so bring those kiddos and kick back for a day of sun and a cold one (tickets and info at firestonebeer.com) ... The annual Paso Robles Olive Festival is underway, with a big, juicy event slated for Aug. 16 at scenic Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Taste olives, olive oil, and sample a range of other epicurean goodies, including amazing olive-infused beauty and home products. The free event is family friendly and full of educational and edible opportunities galore (ticket info at pasoroblesolivefestival.com).

Save the Date

Prepare to be there or be square: Castoro Cellars' Beaverstock tickets are on sale now! Get ready for tunes from Allen Stone, Los Lobos, Sean Hayes, The Band of Heathens, and more. It all unfolds on Sept. 13 and 14, so mark your calendar and prepare for a weekend of wine, rockin' music, and good old fashioned North County hospitality. Speaking of tickets, don't forget to secure yours for Sunset Savor the Central the Coast (coming up Sept. 25 through 28), which will feature a range of brand new, local artisan food and wine producers, adventure tours across the county, and a Hearst Castle extravaganza (savorcentralcoast.com) ...

FYFI (For Your Food Information)

Breakfast of champions: Did you know National Waffle Day is quickly approaching on Aug. 24? In celebration, I suggest a week of waffle madness with six creative, mouthwatering at-home recipes provided by foodrepublic.com (Try the Ham and Gruyere Waffle Tartines. I could eat that every day, three meals a day, thank you very much) ... The Lemonade and Love for Sam Grand Stand Luau Community Fundraiser is coming up quick on Sept. 6 in Grover Beach (get tickets by calling 710-2608) ... The Burgers & Beers Competition will serve up all sorts of locally grown meats and fine microbrews on Aug. 31 at The Loading Chute in Creston. Only a few tickets are still left for this banging barn party, which benefits CA Women in Ag and will feature the classic country croonin' of Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band (get your tickets now by calling 712-6360).

We want a bite! Send your food and wine info to [email protected].