SAN DIEGO—The Fleet Science Center is raising the bar with summer beer events, bringing together San Diego favorites: summer fun, science and craft beer.

The Fleet is excited to work with local breweries and bars to bring together San Diegans and show them that science is indeed everywhere. These events underscore the Fleet’s commitment to ensuring that San Diegans of all ages connect to the power of science.

Fleet Pale Ale

Burning Beard Brewing Company has created a limited-edition Fleet Pale Ale to commemorate Fleet Science Center’s 50 years. The craft beer is now available at the Fleet and at Burning Beard.

The public and media will get a chance to enjoy the Fleet Pale at a tasting event on Friday, June 2 at Burning Beard.

Jeff Wiederkehr, cofounder and head brewer, and Mike Maass, cofounder and brand and marketing director at Burning Beard were excited to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of a place that has inspired them throughout their lives.

“The Fleet holds a special place in our hearts,” Maass says. “Growing up in San Diego, Jeff and I both have fond memories of the Fleet.”

Inspired by one of the Fleet’s most iconic experiences, 70 mm films in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, the can’s design incorporates Burning Beard’s skull logo with imagery inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey to depict an astronaut enjoying a film on the giant dome screen.

“The can says it all,” Maass says. “Brewed in collaboration with San Diego’s Fleet Science Center, Fleet Pale Ale commemorates 50 years of community, connection, and the power of science. Double dry-hopped with astronomic portions of Citra, Strata, and Cryo Cascade hops, Fleet takes the Beard’s flagship pale ale, Circle of Hops, to new heights of hoppy, aromatic goodness. Craft beer and science … elevating the human experience through the ages. Blast into a Fleet today!”

Maass adds that a Fleet-Burning Beard partnership makes sense because the two organizations align in their values. “Like the Fleet, Burning Beard is proud to support the community, charities and nonprofit organizations of San Diego.”

Burning Beard will donate to the Fleet $1 per each can of Fleet Pale Ale sold.

The beer is available at the Fleet’s Craveology Café and at concessions at the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater and at Burning Beard’s Tasting Room, 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon.

Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar

What if you could both connect with your community and get your most puzzling questions answered? You can with Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar, which returns to more than 20 watering holes all over San Diego County on Thursday, June 8.

San Diego area scientists, from biologists to aerospace engineers, help create connections between the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community and the general public. These casual chats in a relaxed environment help people see that science is everywhere in our daily lives.

Each participating bar hosts a pair of scientists who come with their own sign that reads, “We are scientists. Ask us anything!” to encourage conversations. Bar patrons can learn if kombucha is really beneficial (spoiler alert: it is) or dig into the intricacies of string theory.

Since its inception in 2014, Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar has become one of the Fleet’s most popular adult events, letting scientists and non-scientists alike quench their thirst for knowledge and adult beverages.

Schedule of events

Exclusive Fleet Pale Ale Tasting Event

• Friday, June 2 4–7 p.m.
• Burning Beard Brewing Co., 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020

Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar

• Thursday, June 8 5:30–8:30 p.m. at bars across San Diego County https://www.fleetscience.org/events/two-scientists-walk-bar

Subject Matter Experts

• Andrea Decker, Scientist Engagement Manager (and manager of Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar), Fleet Science Center
• Jeff Wiederkehr, Cofounder and Head Brewer and Director of Brewery Operations, Burning Beard Brewing Co.
• Mike Maass, Cofounder and Brand & Marketing Director, Burning Beard Brewing Co.
• Dylan Brown, Brand Ambassador and Director of Operations Dude of Front of House, Burning Beard Brewing Co.

Additional links

Information on all events

Information on Burning Beard Brewing Co. 

Press Photos

About Burning Beard

Burning Beard was founded in 2016 by an inspired bunch, enkindled by punk rock, fine literature, beautiful artwork, nature's solitude, and expertly crafted beer. That's our ethos. And the Beard is our metaphor. We enjoy it here at the confluence of creativity and craft, and think you will too. So raise a glass dear friends and sound your barbaric yawp over the rooftops. To learn more, visit burningbeardbrewing.com.

About the Fleet Science Center

Since 1973, the Fleet Science Center has been a central link between science, schools and scientific organizations, collaborating with the communities that call San Diego County home. Its mission is simple yet bold: to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science. The organization delivers on this mission through engaging experiences and culturally driven education programs in neighborhoods throughout the county and at the historic Balboa Park flagship location. The Fleet creates places of inspiration by collaborating with communities to support and grow STEM talent in San Diego. From interactive exhibits and school field trips to free science programs, the Fleet is forward-thinking and consistently evolving to create positive change in the world. To learn more, visit fleetscience.org.

About Balboa Park 

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urbancultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.