FAQs

What is the CoBA Wine, Food & Brew Festival?
The CoBA Wine, Food & Brew Festival is an open-air gathering held in the picturesque setting of Markstein Hall Plaza outside the business building (Markstein Hall) at the top of the Cal State San Marcos campus.

Guests mingle with friends, savor fabulous wines and enticing cuisine samples from some of Southern California’s most popular restaurants, while enjoying lively musical and auction entertainment.

The event also serves to highlight the College’s unique programs and invaluable impact and contributions to the region.

Is there any food available at the event?
Yes, there are many sample tastings donated by our generous restaurant, wine, and beer partners. These sample portions do not constitute a meal, however, if you get around to all of our partner booths, it is likely your appetite will be more than satisfied as there are many to choose from. Therefore, we suggest you arrive when the event opens to seek out your favorite food and beverages for the best selections.

Based on guest attendance and the popularity of our partner’s restaurant, wine, beer or the selection that is being offered, it is possible that some items may run out sooner than others.

We also encourage your patronage to our partners’ establishments to help us thank them for their generous donations to our event.

Will there be any water available?
Yes, there are water stations available throughout the event.

Are there places to sit down?
There are tables and chairs scattered throughout the event to sit, rest or socialize. Cocktail tables are also provided to stand. With respect to other guests, please don’t hold tables for the entirety of the event. We encourage our guests to circulate among all the tasting booths and sample all that is available.  If you are a guest with special needs, please contact our office for seating arrangements.

Where will proceeds from this event go?
Proceeds from this event will benefit the College of Business Administrations 1,300+ students by providing scholarships and academic enrichment opportunities through our various unique programs.

How do I get to Cal State San Marcos?
Click here for a map and to generate driving directions to the campus.

Is the event open to anyone who purchases a ticket?
Attendees must be 21 and over to attend the event.

What is the cost to attend the event?
General admission is $50 for individual tickets. Alumni Admission tickets are $35. Purchase tickets.

What is included in the ticket price?

  • Entry to the event
  • On campus event parking
  • Customized logo engraved wine glass and tasting plate
  • Tasting samples from Southern California Restaurants, wineries, breweries, and non-alcoholic beverages

How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets online by visiting the ticket portion of this website. For questions about purchasing tickets or for more information, call (760) 750-4270.

After I submit my ticket request, when will tickets be sent to me?
An email confirmation and PDF ticket will be e-mailed to you shortly after your purchase. Nothing will be physically mailed.

Is the online registration site secure?
Yes. We have partnered with the online event management company called EventBrite, which uses the most secure online technology called Secure Socket Layers or SSL that encrypts your personal and credit card information while transferring it from your internet browser to our servers. You can also view the double security of the little yellow lock that will appear on the bottom of your browser window.

Can I purchase tickets at the door?
Due to capacity limitations it is highly anticipated that the event will be SOLD OUT prior to the event date. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that tickets will be available at the door.

May I arrive anytime during the event?
You may arrive and check in any time between 4 pm and 7 pm, however, in order to take full advantage of the tasting, enjoy the entertainment, peruse and bid on silent auction items and enjoy the live auction as a bidder or spectator, you’ll want to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to experience it all.

What about parking?
Parking for the event is included in the price of your ticket and will be available at the event site. Handicap accessible parking is also available at the event site. Please check the appropriate event signage when entering the campus on event day. Provisions will be made for those requiring assistance to and from their vehicles to the venue via motorized cart. Campus map.

What time does the silent and live auctions begin?
The silent auction will begin at the start of the event at 4 pm and will end at 6:30 pm as to allow enough time for bidders to collect their prizes.

The live auction will begin at 5:30 pm promptly. Those wishing to participate in the live auction portion of the event should arrive shortly before 5:30 as to register.

Who do I contact if I’m interested in being a sponsor or donating an auction item?
For event & auction info, contact our Event Coordinator: Carrie Smith at (760) 750-4270 or e-mail. Sponsor sign-up.

Refunds: Please note that all sales for this event are final. No refunds or credits will be applied to your purchase.

Important Information: This event takes place regardless of weather conditions. No pets allowed.