April 2013 Events
March 22-1: Bank Holiday Cask Beer Festival, Wellington, England
The Haygate, a public house in Wellington, will host a Bank Holiday Cask Beer Festival. This 11-day mini-beer festival will feature variety of beers brewed in Shropshire, along with a selection of traditional ciders. There will be live music many evenings, and admission will be free most days.
March 28-1: Spring Beer Festival at The Green Man, Kingsdown, England
The Green Man, a public house in Kingsdown, will host a Spring Beer Festival. This Easter weekend event will feature 25 locally-made ales and ciders, along with "food, fun and frolics aplenty."
March 29-1: Fisherman's Retreat Beer Festival, Shuttleworth, England
The Fisherman's Retreat, a pub, restaurant, and whiskey house in Shuttleworth (near Ramsbottom), will host a Beer Festival. This Easter Weekend event will feature 40 locally-brewed Real Ales, along with cask-conditioned beers. There will be entertainment Saturday and Sunday evenings, and Monday will be a Family Fun Day.
March 30-1: Pie & Ale Fest at the Rickinghall Car & Motorcycle Show, Rickinghall, England
The 26th annual Rickinghall Car and Motorcycle Show will be held at Rickinghall Village Hall. This three-day event will feature classic cars and motorcycles. There will be a beer tent, with a selection of guest ales along with hot meat pies. The weekend's events will also include music from local bands; food stalls, hog roasts, and barbecue; organized events for all ages; and children's activities, including rides, bouncy castles, and Punch and Judy. Camping is available on-site.
1-30: North Carolina Beer Month, various locations, NC
The North Carolina Brewers Guild present the inaugural North Carolina Beer Month, which will be celebrated at various locations in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and other communities across the state. Breweries statewide will be offering month-long craft promotions such as prix-fixe menus, beer and food pairings, classes, brewery tours, collaboration beers, and releases.
4-6: Bexley Beer Festival, Bexley, England
The Bexley Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the eighth annual Bexley Beer Festival, which will take place at a new venue, the Old Dartfordians Club. The festival will feature a good range of ales and ciders (there were 67 ales and 12 ciders last year), along with hot and cold food.
4-6: Bolton CAMRA Beer Festival, Bolton, England
The Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 2013 Bolton CAMRA Beer Festival, which will take place at the Bolton Ukrainian Club. Organizers expect to have more than 40 ales, along with eight Real Ciders and perries. Saturday afternoon's session is family-friendly. The festival supports Bolton Hospice.
4-7: Brew on the Bay, Key Largo, FL
The Key Largo Rotary Club presents the 2013 Brew on the Bay, which will take place on the waterfront at Roswell's Marina on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo. This event, to be held on Saturday afternoon, will feature 80 craft-brewed beers. The festival itself is part of a four-day celebration that includes a homebrew competition on Thursday, a Meet and Greet event with brewers in attendance, a selection of beers, and hors d'oeuvres, on Friday evening, and a hangover brunch on Sunday.
4-7: Middle Earth Beer Festival, Hurst Green, England
The fifth Middle Earth Beer Festival will be held at Hurst Green Memorial Hall. This four-day event honors JRR Tolkien, who was a frequent visitor to Stonyhurst College in Hurst Green. It will feature a selection locally-brewed ales and ciders, many with Tolkien-inspired names; live music; and a "Hobbiton Market" selling crafts and foods.
4-6: Walsall Real Ale and Cider Festival, Walsall, England
The Walsall Banch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 31st annual Walsall Real Ale and Cider Festival, which will this year returns to Town Hall. Organizers expect to have at least 100 beers, along with 25 or more ciders, bottled beers, and fruit wines. There will be live entertainment Friay evening and at both Saturday sessions; food for purchase; a tombola; and a CAMRA shop.
5-6: Atlantic City Beer Festival, Atlantic City, NJ
100.7 WZXL presents the 2013 Atlantic City Beer Festival, which will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The festival, also known as "The Celebration of the Suds," is a two-day, three-session event featuring beer from 80 breweries from around the world. There will also be a variety of music, performed on multiple stages; culinary demonstrations from local chefs; beer seminars hosted by author and television personality Gary Monterosso; and food and merchandise for sale. This event is expected to sell out.
5: Aprilfest, Auburn, AL
Auburn University presents Aprilfest 2013, which will take place in the Terrace Room and around the pool at the Hotel at Auburn University. This evening event will feature 24 beers from 12 breweries, most of them from Alabama and neighboring states. Each craft beer will be paired with a small-bite dish prepared by the hotel's culinary team.
5: From the Barrel, Santa Margarita, CA
Firestone Walker Brewing Company and the historic Santa Margarita Ranch present From the Barrel, which will take place at the ranch. This evening event will feature barrel-aged beers, bourbons, and ports; food from Central Coast restaurants; live music by the Hot Club of SLO; and rides through the ranch on the historic Santa Margarita train. The festival charity is the Woods Humane Society. This event is expected to sell out.
5-6: Guisborough Beer Festival, Guisborough, England
The Cleveland Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the second annual Guisborough Beer Festival, which will take place at Guisborough Parish Hall. Organizers expect to have 36 cask-conditioned ales, along with a selection of Real Ciders, perries, and fruit wines. Guisborough Big Band will entertain on Saturday.
5-6: Okanagan Fest-of-Ale, Penticton, BC, Canada
The 17th annual Okanagan Fest-of-Ale will be held at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre. Last year's festival featured beer from more 25 breweries, most of them from British Columbia; voting for the "People's Choice" winning beers; food from ten of the Penticon area's restaurants; and continuous live entertainment. Proceeds from the festival will go to local charities.
5: Rock & Brew, Las Vegas, NV
Vegas Beverage Group, Hard Rock, and UNLV Beverage Management Club present the fourth annual Rock & Brew, which will take place at a new venue, poolside at the Palms Casino Hotel. This evening event will more than 70 beers from around the country, live bands and a DJ, and food for purchase. This event is a benefit for the Beverage Management Club.
5-6: Rothwell Beer Festival, Rothwell, England
The fourth annual Rothwell Beer Festival will be held at Holy Trinity Church Parish Hall in Rothwell. Organizers expect to have 44 Real Ales, along with bottled beers, ciders, and perries. The festivities will also include live music and food. Proceeds will go to local charities.
5-7: Waterfront Beer Festival, Barton under Needwood, England
The Waterfront, a public house and restaurant at Barton under Needwood's canalside, will host a Beer Festival. It will be held in the room above the pub. This three-day event will feature 48 beers. Dr Busker will perform Friday evening, and Saturday evening is "oom-pah night." Food will be available, and there will be a food and craft festival onsite that weekend. Weekend and one-night camping is available onsite, with bouncy castles and pony rides for children during the day.
6: Beer for Beasts, Brooklyn, NY
BeerAdvocate and Sixpoint present the third annual Beer for Beasts, which will take place at the Bell House in Brooklyn.There will be afternoon and evening sessions, each with dozens of single-batch beers brewed at Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery, including collaborations with friends of the brewery. There will also be food for purchase.
6: Big Texas Beer Fest, Dallas, TX
The 2013 Big Texas Beer Fest will take place at the Fair Park Automobile Building on the Texas State Fairgrounds in Dallas. This is an afternoon event. Organizers expect to have an expanded selection of more than 400 beers from over breweries, including many beers from Texas craft breweries. Food trucks, offering a wide variety of items, will be at the venue; and local Dallas performers The O's will entertain. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
6: Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival, Breckenridge, CO
The sixth annual Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival will be held at a new location, the 100 block of Ridge Street in downtown Breckenridge. This afternoon event will feature beer from more than 30 craft breweries, most of them from Colorado and the West. Three bands are scheduled to perform, food will be available, and vendors will be on hand. VIP tickets, with a lunch buffet and a special selection of beers, will be available.
6: Carolina Brew and Q, Columbia, SC
Downtown Columbia's Flying Saucer Draught Emporium will host the inaugural Carolina Brew and Q Festival. This afternoon event will feature 50 craft-brewed beers, along with a variety of Carolina barbecue prepared by Park Street Vista restaurants. Flying Saucer U.F.O. members will have the first opportunity to sample the festival's ten cask beers. Two live bands are scheduled to perform, and there will be games and competitions all day. All proceeds will be donated to the American Kidney Foundation.
6: Craft Brews & Chicago Blues, Lake Geneva, WI
The second annual Craft Brews & Chicago Blues will take place at Geneva Ridge Resort in Lake Geneva. This afternoon event will feature more 120 beers from breweries from throughout the country; live blues music, with headline act Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners; and food vendors. VIP tickets, with early admission and a special selection of beers, will be available.
6: Gitchee Gumee Brewfest, Superior, WI
The 16th annual Gitchee Gumee Brewfest will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Superior's Wessman Arena. This late-afternoon event, which is a fund-raiser for the Superior Jaycees, will feature more than 100 beers from over 35 breweries. VIP tickets, with early admission and complimentary pizza, are available.
6: LA Beer Festival, Los Angeles, CA
DrinkEatPlay presents the fifth annual LA Beer Festival, which will take place at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with a wide variety of beer (more than 75 were represented at recent events), music by two live bands, and LA food trucks. Part of the proceeds will support Noah's Bark Animal Rescue. There will also be an after-party at Wirsthaus.
6: Missouri Beer Festival, Columbia, MO
Missouri Life and Tom Bradley present the second annual Missouri Beer Festival, which this year moves to a larger venue, the Parkade Plaza Event Center in Columbia. This afternoon event will feature dozens of booths with local and national beers. There will also be food and beer pairings, live music, and door prizes.
6: New Times "Original" Beerfest, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Isle Casino Pompano Park presents the the 16th annual New Times "Original" Beerfest, which will take place at a new location, Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This evening event will feature more than 100 domestic and imported beers, live music, food and merchandise vendors, an appearance by local radio personalities, and NCAA basketball tournament games on Jumbotron screens. VIP tickets, with a special selection of beer and unlimited food sampling, are available. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Starlight Foundation.
6: Spring Ale Fest, Minneapolis, MN
The 2013 Spring Ale Fest will be held at the Urainian Center in northeast Minneapolis. This afternoon event will feature beer from 15 Twin Cities-area breweries, along with wine from several local wineries. There will also be live music, food trucks, and a prize raffle. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available.
6: Zapp's International Brewfest, Baton Rouge, LA
The 2013 Zapp's International Brewfest will be held at the Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. This afternoon event will feature more than 200 domestic and international beers (including home-brewed beers), live music by the Bayou Boys, and jambalaya. All proceeds will benefit the museum.
7: Classic City Brew Fest, Athens, GA
The 18th annual Classic City Brew Fest will be held at the Foundry Park Inn in downtown Athens. This afternoon event will feature around 300 regional and international beers, plus a cask ale pavilion with 15 one-off ales; live music by the Tropical Breeze Steel Band; and food prepared by The Foundry. Proceeds will go to the Athens Area Humane Society. This event is expected to sell out.
7: Prohibition Party & Beer Fest, Denver, CO
Denver Gourmet Tours and the Oriental Theater present a Prohibition Party & Beer Fest, which will take place at The Oriental Theater in Denver. This event, which celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of Prohibition, consists of afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with more than 150 beers from 25 Colorado craft breweries, served "in speakeasy style." Several local food trucks will be at the festival.
7: Stone Oakquinox, Escondido, CA
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens will host the fourth annual Stone Oakquinox. This daytime event will feature more than 100 barrel-aged and wood-infused beers, both on tap and in bottles, chosen by Stone's "Dr." Bill Sysak.
10-13: Maldon CAMRA Beer Festival, Maldon, England
The Maldon and Dengie Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 11th Maldon CAMRA Beer Festival, which will take place at Town Hall in Maldon. Organizers expect to have at least 50 Real Ales, most of which have not been seen in Maldon before. A selection of ciders will also be available. There will be live music Saturday evening.
10-13: Newcastle Beer Festival, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
The Tyneside & Northumberland Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 37th annual Newcastle Beer Festival, which will take place at Northumbria University Students Union in Newcastle upon Tyne. Organizers expect to have 130 Real Ales, with an emphasis on beers from The North East, along with 30 ciders. Food will be available for purchase.
11-13: Doncaster Beer Festival, Doncaster, England
The Doncaster & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 23rd annual Doncaster Beer Festival, which will take place at "The Hub" building at Doncaster College. Organizers expect to have 125 beers, along with ciders, perries, and bottled foreign beers. Doncaster College will provide food for purchase.
11-13: Skipton Beer Festival, Skipton, England
The Keighley and Craven Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the seventh annual Skipton Beer Festival, which will take place at Town Hall. Recent editions of this festival have featured more than 65 Real Ales, including a range of mild ales, along with traditional ciders and perries, foreign bottled beers, and British wines. Hot and cold food will be served, and souvenir merchandise and CAMRA memberships will be available.
12-13: Boston Beer Summit, Boston, MA
BeerSummit presents the 14th annual Boston Beer Summit, which will take place at the Park Plaza Castle. This two-day, three-session event will feature more than 200 beers, including seasonal beers, from over 60 breweries, along with live entertainment. This event is expected to sell out.
12: Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival, Nainamo, BC, Canada
The 2013 Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival will be held at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. This evening event is described by organizers as "the Mid-Island's largest celebration of local craft brews." There will also be live music, food, and door prizes. All proceeds will go to Kinsmen charities.
12-13: Oldham Beer Festival, Oldham, England
The Rochdale, Oldham and Bury Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and the Mayor of Oldham's Charity Appeal Committee present the 25th annual Oldham Beer Festival, which will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in the center of Oldham. "Oldham's longest bar" will be serving around 70 cask ales, a wide range of continental bottled beers; and a selection of traditional ciders, perries, and fruit wines. There will be a Foreign Beer Bar with Continental and American bottled beers. The festivities will also include live entertainment, and food for purchase. Proceeds will go to the Mayor's charity.
13: A Night At The Brew-seum, McAllen, TX
The International Museum of Art and Science, in McAllen, will host the fifth annual Night At The Brew-seum. This evening event will pair 50 beers from around the world with food from 20 of the Rio Grande Valley's restaurants, along with music provided by “The Ocho Loco” Piano Show, Marshall Law, and the Jolly Huntsmen. There will also be a Brew-seum Beer Dinner Thursday evening before the festival itself.
13: Beertopia Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
The second annual Beertopia Hong Kong will take place at a new and larger venue, the West Kowloon Waterfront. This all-day event, described as "Hong Kong's only craft beer festival," will feature an expanded selection of more than 150 beers from around the world, lectures by visiting brewmasters, live music, food, and games.
13: Bloomington Craft Beer Festival, Bloomington, IN
The third annual Bloomington Craft Beer Festival will be held at the historic Woolery Mill. There will be a selection of Indiana-brewed beers, along with a a number of guest beers from out-of-state breweries. Two live bands are scheduled to perform. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. Part of the price of each ticket sold will benefit the American Red Cross, Monroe County Chapter.
13: Blue Chip Brewfest, Michigan City, IN
The Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa, in Michigan City, will host the third annual Blue Chip Brewfest. It will take place in the Stardust Event Center. This afternoon event will feature beer from a wide variety of craft breweries, including several from Indiana and Michigan. Two levels of VIP tickets, with early admission and/or a special selection of beer, are available.
13: Canberra Craft Beer Festival, Canberra, NCT, Australia
The sixth annual Canberra Beer Festival will be held at the Mercure Canberra hotel. The festival, formerly known as the National Capital Craft Beer Festival, will feature more than 80 craft-brewed beers, with brewers in attendance; live entertainment throughout the day; food from local gourmet stores; beer and food pairings; and games and contests, children's activities, and prize giveaways.
13: FARE, Philadelphia, PA
Fermented Productions, in conjunction with the Doylestown Fire Department, presents FARE, which will be held at The Fuge, the site of a former NASA centrifuge, in Warminster. This afternoon event will feature more than 50 craft breweries, small-batch spirits makers, local wineries, and Philadelphia-area restaurants, along with appearances by brewery representatives, distillers, and winemakers. VIP tickets, with early admission, an opportunity to meet brewers and chefs, and food and drink samples, are available. Part of the proceeds will go to the Doylestown Fire Department.
13-20: Milwaukee Beer Week, Milwaukee, WI
GreatBrewers.com presents the fourth annual Milwaukee Beer Week, which will take place at various locations in and around Milwaukee. The headline event of Beer Week is the Milwaukee Taste of Great Brewers festival. Past years' events have also included beer dinners, beer and cheese pairings, special tastings, discounted pints and pitchers, fish fries, and a golf outing.
13: RiteCare Beer Festival, Seattle, WA
RiteCare of Washington will host its inaugural Beer Festival. which will take place at the Seattle Scottish Rite Masonic Center. This afternoon event will feature beer from 14 local craft breweries, a full Uli's Famous bratwurst lunch, live music, and more than 100 raffle items. Proceeds will help RiteCare provide speech and language therapy to children at no cost to their families.
13: River Lakes Craft Beer and Wine Expo, Richmond, MN
The second annual River Lakes Craft Beer and Wine Expo will be held at River Lakes Civic Arena in Richmond. This afternoon event will feature more than 100 beers from over 30 craft breweries, along with 40 wines from across the country. Brewery and distributor representatives will be on hand. There will also be live music, food for purchase, and activities. All proceeds will benefit River Lakes Hockey.
13: Saint John Beer Fest, Saint John, NL, Canada
The 2013 Saint John Beer Fest will be held at Market Square in the Atrium in Harbour Station in downtown Saint John. This evening event will feature more than 90 beers, food sampling from four local restaurants, entertainment from Atlantic Cirque, beer judging, Caskalepalooza, and door prizes and lots of fun.
13: Taming of the Brew, Bloomsburg, PA
The 12th annual Taming of the Brew will be held at the Caldwell Consistory in Bloomsburg. This evening event, which is a fund-raiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, will feature beer from more than two dozen breweries and distributors, most of them from Pennsylvania. Attendees are invited to vote for the "People's Choice" award. There will be food from local restaurants, along with a silent auction for items donated by local businesses and craftspeople.
13: Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza, Johnson City, TN
The second annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza will be held outside the Mellow Mushroom in Johnson City. This afternoon event will feature more than 100 beers, including hard-to-find and cask-conditioned beers and infused beers dispensed at two roaming lines. There will also be live music by three bands; a Thirsty Orange Brew Off; an Iron Brewer Challenge, where brewers add their secret ingredient; a beer glass swap; hula hoop performers; and a souvenir photo booth. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. This year's festival charity is Girls on the Run.
13: Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival, Tinley Park, IL
The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce presents the fourth annual Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival, which will take place at the Convention Center. This day-long event will feature a selection of craft beers and wines, with nearly 20 vendors in attendance; gourmet food from local restaurants; local artisans; and live entertainment.
13: Wickham Charity Beer Festival, Wickham, England
The spring 2013 Wickham Spring Beer Festival will be held at the Wickham Centre. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with more than 40 Real Ales and ciders; food, including a barbecue staffed by the Meon Valley Lions Club; and live music in the evening. Proceeds will go to local organizations and charities.
13: World Beer Festival-Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
All About Beer magazine presents the third annual Raleigh edition of the World Beer Festival, which will take place downtown at Moore Square. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with more than 200 beers from over 100 world-class domestic and international breweries; live music by two live bands; and food from local restaurants. VIP tickets, with a hot catered buffet and a special selection of beers, are available. This year's festival charity is Artplosure.
18-20: Hull Real Ale & Cider Festival, Hull, England
The Hull & East Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 2013 Hull Real Ale & Cider Festival, which will take place at Holy Trinity Church. There will be 116 Real Ales, along with 25 ciders and perries and 15 foreign bottled beers. Hot and cold food wiil be available. Admission is free Thursday and Friday afternoon and on Saturday, and free at all times to CAMRA members.
18-20: Maltings Beer Festival, Newton Abbot, England
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), South West Branch, presents the 2013 Maltings Beer Festival, which will take place at Tuckers Maltings in Newton Abbot. Recent editions of this festival have featured about 250 beers, along with live music. The winning beers at the festival will go on to represent the South West Region at the SIBA National Final.
19-20: Hook Beer Festival, Surbiton, England
The fourth annual Hook Beer Festival will be held at the Hook Scout Hall in Surbiton, a venue with indoor and an outdoor tasting areas. The festival, which is supported by the Kingston & Leatherhead Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, will feature 50 beers and ciders. Food will be available at all sessions. Proceeds will go to The Surrey Air Ambulance and other charities.
19-20: Peoria Jaycees International Beer Festival, Peoria, IL
The Peoria Jaycees present the 21st annual International Beer Festival, which will take place at the Peoria Exposition Gardens. Recent editions of this festival have featured about 150 beers at Friday evening's session, along with food from a dozen local restaurants and live music; and a Saturday beer garden session with over 300 craft- and homebrewed beers; several bands, including bagpipers; a concession area; and beer-related merchandise. VIP tickets are available. A large portion of the proceeds from the festival will go to local charities.
19-27: Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week, Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Craft Beer Alliance presents the second annual Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week, which will take place at breweries, bars, restaurants, and bottle shops in and around the city. Events include beer dinners, beer and food pairings, meet-the-brewer events, homebrewing demonstrations, special tastings, and collaboration beers.
20-27: Annapolis Beer Week, various locations, Annapolis, MD
Annapolis Beer Week 2013 will take place at various locations in Annapolis. Events during this eight-day celebration of craft beer include a Beer Run on opening day, a beer cruise, meet-the-brewer events, a Craft Beer Crawl, a Singles Night, beer specials, and Laughs and Drafts (listed separately on the calendar) on the final evening.
20: Bay Area Craft Beer Festival, Martinez, CA
Main Street Martinez presents the 2013 Bay Area Craft Beer Festival, which will take place at at Waterfront Park on North Court Street. This afternoon event will feature beer from more than 30 breweries west of the Mississippi, live music from two bands, and food for purchase. A free shuttle will run between the festival venue and the North Concord BART station and Best Western John Muir Inn. Part of the proceeds will go to Martinez Rotary, Foster A Dream, and Meals on Wheels.
20: Belleville Ale Fest, Belleville, IL
The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce hosts the inaugural Belleville Ale Fest, which will take place at Belleville Crossing Center. This afternoon event will feature more than 80 craft-brewed beers from around the country, along with live music, food from Belleville-area restaurants, and merchandise vendors. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber.
20: The Big Tap-In Real Craft Beer Festival, Boardman, OH
The fourth annual Big Tap In Real Craft Beer Festival returns to its original venue, the Shepherd Event Center in Boardman. This event, which organizers describe as "the biggest craft beer festival between Pittsburgh and Cleveland," will feature beer from more than 75 different breweries, along with food vendors, local artists, and entertainers. Proceeds will benefit Making Kids Count, Inc.
20: CityBeat Festival of Beers, San Diego, CA
CityBeat magazine presents the sixth annual CityBeat Festival of Beers, which will take place in front of the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego. This afternoon event will feature unlimited tastings of beer (more than 45 breweries were represented last year), live music on the Bar Pink Stage, and food available for purchase. VIP tickets, with early admission and a special selection of beer, are available. Proceeds will benefit the San Diego Music Foundation.
20: Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival, Kenosha, WI
The sixth annual Dairy State Beer and Cheese Festival will be held at The Brat Stop in Kenosha (intersection of Highway 50 and I-94). This afternoon event will feature beer from breweries in and around Wisconsin (about 40 were represented at recent festivals), cheese from around the state, a biergarten food menu, music by two live bands, and merchandise for sale. The festival is a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha.
20: Erie Micro Brew Festival, Erie, PA
The Brewerie at Union Station and WQLN-FM present the seventh annual Erie Micro Brew Fest, which will take place at Union Station. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with beer from more than 35 breweries, with owners or brewers on hand. Festival-goers are invited to vote for the best beer and best brewery. The entertainment lineup will include the One Man Band and Rocket 101 personalities.
20: Hickory Hops, Hickory, NC
Olde Hickory Brewery and Downtown Hickory present the 11th annual Hickory Hops, which will take place downtown at Union Square. This afternoon event will feature beer from more than 40 microbreweries, most of them from North Carolina; the lineup will include cask-conditioned and seasonal beers. There will also be live music, food from local restaurants, and beer-related merchandise for sale.
20: Leavenworth Ale-Fest, Leavenworth, WA
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum presents the seventh annual Leavenworth Ale-Fest, which will take place at the Festhalle in the German-themed town of Leavenworth. This all-day event will feature beer from more than 20 Northwest breweries; food, including cheese, sausage, and smoked salmon; and live music. Proceeds will go to the museum.
20: Red Wing Wings and Brew Fest, Red Wing, MN
KWNG-FM presents the second annual Red Wing Wings and Brew Fest, which will take place at the National Guard Armory. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with beer from 15 breweries, and attendees are invited to take part in the People's Choice Awards for best brewery. There will also be a wing tasting, with samples from ten area restaurants.
20: San Clemente Beer Festival, San Clemente, CA
Left Coast Brewing Company presents the third annual San Clemente Beer Festival. This afternoon event will feature a selection of microbrewed beer from throughout southern California, a live band, and homemade food provided by local non-profit organizations. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available.
20: Springfest, Tucson, AZ
The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild presents the inaugural Springfest, which will take place at the Rillito Racetrack in Tucson. This afternoon event, which is the Guild's "southern, warm-weather answer" to its annual Strong Beer Festival, will feature beer from more than 50 craft breweries, with an emphasis on spring, summer, and specialty beers. There will also be live music, food trucks on hand, and a variety of "beer-centric" activities.
21: Electric City Craft Brew Fest, Scranton, PA
The 2013 Electric City Craft Brew Fest will be held at the Scranton Cultural Center. This afternoon event will feature more than 50 craft-brewed beers, including a selection of locally-brewed beers. There will also be live entertainment, beer information sessions, homebrewing demonstrations, beer and food pairing, and food vendors. VIP tickets, with early admission, a special selection of beer, and hors d'oeuvres, are available.
23-27: St George's Day Beer Festival at The Victoria, Clifton, England
The Victoria, a public house in Clifton, will host a St George's Day Beer Festival. This celebration of England's patron saint's day will feature more than 20 Real Ales and ciders from all over England. The festival will kick off with a special quiz on Tuesday evening. The Victoria will be open late Friday and Saturday.
24-27: Paisley Real Ale Festival, Paisley, Scotland
The Renfrewshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 26th annual Paisley Real Ale Festival, which will take place at Town Hall. This event, which organizers describe as "the biggest beer festival in Scotland," will feature more than 160 Real Ales from all around Scotland and England, along with a Foreign Beer bar with draft and bottled beers from Europe and beyond. There will also be live music and food for purchase.
25-May 4: Albuquerque Beer Week, various locations, Albuquerque, NM
The third annual Albuquerque Beer Week will take place at various locations in Albuquerque. Last year's Beer Week consisted of more than 50 events, including a Trolley Ale Trail, beer dinners, beer and food pairings, a Craic Fest, educational programs, special releases, tap takeovers, trivia contests, and the Dukes of Ale homebrew competition. Beer Week closes with Albuquerque Blues & Brews (listed separately on the calendar).
25-27: Beer Festival With Bangers, Burton on Trent, England
The Burton Bridge Inn, a public house in Burton on Trent, will host its eighth Beer Festival With Bangers. There will be a selection of Real Ales, including favorites from the Burton Bridge Brewery. In addition, a selection of locally-sourced sausages will be available. Admission is free.
25-27: Stourbridge Beer Festival, Stourbridge, England
The Stourbridge & Halesowen Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 16th Stourbridge Beer Festival, which will take place at Town Hall. Organizers expect to have 90 casks of Real Ale, along with 20 ciders. Hot and cold food will be available for purchase. Part of the proceeds will go to the Mary Stevens Hospice.
26-28: Altrincham FC Beer Festival, Altrincham, England
The Altrincham Football Club's 2013 Beer Festival will be held on the club's grounds. This three-day event will feature a selection of more than 15 Real Ales and ciders, many live bands, and football matches.
26-27: Brewski Festival, Seven Springs, PA
The 12th annual Brewski Festival will be held at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This evening event will feature beer from a variety of breweries, with an emphasis on beer from Pennsylvania and the Northeast. A buffet dinner will be served with the beer samples.
26-27: Chippenham Beer and Cider Festival, Chippenham, England
The North West Wiltshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 22nd annual Chippenham Beer and Cider Festival, which will take place in the sports hall at the Olympiad Leisure Centre. This two-day, three-session festival will feature at least 90 Real Ales, ciders, and perries; and there will be live music Saturday evening. No tickets will be sold at the door for evening sessions.
26-27: Edmonton International Beer Fest, Edmonton, AB, Canada
The 2013 Edmonton International Beer Fest will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre. Recent editions of this festival have feature more than 200 beers, and Edmonton's most popular beer-serving establishments will be represented. There will also be with live entertainment. This festival has sold out each of the last three years.
26: Food & Foam Fest, Little Rock, AR
The Arthritis Foundation of North Little Rock presents the16th annual Food & Foam Fest, which will take place at Little Rock's Dickey-Stephens Park, the home of the Arkansas Travelers baseball club. This evening event will feature an expanded selection of beers (there were more than 250 last year), along with wine. Festival-goers are invited to vote for "People's Choice Best Brew." There will also be live music and food from local restaurants. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. This event raises awareness of arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability.
26-27: North Leeds Charity Beer Festival, Leeds, England
Samuel Parker and Barrie Pepper of the British Guild of Beer Writers presents the second annual North Leeds Charity Beer Festival, which will take place at St Aidan's Church Community Hall in Leeds. This event, held in association with the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Rotary Club of Roundhay, will feature a selection of cask-conditioned ales (there were 30, including special festival beers, at last year's event). There will be live music both evenings, and Wilsons Champion Pork Pies will serve hot and cold food.
26-28: Oregon Garden Brewfest, Silverton, OR
The Oregon Garden Resort will host the ninth annual Oregon Garden Brewfest, which will take place in the Grand Hall. This event, which has been expanded to three days, will feature a variety of beers and ciders (there were more than 90 last year). Recent editions of this festival have also included live music on two stages, food, beer trivia, and an educational program. Brewers and brewery representatives will be in attendance from noon to 2 pm Friday; and the winners of the homebrew competition, presented by Capitol Brewers, will be announced Saturday afternoon. A Brewer’s Tasting Dinner will take place the evening before the festival itself.
27: Between the Bluffs: Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival, La Crosse, WI
The La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau presents the 11th annual Between the Bluffs: Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival, which will take place at 1 Oktoberfest Strasse in La Crosse. This afternoon event will feature beer, wine, and cheese from more than 60 vendors. There will also be live music, a bean bag tournament, an apparel shop, food for sale, and cooking demonstrations by area chefs. VIP tickets, which include pre-fest activities on Friday night, early admission to the festival, and food and special samples, are available. Last year's festival sold out.
27-28: Birrasana Craft Beer Festival, Blanes, Spain
The third annual Birrasana Craft Beer Festival will be held in Blanes. This event will feature beer from more than 50 breweries from Catalunya, Spain, and Europe. Invited breweries include Struisse Browers and Alvinne (Belgium), De Molen (Netherlands), Toccalmatto (Italy), Brew Wharf and The Kernel (England), Hopcraft (Wales), and Haandbriggeriet (Norway). There will also be live music, beer education, live slow food cooking, and children's activities.
27: Brew at the Zoo, West Palm Beach, FL
The Palm Beach Zoo, in West Palm Beach, will host Brew at the Zoo. This evening event will feature more than 50 craft beers, including many from Florida breweries. There will also be food from local restaurants, and an opportunity to meet many of the animals. VIP tickets, with a complimentary food and a special selection of beers, are available. Proceeds support animal care, conservation, education and sustainability at the Zoo.
27: Dark Lord Day, Munster, IN
Three Floyds Brewing Company presents Dark Lord Day 2013, which will take place outside the brewery. This day-long event, which celebrates the annual release of Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, will feature beer from a number of breweries from around the world, along with live music and food for purchase. Admission is limited to those holding tickets. Part of the proceeds from Dark Lord Day will be donated to three charities.
27: Downtown Do the Brew, Hastings, NE
The third annual Downtown Do The Brew will be held downtown at the Hastings City Auditorium. This afternoon/evening event will feature more than 100 craft beers from over 40 state, regional and national breweries, along with a selection of wines. Food will be available for purchase. The festival is a fund-raiser for the Hastings Community Arts Council.
27: Great Vegas Festival of Beer, Las Vegas, NV
Motley Brews presents the third annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, which will take place at a new outdoor venue, The Lake at Sunset Park in Las Vegas. This afternoon event will feature more than 200 beers from over 50 breweries, along with food for purchase from local restaurants. Early Entry and Brewer's Lounge (VIP) tickets are available. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Nevada Craft Brewers Association and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
27: Grove City Lions Club Craft Beer Fest, Grove City, OH
The Grove City Lions Club presents the 2013 Craft Beer Fest, which will take place in the historic Upper Club House at Beulah Park. This afternoon event will feature more than 120 beers from around the world. There will also be a silent auction. The festival is a fund-raiser for the club's guide dog program for local sight-impaired individuals.
27: Hodag Hops & Vines, Rhinelander, WI
The 2013 Hodag Hops & Vines will be held at a new venue, the Elbo Room Lounge & Ballroom in Rhinelander. This afternoon/evening evening event will feature more than 50 craft beers, along with wines to sample; food from area restaurants; and live entertainment by Kyle Mertz.
27: Lake Lanier Music Beach & Brew Festival, Lake Lanier Islands, GA
Thrive Media Partners presents the Lake Lanier Music Beach & Brew Festival, which will take place on the beaches and boardwalk of Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier Islands. This afternoon event will feature more than 200 beers; live bands, a DJ, and other entertainment; 20 food and merchandise vendors. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available.
27: McCoole's Spring Beer Festival, Quakertown, PA
McCoole's Arts and Events, located in Quakertown, will host the 2013 McCoole's Spring Beer Festival. There will be afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with more than 70 beers and a selection of wines, along with live music on two stages, food, craft vendors, games, beer trivia, and a homebrew competition. Season passes, good for admission to McCoole's spring and fall beer festivals, are available.
27: Manayunk Brew Fest Extravaganza, Philadelphia, PA
The 15th Annual Manayunk Brew Fest Extravaganza, will be held at the Manayunk Brewery in Philadelphia. This afternoon event, also known as "Homebrew to Pro Brew," will feature more than 50 beers from around the world. There will also be a homebrewing demonstration.
27: Maryland Laughs and Drafts, Annapolis, MD
The second annual Maryland Laughs and Drafts will be held at the Maryland National Guard Armory in Annapolis. This year's festival will consist of afternoon and evening tasting sessions, each with more than 50 craft beers, many from Maryland, along with performances by some of the region’s best comedians. Area brewmasters will give presentations and host Q-and-A sessions, and food will be available for purchase. VIP tickets, with early admission and seating near the stage, are available.
27: Memphis Brewfest, Memphis, TN
The fourth annual Memphis Brewfest will be held in the courtyard of AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis. This afternoon/evening event, which organizers describe as "an international beer festival," will feature a variety of domestic and imported craft beers. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, and Nashville's Brit Stokes Band will entertain. All net proceeds will go to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and the Memphis Redbirds Foundation.
27: Newport Craft Beer Festival, Newport, RI
Pour Judgement and Newport Storm Brewery present the second annual Newport Craft Beer Festival, which will take place at the Great Friends Meeting House. This event will feature beer from 30 craft breweries from around the country. Brewery representatives will be on hand. There will also be complimentary food samples, food for purchase, and live local music.
27: Northwest Brewfest, Chippewa Falls, WI
Gordy's Valley Spirits and the Chippewa Falls Hockey Association present the fifth annual Northwest Beerfest, which will take place at the Chippewa Area Ice Arena. This afternoon/evening event will feature hundreds of beers from more than 30 breweries. The price of admission also includes a meal ticket and a raffle ticket. The festival is a benefit for the Ice Arena.
27: Parkville Microbrew Festival, Parkville, MO
The Main Street Parkville Association presents the tenth annual Parkville Microbrew Fest, which will take place at English Landing Park. This afternoon event, to be held under the cottonwoods in the heart of Old Towne Parkville, will feature beer from breweries throughout the Midwest. Food will be available, and there will be live music.
27: San Francisco International Beer Festival, San Francisco, CA
The 30th annual San Francisco International Beer Festival will be held in the Festival Pavilion at San Francisco's Fort Mason. Recent editions of this festival have featured more than 300 beers from around the world, along with food from some of San Francisco's best restaurants. The proceeds will go to the teaching and learning programs at the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School. Recent editions of this festival have sold out.
27: TAP New York Hunter, NY
Hudson Valley Craft Beer & Fine Food Festival, Inc., and Hunter Mountain present the 2013 TAP New York, which will take place at Hunter Mountain. This two-day festival, which organizers describe as the largest craft beer and food event in New York State, will feature more than 200 beers from over 70 invited breweries; food (theme TBA on the festival website); daily cooking demonstrations; and a judged competition, with the presentation of Matthew Vassar Cup and the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup to the winning beers.
27-28: Zythos Beer Festival, Leuven, Belgium
Zythos, the Flemish beer consumers' organization, presents the 2013 Zythos Beer Festival, which will take place at Brabanthal in Leuven. There will be about 300 beers from 100 breweries along with food, a beer shop, and a tombola. Admission is free.