Fetivals for the Rest of y’alls

Winter is usually a pretty rough time when it comes to beer festivals. So here are the events happening around the country that might be worth checking out.

Monday, November 26

What says winter beer fest better than a nice Mexican lager? Head south of the border to Tijuana for the 3rd Annual International Beer Festival. It’s tonight, but Tijuana isn’t too far…well, maybe it is. http://www.tjbeerfest.com/

Thursday, November 29

Like the cold? Like the rain? Well you probably already live in Portland then. If you’re not busy, check out the Holiday Ale Festival. And yes, this event is held outside. But don’t worry, there will be heaters on site to keep you warm while drinking holiday ales and staring up at one giant Christmas tree. Over 3 dozen beers will be on tap, so make sure to ride the MAX to Pioneer Courthouse Square. This even runs through Sunday. http://www.holidayale.com/

Friday, November 30

Want those winter ale’s but not the cold temperatures outside? Head a few hours north. Hale’s Ales Brewery puts on the 3rd Annual Winter Ales festival in Seattle. The event features over 30 Washington Winter Ale not to mention their popular Vintage Beer Tasting. Remember, winter ales have a kick, so plan on having a sober friend accompany you, or at least drive you home. If you’re busy Friday, this is a 2 day event, and you can catch it Saturday as well. www.washingtonbeer.com
First thing that comes to mind when I think Strong Ale is Arrogant Bastard. So what better place for a Strong Ale Festival than sunny Carlsbad, California. Over 60 beers kicking some serious ass at 8% or more. Want your tickets before you get there? Too bad, only the VIP pass is available for early tastings (1-4 PM), everyone else has to pay at the door. So after you drag yourself out of that gutter in a back alley in Tijuana from Monday’s festival, find your way a few miles north to Carlsbad. www.pizzaport.com/festivals.htm

Saturday, December 1

One of our members of the brew crew just got back from Europe. Want to know what he might have had to drink while there? Hit up Mug’s Ale House in Brooklyn for Belgium to Brooklyn. Over 30 Belgian brews on tap. Be careful, this is not a wallet friendly event, with tastes running $3.50-$4.50 for 5 oz. http://www.mugsalehouse.com/

Friday, December 7

What about the pagans, they drink beer, and love to party. Well, check out Saturnalia Winter Solstice in New Albany, Indiana. Over 40 beers on tap from around the globe, this is a festival with a nod to those old pagans who would celebrate the winter solstice, and do it in style. So head to Rich O’s Public House and get into those special, rare and festive kegs before they’re all gone. http://www.newalbanian.com/

There are other events happening around the country as well, but some just seemed a little lame, so why write about them. Got any other events you might be attending, or plan on attending any of these, let us know. Personally, I wish I could find a way to Indiana, that sounds like a fun bash.