May 2010 Events
15: Maui Brewers Festival, Kahului, HI
April 16-2: Munchener Fruhlingsfest, Munich, Germany
Munchener Fruhlingsfest, the Munich Spring Festival, will be held at the Theresienwiese, the Oktoberfest grounds in Munich. This is a scaled-down, more family-friendly version of Oktoberfest with a keg-tapping ceremony, a large beer hall, amusement rides, and food and merchandise for sale. Admission to the grounds is free.
April 29-1: Kingdom of Fife Beer Festival, Glenrothes, Scotland
The 12th annual Kingdom of Fife Beer Festival will take place at Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. The festival, which is sponsored this year by Lochleven Brewery, will feature more than 40 Real Ales from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, along with continental beer, cider, perry, and wine. Food from the Rothes Halls Cafe will be available, and live local musicians will perform.
April 29- 2: Paisley Real Ale Festival, Paisley, Scotland
The Renfrewshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 23rd annual Paisley Real Ale Festival, which will take place at Paisley Town Hall. The festival, billed as "the biggest real ale beer festival in Scotland," will feature 170 Real Ales along with foreign beer plus cider, mead, and perry. There will also be food and live music. This year's festival charity is Myeloma UK.
April 29-2: Reading CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival, Reading, England
The Reading Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 16th annual Reading CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival. The lineup at last year's festival included 550 Real Ales, 200 ciders and perries, 160 foreign beers, and 45 English wines; and a LocAle Bar showcased beers brewed within 30 miles of the festival site. Festivities also included live music and the National CAMRA Cider & Perry Awards. More details about this year's festival will be posted on the branch's website.
April 30-3: Savouring Somerset Beer Festival, Frome, England
The Milk Street Brewery, located in Frome, will celebrate its 11th birthday by hosting the Savouring Somerset Beer Festival. Twenty independent breweries in Somerset will be represented at the festival. Entertainment will include Bugs and the Collaborators on Friday, The Wheel of Four Tunes on Saturday, Juey on "Sausage Sunday," and an alcohol-themed birthday quiz on Monday.
Apr. 29-1: Stourbridge Beer Festival, Stourbridge, England
The Stourbridge & Halsowen Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the Stourbridge Beer Festival, which will take place at Stourbridge Town Hall. Organizers expect to have about 90 Real Ales (TBA on the branch's website about a month before the festival), along with up to 20 traditional ciders and perries and a selection of wines. Hot meals and snacks will be available. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Mary Stevens Hospice.
Apr. 30-1: Boulder Strong Ale Festival, Boulder, CO
The eighth annual Boulder Strong Ale Festival will take place at a new and larger venue, the Avery Brewing Company. There will be tasting sessions on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, each with more than 60 of the nation's best strong ales, all with 8% ABV or higher.
Apr. 30-1: Brewski Festival, Seven Springs, PA
The ninth annual Brewski Festival will be held at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort. There will be Friday evening and Saturday evening sessions, each with beer from more than 20 breweries, along with a dinner buffet, entertainment, and beer seminars.
Apr. 30-2: Gateshead Beer Festival, Gateshead, England
The Gateshead Rugby Club presents the inaugural Gateshead Beer Festival, which will take place at the club's grounds in the Low Fell. This Bank Holiday weekend festival will feature more than 40 beers and ciders from all over the U.K.; food, including a hog roast; entertainment from a range of local musicians; and clog and Morris dancers.
Apr. 30-3: Long Itchington Beer Festival, Long Itchington, England
The village of Long Itchington, located in Warwickshire, will host a beer festival over the bank holiday weekend. It will take place at six pubs, three of which are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. More than 150 beers will be available. The festivities will also include Morris dancers, band and singers, shire horses and drays, and family activities.
Apr. 30-2: St. Louis Microfest, St. Louis, MO
The St. Louis Microfest returns to the the Upper Muny Lot in Forest Park in St. Louis. This year's festival has been expanded to three days, with international beers on Friday evening, craft beers on Saturday afternoon, and international and domestic beers on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Festivities will also include live music, cooking demonstrations, brewing discussions, "Brewers Olympics," and a homebrew competition. VIP tickets, with a special selection of beers, are available. The festival is a benefit for the Lift for Life Gym.
1: Beerfest, Oroville, CA
The Native Sons of the Golden West Argonaut Parlor No. 8 present the fifth annual Beerfest, which will take place at Western Pacific Brewing & Dining in Oroville. This afternoon event will feature beer from northern California microbreweries. Three live bands will perform, and there will be other entertainment as well. The festival is a fund-raiser for a variety of local causes, including the Native Sons' historic preservation projects.
1: Boulder Brew and Music Festival, Boulder, CO
The Beer and Clothing Company presents the inaugural Boulder Brew and Music Festival, which will take place at the Fox Theatre. More than 50 craft-brewed, specialty, and new release beers will be available. The festivities will also include food, live music, and special brewery guest speakers. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.
1: CityBeat Festival of Beers, San Diego, CA
This year's CityBeat Festival of Beers will take place at a new outdoor location, in front of the Lafayette Hotel on El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego. This afternoon tasting, presented by the alternative newspaper CityBeat, will feature beer from more than 25 breweries, along with live music on the Bar Pink stage. This festival is expected to sell out.
1: Craft Beer and Fine Food Celebration, Oakland, CA
KGO Newstalk 810 presents the Craft Beer and Fine Food Celebration, which will take place in the Pavilion at Jack London Square in Oakland. This afternoon event will feature 30 craft and specialty beers, along with food from Bay Area restaurants. The festival is a benefit for the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
1: Daytona Cubs Beer Fest, Daytona, FL
The Daytona Cubs Beer Fest will take place on the Riverwalk at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona. This afternoon event will feature more than 100 beers, along with live music from the Jimmy Buffett cover band, Captain Josh, and prize give-aways.
1: Downtown Dalton Beer Tasting Festival, Dalton, GA
The Downtown Dalton Development Authority presents the second annual Downtown Dalton Beer Tasting Festival, which will take place in the Downtown Festival Grounds. This afternoon event will feature unlimited sampling of more than 30 domestic and imported craft-brewed beers. Food will be available, and local band Hasty in the Ruckus will perform. A ride home program will be available.
1: Great International Beer Festival, Providence, RI
Festivals of America, LLC, presents the Great International Beer Festival, which will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. There will be two sessions, each with more than 250 beers along with food and live music. The festival will also include a judged competition of 20 styles of beer and cider.
1: "Made in Arizona," the Eight Craft Beer Festival, Phoenix, AZ
Eight (KAET-TV, Arizona State University's public television station) and the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild present "Made in Arizona," the Eight Craft Beer Festival, which will take place at Lath House Pavilion, Heritage Square, in Phoenix. This is an afternoon tasting with a lineup consisting exclusively of beer brewed in Arizona (list posted on the festival website). American, Mexican, and international food will be served as well. The festival is a benefit for KAET-TV.
1-2: Maryland Beer & Food Fest, Aberdeen, MD
The Maryland Beer & Food Fest will be held under the tents at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. There will be more than 150 beers and wines, along with spirits and food from local purveyors as well as live music, cooking demonstrations, merchandise stalls, games and contests, and a raffle for a "tower of beer" valued at $1,000.
1: McCoole's Spring Beer Festival, Quakertown, PA
Jeff Martin Custom Builders and McCoole's at the Historic Red Lion Inn present McCoole's Spring Beer Festival, which will take place at the Arts & Events Place in Quakertown. There will be two tasting sessions, each with more than 40 beers, live music, food and craft vendors on the grounds, and a trivia quiz with prizes.
1: Rockfest, Chicago, IL
Rock Bottom Brewery, located in downtown Chicago, will host the third annual Rockfest. This afternoon event is a competition among eight Rock Bottom brewers from throughout the Midwest, with the coveted "Golden Bunghammer" going to the winner. Festival-goers will have 50 beers to choose from. The festival will also mark award-winning brewer Pete Crowley's last day at Chicago's Rock Bottom.
1: Seend Beer Festival, Seend, England
The tenth annual Seend Beer Festival will be held at the Seend Community Centre. Forty different beers, "give or take," will be available, along with a selection of ciders. The entertainment lineup includes Black Sheep and The Somerset Paddies in the afternoon and Wipe Me Dry in the evening.
6-9: Aldborough Hall Farm Beer Festival, Ilford, England
Aldborough Hall Farm, located in Ilford, will host the annual Aldborough Hall Farm Beer Festival. More than 50 Real Ales and ciders, including beers brewed on site by the Ha'penny Brewing Company, will be available, along with local wines and draft lagers from the Freedom Brewery. Festivities will also include live bands, morris dancers, a hog roast, and inflatables and face-painting for children.
6-8: Banbury Beer Festival, Banbury, England
The North Oxfordshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the tenth annual Banbury Beer Festival, which will take place at the TA Centre. Organizers expect to have 90 or more Real Ales, including around 30 beers from the Black Country, many not seen in the area. There will also be about 18 different ciders and perrys as well as a foreign beer bar. Hot and cold food will be available all sessions, and there will be entertainment Thursday evening and throughout the day on Saturday.
6-8: Copenhagen Beer Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish Beer Enthusiasts presents the tenth annual Copenhagen Beer Festival, which will take place at Tap 1 on the old Carlsberg grounds in Copenhagen's Valby district. Hundreds of beers from Denmark (Copenhagen has five microbreweries), other European countries, and overseas will be available. The festival website is entirely in Danish.
7: Arborfest, St. Paul, MN
Family Tree Clinic presents the tenth annual Arborfest, a regional craft beer and wine tasting to be held inside Kagin Commons on the Macalester College campus in St. Paul This evening event will feature more than 50 beers and wines; entertainment, including a bagpipe festival opener and a live DJ; food; and a prize raffle. The festival is a benefit for the clinic.
7-8: Macclesfield Charity Beer Festival, Macclesfield, England
The Macclesfield Round Table presents the 16th annual Macclesfield Beer Festival, which will take place under a marquee on the grounds of the Macclesfield Rugby Club. About 100 beers and ciders will be available, and two live bands will play on Friday and Saturday evening. Admission to the evening sessions is by ticket only, and those sessions are expected to sell out. There will also be a free, quiet Saturday afternoon session, sponsored by the Macclesfield and East Cheshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
7-8: Mayfest, Halifax, England
The Halifax & Calderdale Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents Mayfest 2010, the Halifax Beer Festival, which will take place at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax. More than 60 Real Ales will be available, along with cider and perry. Food will be served. and there will be a specialist bookstand.
7-8: Rocket City Brewfest, Huntsville, AL
FreeTheHops.org and Venue Management, LLC, present the second annual Rocket City Brewfest, which will take place at The Historic Depot in Huntsville. There will be sessions on Friday evening and Saturday evening, each with more than 100 microbrewed, imported, and limited-release beers. Food from local restaurants will be available, and there will be live music both days. The festival is a fund-raiser for FreeTheHops' advocacy efforts.
7-15: Seattle Beer Week, Seattle, WA
Seattle Beer Week is a celebration of the beer culture of the city and the Pacific Northwest. Last year's festivities began with a kickoff celebration at Pike Brewing Company and included beer brunches and dinners, special tastings, new beer releases, and the closing ceremonies at the Taphouse Grill. More details about this year's event will be posted on the Seattle Beer Week website.
8: Beach to Brewery Beer & Music Fest, Pacific Beach, CA
Karl Strauss Brewing Company will host the 21st annual Beach to Brewery Beer & Music Fest at its main brewery in Pacific Beach.. This afternoon event will feature 21 different Karl Strauss beers, live music, and a bike ride from the beach. All proceeds from this event will go to the San Diego Surfrider chapter.
8: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, Charlotte, NC
Trigger Agency presents Charlotte's edition of the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, which will take place Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. More than 60 beers and 40 bourbons will be available on an all-you-can-taste basis, along with barbecue and live entertainment on the main stage. There will also be games, contests, seminars in the tasting theater, and a cigar tent. VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. This event sold out last year.
8: BrewRidge Music Festival, Pembroke, VA
The Mountain Lake Conservancy presents the BrewRidge Music Festival, which will take place on the front lawn of Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke. This is an afternoon event featuring beer from Virginia microbreweries, as well as meads ciders. Local artists will perform old-time and bluegrass music. Only 500 tickets will be sold for this event.
8: Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff, Salsa and Beer Tasting, Petaluma, CA
The Cinnabar Theater Young Repertory Company presents the Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff, Salsa and Beer Tasting, which will take place at Herzog Hall in Behren's Park on the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Billed as "Petaluma's most beloved event," the festival will feature beer from more than 15 Bay Area and West Coast microbreweries, chilis and salsas prepared by 30 teams, a judged competition and voting by festival-goers; and live entertainment.
8: Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, Booneville, CA
In early May, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company presents the Legendary Boonville Beer Festival, which takes place at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in the brewery's hometown of Boonville. This is an open-air event, held in the scenic Anderson Valley, with more than 100 beers from over 50 breweries, most of them from California and the West; music and dancing; food and merchandise offered by vendors. On-site camping is available, and all proceeds go to local non-profit organizations.
8: Lexington Craft Beer Festival, Lexington, KY
The Brewers of Central Kentucky (BOCK), together with the Red Mile racetrack, present the second annual Lexington Craft Beer Festival, which will take place at the racetrack. More than 100 craft-brewed beers will be available for sampling, and beer judges will be on hand to lead tasting sessions and to answer questions. Bayou Bluegrass Catering will be serving food, and G Busy Blue’s Review will perform. Free parking will be available throughout The Red Mile.
8-9: Ludlow's Spring Festival, Ludlow, England
Ludlow's Spring Festival, formerly known as "the Spring Event," will be held on the grounds of historic Ludlow Castle. Organizers expect to have 130 Real Ales from small breweries in Wales and the Marches, along with a selection of other drinks. Food, including local sausages and bread, will be available. Sunday's session coincides with the Marches Transport Festival, a display of classic cars. There will also be a "Meet the Brewer" preview the evening before the festival.
8: Michigan Spring Cask Ale Festival, Westland, MI
Ashley's Westland presents the inaugural Michigan Spring Cask Ale Festival, which take place in front of Macy's in the Westland Mall. Organizers expect to have 20 or more casks of Michigan-brewed beer (lineup TBA on Ashley's website).
8: Northwest Beerfest, Chippewa Falls, WI
Northwest Beerfest, "A Tasting Experience," will be held at the Chippewa Falls Ice Arena. The price of admission includes beer from more than 20 breweries, a meal ticket, a raffle ticket, and a commemorative glass. All proceeds benefit the Chippewa Area Ice Arena.
8: Tockwith Beer Festival, England
The second annual Tockwith Beer Festival will take place at the Village Hall in the center of Tockwith. Last year's festival featured more than 25 beers, ciders, and perries (this year's lineup TBA on the festival website). Proceeds from the festival will go to Tockwith C of E Primary School.
8: UnTapped Blues Festival, Kennewick, WA
The 14th annual UnTapped Blues Festival will be held in Kennewick. This is a two-day celebration with blues, bluegrass, and other performers from around the country. The Clover Island Inn will host Friday's kick-off party featuring "blues under the bridge." Saturday's main session, at the Benton County Fairgrounds, will attract more than 30 breweries pouring over 100 beers, with food and wine available as well. Proceeds from beer sales will go to the March of Dimes.
10-17: Vancouver Craft Beer Week, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The inaugural Vancouver Craft Beer Week will take place at various locations in metropolitan Vancouver. The festivities will begin with the ceremonial keg-tapping and Hoppapalooza at the Alibi Room. Events include tastings, educational programs, pub crawls, beer dinners, cooking with beer demonstrations, and special releases. A number of independently-organized satellite events will also take place.
13-15: Chester Charity Beer Festival, Chester, England
The Chester Charity Beer Festival will be held on the grounds of the Chester Rugby Union Football Club. This year's festival will feature 70 or more Real Ales, ciders. and perries, along with hot and cold food, live entertainment, pub games, and a CAMRA stall. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charities.
13-16: Continental Beer Festival, Preston, England
The Continental, a pub located in Preston, will host its fourth annual Beer Festival. This year's edition, billed as "the biggest and best yet," will feature more than 100 beers and ciders. There will also be food stalls, along with live music and other entertainment.
13-15: Fete de la Biere, CERM-Martigny, Switzerland
The 17th annual Fete de la Biere will take place in CERM-Martigny. This year's event, which will be held in a venue with a view of the Swiss Alps, will feature more than 170 beers along with concerts each evening. The festival website is entirely in French.
13-15: Rugby Beer Festival, Rugby, England
The Rugby Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 27th annual Rugby Beer Festival, which will take place at Rugby Thornfields Indoor Bowling Club. More than 50 ales will be available, along with ciders, perries, and foreign bottled beers (a LocAle Bar will be set up). Food will be served at all sessions, and there will be pub games and a tombola.
13-23: Seattle Beer Week, Seattle, WA
Seattle Beer Week, a celebration of craft beer, will take place at various locations in and around Seattle. This year's festivities will kick off at Hale's Brewery, which will brew a special Beer Week beer. Other events include beer dinners, special tastings, meet-the-brewer nights, an "Iron Brewer" challenge, and Beer and Brats at the Ballpark.
14-15: Beacon Hill Beer Festival, Hindhead, England
The Beacon Hill Beer Festival will be held at the Hindhead Royal British Legion. This two-day festival will feature ale from more than 20 breweries in Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire, along with a selection of local ciders and bottled beers from all around the world. Food will be served, and there will be live music.
14-30: Czech Beer Festival, Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Beer Festival, billed as "the largest gastronomic event in the Czech Republic," returns to the Pva Letnany Exhibition Centre in Prague. Top-quality draft beer will be served in custom-made glass mugs; there will be a wide range of food from pork and beef butchers, delicatessens, and confectioners; servers will be dressed in traditional Czech folk costumes; and there will be a rich, all-day music program.
14-15: Elysian Beer Festival, Ely, England
The Ely & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the eighth annual Elysian Beer Festival, which will take place on the grounds of the Ely City Football Club in Ely. More than 30 beers (as of January) will be available, and organizers have added a foreign beer bar for this year's event. Food will be served at all sessions, and a free bus will run between the Ely rail station and the festival site.
14-15: Kelowna Beer Festival, Kelowna, BC, Canada
SunCruiser Media presents the third annual Kelowna Beer Festival, which will take place at the Kelowna Curling Club. Last year's festival featured more than 50 beers from over 15 breweries, along with live entertainment.
14: Of Ale and History, Middletown, VA
Of Ale and History will again take place at Belle Grove Plantation, a historic mansion with German and English heritage located in Middletown. Beer from both the Old and New World will be available, along with food from local restaurants. The mansion and landscape will be open for touring during the festival, and the Potomac Rugby Union will host a multi-club tournament on the front meadow.
14: Raley Field Brewfest, Sacramento, CA
Raley Field, the home of the Sacramento River Cats, will host the fourth annual Raley Field Brewfest. This evening event will feature tastings of microbrews from local and regional breweries (30 were represented at last year's festival). VIP tickets, with early admission and extra samples, are available.
14-16: Yapton Beerex, Yapton, England
The Western Sussex Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 21st annual Yapton Beerex, which will take place in Yapton Village Hall. Organizers expect to have more than 65 beers from small, independent breweries, along with British and imported bottled beers, ciders, and perries.
15: Benz Beer Fest, Cedar Rapids, IA
Benz Beverage Depot will host the sixth annual Benz Beer Fest, which will take place at the Beverage Depot. This afternoon outdoor event will feature more than 75 beers from all over the world; special guests, including brewmasters pouring their beers; and live music. Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.
15: Bock and Rock, Minster, OH
The Minster Civic Association presents Bock and Rock 2010, which will take place at Four Seasons Park in Minster. This evening event will feature more than 75 imported and craft-brewed beers selected by festival organizers. The Wooden Shoe will provide food, and Karma's Pawn will perform. VIP tickets, with early admission, and a food pairing and class led by two brewmasters, are available. The festival is a charitable event.
15: Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers' Festival, Media, PA
The 2010 edition of the Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers' Festival will be held at the Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media. This is a rain-or-shine afternoon event, featuring beer from 25 or more breweries along with live music. Proceeds will benefit the Media Youth Center. This event is expected to sell out.
15: Brewers Bazaar, Stillwater, MN
The Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club presents the Brewers Bazaar, which will take place on the deck of the Water Street Inn overlooking the St. Croix River. In addition to beer from the area's microbreweries, there will be a homebrewing demonstration, live music, and cheese tasting. The Brewers Bazaar will be held in conjunction with Stillwater's Rivertown Art Festival.
15: BrewFest at Mount Hope, Manheim, PA
The second annual BrewFest at Mount Hope will be held on the grounds of historic Mount Hope Estate in Manheim. The festival will consist of two sessions, each with 30 to 40 microbreweries from up and down the East Coast and beyond. There will also a complimentary food buffet, non-stop music on two stages, keynote speakers, and merchandise for sale.
15: Canon City Brew-Ha-Ha, Canon City, CO
The sixth annual Canon City Brew Ha-Ha will be held at Veterans Park in Canon City. In addition to beer tasting, this afternoon event will feature stand-up comedians on stage. Live bands will perform after the festival. Proceeds will go to the Fremont Center for the Arts.
15: Florida International Beer Festival, Orlando, FL
Appliance Direct presents the Florida International Beer Festival, which will take place at Heritage Square in Orlando. The festival features unlimited sampling of craft and international beers, free food samples from area restaurants, and live entertainment.
15: Hop-A-Tui, Racine, WI
Hop-A-Tui, "The Ultimate Beer Social," will be held at DeKoven Great Hall in Racine. This evening event, sponsored by the Great Lakes Brew Fest and Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps, will feature a sampling of rare and interesting beers from Wisconsin breweries. In addition, each participant is asked to bring two bottles of craft- or homebrewed beer to share with other festival-goers. Food will be available, and there will be live music by the Squeezettes.
15: Hops for Hope, the Dunwoody Beer Festival, Dunwoody, GA
The ninth annual edition of Hops for Hope, the Dunwoody Beer Festival, will be held at Perimeter Mall. More than 150 beers, malt beverages, and liquors from around the world will be served at this afternoon event. There will also be live entertainment. All proceeds benefit Camp Twin Lakes for children with serious illnesses.
15: Gastonia Grizzlies Beer Festival, Gastonia, NC
The Gastonia Jaycees present the Gastonia Grizzlies Beer Festival, which will take place at the Grizzlies' home, Sims Legion Park. This evening event, which will benefit the Jaycees, will feature more than 100 beers as well as live music. Only 500 tickets will be sold for this event.
15: Maui Brewers Festival, Kahului, HI
Maui Brewing Company and Maui Arts & Cultural Center present the second annual Maui Brewers Festival, which will take place on the Events Lawn at the Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. This afternoon event will feature beer from more than 30 breweries, all-you-can-eat appetizer sampling, live entertainment with island bands, and prize giveaways. "Happy Hour" tickets, with early admission and an opportunity to brewmasters and brewery representatives, are available. Proceeds will support the Arts and Cultural Center's arts and education programs.
15: Orange County Beer Festival, Lake Irvine, CA
DrinkEatPlay.com presents the second annual Orange County Beer Festival, which will take place at Lake Irvine (Silverado). This afternoon tasting will showcase Orange County's top breweries, along with 60 other domestic and international brands. Food, including barbecue and In-n-Out, will be available; and Metal Shop will play 80s glam music. Free parking is available at the festival site.
15: Racks By the Tracks, Kingsport, TN
Racks by the Tracks, a ribs, beer-tasting, and beer festival, will be held on East Main Street in downtown Kingsport. This rain-or-shine afternoon event will feature beer from American microbreweries, a rib cook-off, and three blues bands.
15: Sasquatch Brewfest, Eugene, OR
The Northwest Legends Foundation presents the Sasquatch Brewfest, which will take place in a new venue, the Eugene Hilton Ballroom. There will be beer from Pacific Northwest breweries along with a homebrew contest, food booths, a silent auction, and live music. A beer dinner will be held at the Eugene Hilton the evening before the festival. A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation.
15: Summit Brewfest, Colorado Springs, CO
The Summit Brewfest will be held at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Spring. This all-day indoor event will feature more than 50 beers (TBA on the festival website). All proceeds will benefit local military charities.
15: Virginia Beer Festival, Norfolk, VA
This year's Virginia Beer Festival will take place at a new venue, Town Point Park in Norfolk. This is an afternoon event, which will be held in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival. There will be beer from nearly three dozen domestic and international breweries, along with live music.
15: West Coast Brew Fest, Sacramento, CA
Creative Cats presents will put on the 11th Annual West Coast Brew Fest, which will take place at Miller Park in Sacramento. This afternoon event will feature more than 120 beers from over 60 breweries, along with food and live music by local bands.The winners of a BCJP-sanctioned commercial brewing competition will be announced at the festival. Proceeds will benefit the Make A Difference Project.
15: World Homebrew Festival, Chapel Hill, NC
The second World Homebrew Festival will be held at The Night Lite in Chapel Hill. About 40 homebrewers are expected to take part in this judged competition. There will be two tasting sessions, both in the evening. Admission is free, but organizers are asking for a $10 donation on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
16-22: Atlanta Beer Week, Atlanta, GA
The inaugural Atlanta Beer Week will be celebrated at various locations in and around Atlanta. The festivities, which begin and end with a ceremonial keg-tappingsat the Brick Store Pub, will include tastings, beer dinners, "meet the brewer" events, cooking with beer demonstrations, educational talks, trivia contests, and special releases.
17-23: American Craft Beer Week
The Brewers Association presents American Craft Beer Week, which celebrates the positive impact of the nation's small and independent breweries. Last year, more than 200 breweries hosted more than 500 events; and breweries and beer enthusiasts across the country signed a "Declaration of Beer Independence."
17-23: Chicago Craft Beer Week, Chicago, IL
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild presents the inaugural Chicago Craft Beer Week, which will take place at various locations in and around Chicago. Events will include brewery tours, beer dinners, pub crawls, "Meet the Brewer" events, limited-edition beer releases, tastings and featured specials on craft beer, and book signings and talks by beer authors and industry experts.
20-22: Beer & Brewer Expo, Melbourne, Australia
Beer and Brewer magazine presents the Beer & Brewer Expo, which will take place in Melbourne. Some Expo events are industry-only, but The Expo will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday at the Atrium and along the River Terrace in Fed Square. There will be more than 100 local and imported beers, along with live demonstrations and beer tasting classes. The Expo coincides with the Australian International Beer Awards.
20-22: Dewsbury & Heavy Woollen Real Ale, Food & Music Festival, Dewsbery, England
The Heavy Woollen District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the Dewsbury & Heavy Woollen Real Ale, Food & Music Festival, which will take place at Dewsbury Town Hall. This year's event commemorate the first CAMRA beer exhibition at Town Hall in 1975, with a reunion of those who attended that event. Seventy Real Ales from the Yorkshire region will be available, along with ten Real Ciders, Belgian beers, and a Woman Brewsters Bar. There will also be hot and cold food and live music. The festival is a fund-raiser for charity.
20-21: Helensburgh & Lomond Real Ale Festival, Helensburgh, Scotland
The Helensburgh and District Round Table presents the Helensburgh & Lomond Real Ale Festival, which will take place at Victoria Halls in Helensburgh. Organizers expect to increase capacity with the addition of a marquee, and to expand the beer selection and add wines. There will also be food, including barbecue, as well as live music. The festival is a benefit for local charities.
21-22: Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival, Barrow Hill, England
Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Britain's only surviving operation of its kind, will host its annual Rail Ale Festival. More than 150 ales, bottled beers, ciders, and fruit wines will be available at this two-day event. Festival-goers will have an opportunity to ride on steam trains, and there will be food and live entertainment. Free parking is available onsite.
21-23: Brewers Memorial Ale Fest, Newport, OR
The fourth annual Brewers Memorial Ale Fest will be held inside the Rogue Ales brewery in Newport. This dog-friendly festival, which will benefit Oregon Humane Societies and other dog charities, will feature beer from more than 30 microbreweries, live music, doggy musical chairs, dog wash, dog dancing, and celebrity dog look-alikes.
21: Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival, Jacksonville, FL
The second annual Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival will be held at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This evening event will feature an expanded selection of more than 200 beers from over 35 breweries. Local restaurants will serve food, and several live music acts will perform. There will also a silent auction and other prize giveaways with proceeds going to the Southside Businessmen’s Club Charities. VIP tickets, with early admission and access to a special selection of beers, are available.
21-22: Sale Beer Festival, Sale, England
Fancy a Beer Mate will host the inaugural Sale Beer Festival, which will take place at Sale Masonic Hall. Thirty Real Ales from around the North-West will be on tap, and there will also be beers, ciders, wines, and free soft drinks. Children supervised by their parents will be admitted until 7 pm on Saturday.
21: Springfest at the Beach, New London, CT
The New London Rotary Foundation presents the 29th annual Springfest & Chili Cook-Off, which will take place in The Pavilion at Ocean Beach Park in New London. This evening event will feature more than 100 imported and microbrewed beers from over 30 breweries; a chili competition, with prizes to the winners; and music by The Rhythm Method.
21-23: Tappit Hen Real Ale Festival, Dunblane, Scotland
The Tappit Hen, a public house located next to Dunblaine's cathedral, will host a Real Ale Festival. Nearly 20 Real Ales from more than dozen other breweries will be available over the three days of this event. For more information, telephone the Tappit Hen at 08721 077 077.
21-22: Telford Community Beer Festival, Telford, England
The Telford United Supporters Trust and the Telford Lions present the third annual Telford Community Beer Festival, which will take at the AFC Telford United Learning Centre, New Bucks Head Stadium. This charity event will have an expanded selection of beer, cider, and wine (last year's festival featured 16 Real Ales, including two special festival beers). There will also be a hog roast.
21-22: World Expo of Beer, Frankenmuth, MI
The Frankenmuth Jaycees present the World Expo of Beer, which will take place at Heritage Park. This community fund-raiser, billed as "Michigan's largest beer sampling event," will feature more than 250 different beers, along with local food. Sullivan’s Black Forest Brew Haus & Grill will host an official "After Hours Party" both evenings.
22-23: Ale and Steam Weekend, Winchcombe, England
The North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, in conjunction with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, present the second annual Ale and Steam Weekend, which will take place at Winchcombe Station. Twenty-four beers will be available, along with hot and cold food and soft drinks. Parking is limited, and organizers recommend taking the train to the festival.
22: America's Favorite Crafttime, Charleston, SC
Henry J. Lee Distributors presents America's Favorite Crafttime, which will take place at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Park in Charleston. This intimate event, which will mark the end of American Craft Beer Week, will feature a variety of craft-brewed beers, along with plenty of food. Admission to the festival includes a ticket to the Charleston River Dogs baseball game.
22: Brattleboro Brewers Festival, Brattleboro, VT
The inaugural Brattleboro Brewers Festival will be held in the large field on Chickering Drive in Brattleboro. This afternoon event will feature craft-brewed beer, including first-time releases and special festival beers, with brewers and brewery owners in attendance. There will also be food and live music. Festival tickets are good for admission to the Friday and Saturday night Brattleboro Pub Crawl, with free transportation between participating bars, each of which will be featuring a special beer.
22: East Atlanta Beer Festival, Atlanta, GA
EABF presents the East Atlanta Beer Festival, which will take place at Brownwood Park in East Atlanta Village. This afternoon event will feature more than 130 craft-brewed beers. Festival-goers will also be able to visit the village's shops and restaurants. Proceeds from the festival will benefit community projects.
22: Illiana Mayfest, Crown Point, IN
The inaugural Illiana Mayfest, described as "a local craft beer festival," will be held at the Lake County Fairgrounds Industrial Building in Crown Point. Organizers expect 13 breweries, the local homebrew club, and several distributors to be represented at this late afternoon event.
22: Pints for Pets Brewfest, Altoona, PA
The 2010 Pints for Pets Brewfest will be held on the mezzanine level at the Blair County Ballpark. This rain-or-shine event will consist of two tasting sessions, each with beer from more than 60 breweries. Several local bands will perform, and the ballpark's concession stands will be open. The festival is a benefit for the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
23: Festival of the Brewpubs and Memorial Weekend Beach Party, Keystone, CO
The Festival of the Brewpubs and Memorial Weekend Beach Party returns to Arapahoe Basin in Keystone. Beer from a number of Summit County brewpubs–including Pug Ryan’s, Breckenridge, Dillon Dam, Backcountry and Wolf Rock–will be available and there will be live music and springtime skiing.
23: Wisconsin Micro-Brewers Beer Fest, Chilton, WI
Rowland's Calumet Brewing Company presents the 19th annual Wisconsin Micro-Brewers Beer Fest, which will take place at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton. This afternoon event will feature beer from 25 Wisconsin breweries, food, and music by Jerry Schneider Band and Copper Box. This festival is expected to sell out quickly.
24-29: Cambridge Beer Festival, Cambridge, England
The Cambridge & District Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 37th annual Cambridge Beer Festival, which will take place at Jesus Green. About 200 beers will be available, along with foreign beers, ciders, perries, mead, and wine. There will be a CAMRA Cheese Counter and several outside caterers on hand. Card-carrying CAMRA members will be admitted free.
25-27: Northamptonshire Beer Festival, Northampton, England
The Northants Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and the Friends of Delapre Abbey present the Northamptonshire Beer Festival, which will take place at the abbey. Recent festivals have featured more than 200 beers, ciders, and perries, along with food, live music and other entertainment. More details about the 2010 festival will be posted on the branch's website.
27-28: Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival, Dover, England
The Crabble Corn Mill, located in Dover, will host its sixth annual beer festival. This year's edition will feature more than 40 Real Ales and Real Ciders. Food will be available. Cultured Pearl will perform on Friday evening, The Ramblin Boys on Saturday afternoon, and Roger Betts on Saturday evening. A shuttle bus will run between the Dover Priory railway station and the festival site.
27-30: Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival, Greenwich, England
PWR, in association with the Greenwich Foundation, present the Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival, will take place on King Charles Lawn at The Old Royal Naval College. This outdoor event will feature more than 200 Real Ales plus ciders, bottled beers, and summer cocktails; continuous performances by jazz artists, headlined by the James Taylor Quartet; and a soul food area.
27-29: Lincoln Beer Festival, Lincoln, England
The Lincoln Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 2010 Lincoln Beer Festival. This year's festival, which takes place 1,600 years after the Romans left Britain, will feature an expanded selection of more than 80 Real Ales from all over the UK, along with international beers and farmhouse cider and perry. There will also be live entertainment. CAMRA members will be admitted free to all sessions.
28-29: Calgary Beerfest 2010, Calgary, AB, Canada
Get-a-Life Events presents Calgary Beerfest 2010, which will take place at the Big 4 Building at Stampede Park. Hundreds of beers "from down the block to around the world" will be available, along with coolers and ciders. Beer experts will be on hand for presentations, and festival-goers will be able to vote for the "People's Choice" award. There will also be food from the city's eateries, live music and other entertainment, prizes, and the Stanley Cup playoffs and Wii games on Calgary's largest indoor screen.
28-29: Columbus Beerfest, Columbus, OH
The inaugural Columbus Beerfest will be held at the Batelle Grand Ballroom in the Columbus Convention Center. This two-day event will feature more than 150 craft-brewed beers, along with live music. Saturday VIP tickets, with early admission and connoisseur beer seminars, are available. Proceeds will go to the Big Joe Duskin Music Education Foundation.
28-29: Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival, Dover, England
The Crabble Corn Mill, a working water mill, will host its sixth annual Beer Festival. This year's festival will feature more than 40 Real Ales and Real Ciders (TBA on the festival website), along with food and live entertainment Friday evening and Saturday.
28-29: Four Marys Cask Ale Festival, Linlithgow, Scotland
The Four Marys, a 500-year-old pub located on High Street in Linlithgow, will host the Four Marys Cask Ale Festival. Twenty cask-conditioned ales--eight at the front bar and 12 at the back bar–will be available. Food will be served from noon to 3 pm on Saturday, and there will be live entertainment both evenings.
28-29: Great Alaskan Craft Beer and Homebrew Festival, Haines, AK
The Great Alaskan Craft Beer and Home Brew Festival will be held at Dalton City on the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds in Haines. This two-day event kicks off Friday evening with homebrew competition judging and a five-course beer dinner. The festival itself will take place on Saturday afternoon with beer to sample, live music, food, and vendors. There will be free shuttle service between downtown Haines and the fairgrounds.
28-30: Hallertauer Bierfestival, Attenkirchen, Germany
The inaugural Hallertauer Bierfestival will take place in Attenkirchen, a town located in Bavaria's hop-growing region. The festival, which is organized by the town of Attenkirchen, will feature 54 beers from 26 local breweries, including specially-brewed festival beers. The festival website is entirely in German.
28-30: Kohler Festival of Beer, Kohler, WI
Destination Kohler presents the second annual Kohler Festival of Beer. This three-day event includes the Cheers to Beers Grand Tasting, a homebrew competition, the "Eggs & Kegs" breakfast buffet, a golf tournament, a "Shorts and Chefs" food and beer pairing (new this year), and a Sunday evening "Blues, Brews & BBQ" party.
28-31: Lower Red Lion Beer Festival, St Albans, England
The Lower Red Lion, a pub located in St Albans, will host a beer festival over the second May bank holiday. Twenty-three to 30 new and different microbrewed beers will be available, along with a selection of cider and perry. Barbecue will be available all weekend, and there will be jazz on Sunday afternoon.
28-30: Newark Beer Festival, Newark, England
The Newark Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 15th annual Newark Beer Festival, which will take place at Riverside Park on the banks of the River Trent. Around 150 traditionally-crafted beers will be available, along with a selection of Real Ciders, Real Perries, and locally-made country wines. There will also be food and live local entertainment.
28-29: One Eyed Rat Beer Festival, Ripon, England
The One Eyed Rat, a public house located in Ripon, will again host a its annual May Bank Holiday Beer Festival. This two-day evening will feature more than 30 cask-conditioned ales along with a selection of draft beers. There will also be a hog roast, BBQ, a brass band, and DJ's. Admission is free.This year's festival charity is The Jenny Ruth Workshop.
28-30: Southwick Beer Festival, Southwick, England
The Southwick Community Centre will host the seventh annual Southwick Beer Festival. More than 60 ales and ciders, plus with alternative refreshments, will be available. Two food options will be offered, and there will be a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend. The festival is a fund-raiser for the Southwick Community Centre.
28: Zoo Brew, Memphis, TN
The Memphis Zoo's third annual Zoo Brew will take place at the zoo's new Teton Trek . The festival, billed as "the prime beer tasting event in the Mid-South," will feature more than 120 beers from around the world. There will also be great live music, and delicious food for sale, along with soft drinks and wine. This event is expected to sell out.
29: Atlantic Beer Festival, Moncton, NB, Canada
The Atlantic Beer Festival will be held at the Moncton Coliseum. This year's event will consist of an afternoon and an evening session. Recent festivals have featured about 100 beers from 50 breweries (this year's list TBA on the festival website), along with food and live music. Free bus service will be available after each session.
29-30: Blues, Brews, and BBQ, Beaver Creek, CO
Park Hyatt Resort & Spa in Beaver Creek will host Blues, Brews, and BBQ. This two-day early-summer festival features microbrewed beer from across the country, barbecue prepared by visiting chefs, and three live bands each day.
29-30: Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too! Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Zoo, located in Baltimore, will host Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too! The festival, which is a benefit for the zoo, will feature craft-brewed beer, locally-made wines, live music, and merchandise from a variety of vendors.
29: Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too!, Atlanta, GA
Comcast presents the third annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too!, which will take place at Zoo Atlanta. More than 30 beers, along with a selection of wines and champagnes, will be available. Four live bands will perform, and festival-goers will be able to see the zoo's more than 1,000 animals. Part of the proceeds will go toward the care of Zoo Atlanta's Sumatran tigers. The zoo is also hosting a "How Do YOU Brew?" video contest, with a $1,000 prize package going to the winner.
29: California Festival of Beers and Golf Tournament, Avila Beach, CA
The California Festival of Beers and Golf Tournament will be held at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. This year's tasting is an afternoon session with a larger of selection of beers (organizers expect to have more than 100), a live concert, and a wide array of food vendors. The festival is a benefit for the Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of February.
29: Maryland Brewers Springfest, Frederick, MD
The 2010 edition of the Maryland Brewers Springfest will be held at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick. This afternoon event will feature more than 80 Maryland-brewed beers, music by three bands, food, and shopping. VIP tickets, with early admission and access to cask-conditioned beers, are available.
29: Michigan Beer & Brat Festival, Thompsonville, MI
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, located in Thompsonville, will host the fifth annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival. This late-afternoon event will be held slopeside on Crystal Mountain. More than 50 Michigan microbrews and ciders will be available, along with specialty bratwurst flavors ranging from jalapeno to tart cherry. There will be live music, and lodging packages are available.
29: Sudz in the City, Fresno, CA
The 16th annual edition of Sudz in the City will take place in Chukchansi Park in Fresno. This event, described as "the Valley's premier microbrew and music festival," will feature beer from more than 30 breweries. Food vendors will be on hand, and there will be live music as well as a fireworks display to close the festival.
29: ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival, Harrisonburg, VA
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce presents the tenth annual ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival, which will take place at Massanutten Resort in Harrisonburg. This afternoon event will feature a variety of craft-brewed, domestic and imported beers (TBA on the resort website), along with Virginia wine. Two live bands are scheduled to perform, food will be available, and craft and specialty items will be on sale.
29-30: Weekend of Spontaneous Fermentation, Buggenhout, Belgium
The Opstalse Bierpallieters, a branch of Zythos, the Belgian beer consumers' organization, presents the Weekend of Spontaneous Fermentation, which will take place at Tapperij Beukenhof in Buggenhout. This is a unique event, with a lineup of 70 beers dominated by lambic-based beers, all of them made by independent lambic brewers and blenders. Transportation is available between the festival venue and nearby railway stations, and admission to the event is free.
30-June 3: Blandford Beer Festival, Blandford Forum, England
The East Dorset Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the sixth annual Blandford Beer Festival. It will be held at the Railway Hotel, an independent free house located in Blandford Forum. Fifty-five locally-brewed beers will be available, plus Real Cider and wine. Twelve musicians and bands will entertain, along with a magician, a fac e-painter, and dance troupes.
30: Festival of the Brewpubs and Memorial Weekend Beach Party, Keystone, CO
The Festival of the Brewpubs and Memorial Weekend Beach Party returns to Arapahoe Basin in Keystone. This is an afternoon event, with beer from local breweries including Pug Ryan’s, Breckenridge, Dillon Dam, Backcountry and Wolf Rock, along with live music and springtime skiing.
31: Red House Real Ale Festival, Longstowe, England
The Red House, a 250-plus-year old public house located in Longstowe, will hold a Real Ale Festival on Bank Holiday Monday. Twelve Real Ales will be available.
17-23: Minnesota Craft Beer Week, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
The inaugural Minnesota Craft Beer Week took place at various locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Events included beer releases, tastings, meet-the-brewer sessions, a pub trivia game, brewery tours, and food and beer pairings.