November 2008

October 27-November 1: Norwich Beer Festival

Location: St. Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls, Norwich England
Organized By: Norwich & Norfolk Branch, Campaign for Real Ale
Highlights: More than 200 cask-conditioned Real Ales from Britain's independent brewers, along with draft and bottled beers from Continental Europe; festival will also incorporate the 10th Cider & Perry Exhibition, with over 25 varieties from East Anglia and the West Country; live entertainment and "Beer of the Festival" voting.

October 30-November 1 (provisional dates): Redhill Beer Festival

Location: Merstham Village Hall, Merstham, England
Organized By: East and Mid-Surrey Branch, Campaign for Real Ale
Highlights: More than 50 beers of varied styles and strengths, with a good representation from local microbreweries; half a dozen ciders and perries; cold food at all sessions; this year's theme TBA on festival website.

October 31-November 1: Poole Beer Festival

Location: St Aldhelms Centre, Branksome, England
Organized By: East Dorset Branch, Campaign for Real Ale
Highlights: Last year's festival featured more than 85 Real Ales, plus ciders, perries, and foreign beers; snacks; and live entertainment Friday evening and at both Saturday sessions. More details of this year's festival will be posted on the branch's website.

November (first weekend): Bitter & Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival

Location: Downtown Morpeth (Hunter Valley), New South Wales, Australia
Supported By: Maitland City Council
Highlights: Two daytime sessions, held in a picturesque riverside village; beer from more than 50 breweries (list TBA on festival website), plus wines from the region; a range of international food; live entertainment, with after-hours performances at several locations near the festival site; stalls selling arts and crafts and local produce.

November 1: Maine Brewers’ Festival

Location: Portland Expo, Portland, ME
Highlights: Last year's festival featured two tasting sessions, beer from 20 Maine craft breweries, live music, door prizes, food, and merchandise vendors. More details about this event will be posted on the festival website in June.

November 6-8: York Beer Festival

Location: Priory Street Centre, York, England
Organized By: York Branch, Campaign for Real Ale
Highlights: Last year's festival featured 100 beers from around the country, including a specially-brewed festival beer; Real Ciders, Real Perries, and fruit wines; a tombola with breweriana and other prizes; and food at all sessions. More details of this year's festival will be posted on the branch's website.

November 10-15: Vancouver's Hopscotch

Location: Rocky Mountaineer Station, and other venues in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Highlights: Beverage tasting at the Grand Tasting Hall; brewmaster dinners, brewery tours, and barbecues at other event venues.

November 15-16: Bruges Beer Festival

Location: Historic Rooms of the Belfry Complex, The Market, Bruges, Belgium
Organized By: The Bruges Autonomous Beertasters and the City of Bruges
Highlights: Over 100 beers from more than 40 breweries and vendors, including five Trappist breweries and several artisanal Gueuze blenders and breweries; brewers will be in attendance; food and beer pairing, with eight top chefs; presentations by beer experts; carillon concerts; children's activities.

November TBA: Great International Beer Festival

Location: Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Highlights: Last year's event featured two tasting sessions, with more than 200 beers available; live music; and a Friday evening beer competition sponsored by Yankee Brew News. Details about this year's event will be posted on the festival website.