Now I’m not a raging alcoholic and I don’t need 12 steps (at least I don’t think I do) – I just deeply appreciate an icy cold adult beverage, whether it be an exotic lager from a far away land or a strikingly good stout made in a local brewery. One of the best ways to sample (or chug) some suds is by checking out a beer festival. Read on to discover six noteworthy brew cities and their big booze events. Cheers – and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
New York, New York: Nicknamed the “United Nations of Beers,” The Great World Beer Fest is a tour de force drinking event that usually takes place every year in late October/early November, but has been moved up this weekend September 4-6 (Labor Day weekend) for the 2009 festivities. The 7th Annual GWBF will welcome an average of 15,000 beer enthusiasts over a 3-day suds-filled celebration. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Munich, Germany: Host to the world’s biggest and most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest (which, surprisingly is held every September, due to October’s traditionally inclement weather) is a beer lover’s nirvana. What else can I say about this 2-week event that hasn’t already been written or well documented? Show up, snack on an over-sized pretzel, grab a giant stein of icy cold lager, and be prepared to do some serious Deutschland drinking. This Superbowl of suds will be held September 19–October 4. For more information check out their official website.
Pilsen, Czech Republic: This small city in the Czech Republic has been brewing beer, most notably pilsner, since way back in 1295. It is quite possibly the most beloved beer town in the world. So it would only make sense that they would also throw one of the best annual beer-centric events – Pilsner Fest started 167 years ago as a way to celebrate the creation of the first beer in the world. The 2-day event will take place this year September 4–5. For more information check out their official website.
Tasmania, Australia: Go down under and take part in what has been called the “premiere Australian beer festival.” This November 13-14, along the Hobart Waterfront on the lovely island of Tasmania, dozens of boutique beer makers from across the globe will gather for this special event. In addition to consuming lots and lots of booze, guests will enjoy live music, great food, guest speakers, and be able to vote for the “Best Tasmania Beer” and “Best Tasmanian Bar.” Admission is free, but to get a full schedule of events and further information, click here.
Bruges, Belgium: For the second year in a row Belgium beer lovers will be able to attend the Bruges Beer Festival. Taking place this November 14-15, the event will feature 50 breweries with well over 100 beers to taste, “Top Chefs” preparing Belgium beer infused meals, live music, and even a “child fun corner” if you can not find a babysitter. You can purchase a tasting mug upon entry and all sampling will take place at the historic Belfry Complex. For more information click here.
Portland, Oregon: Did you know that little ole’ Portland boasts some 30 microbreweries in all? What’s more, with a total of 46 breweries and brewpubs at which to sample this bounty on tap, Portland can claim more such establishments per capita than any other locale in the U.S.. Many of the city’s breweries have won both nationwide and international acclaim. Now that’s definitely something to celebrate . . .with a beer, of course! Tis the season to drink up as Portland will hold it’s annual Holiday Ale Festival this December 2-6 at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Do not worry about freezing your intoxicate tail off as the event is held inside a heated tent. What better way to enjoy some Christmas cheer than with a mug of ice cold beer. For more information on this merry event, click here.
