First Ever Austin Beer Week Takes Place October 24-30
Inspired by similar Beer Weeks in cities like Philadelphia and San Francisco, Austin Beer Week is presented by the newly formed nonprofit Texas Craft Brewers Guild in collaboration with local breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, bars, retailers, and artisans. And boy do these people know how to throw a party. There are more than 75 events on tap during Austin Beer Week, and every single one sounds too good to miss.
You can view the entire week's schedule on the Austin Beer Week website, but here are some highlights:
Independence Brewing's 6th Anniversary Party: Before every great party, there's a pre-party. Austin Beer Week officially kicks off on Sunday, October 24, but Independence Brewery is whetting your appetite with its 6th anniversary party on Saturday, October 23 from 4pm to 8pm. Join them at the brewery for food, music, games, and beer -- including the 6th Anniversary Orange Braggot, brewed with local Good Flow Wildflower Honey and Texas clementine orange zest. Bring cash.
First Annual Beer Olympics & Austin Beer Week Kick-Off Party: The Draught House will host the official opening ceremonies for Austin Beer Week, including the Beer Olympics, featuring a grain toss, keg rolling, and more. Sunday, October 24 from 2pm to 8pm.
BeerTownAustin vs. Craft Austin Ultimate Fanboy Bike Pub Crawl Throwdown 2010: These guys may not be into the whole brevity thing, but they are into beer and bicycling. The founts of local beer knowledge behind these two blogs will lead a two-wheeled tour from Flying Saucer to The Draught House, Billy's on Burnet, Thunderbird, and the new Black Star Co-op, with local beer specials at each stop. Ride begins at 2pm on Sunday, October 24, and you can RSVP here.
Inglourious Basterds German Feast featuring Live Oak Brewing at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar: A multi-course German feast prepared by Chief Executive Chef John Bullington will be paired with German-style beers from Live Oak Brewing Co. The screening will include a guided tasting with descriptions of the beers as well as a Q&A after the film. Wednesday, October 27 at 7pm. Menu and tickets here.
Real Ale Crew & Brew featuring Rare Barrel-Aged Brews: Meet up with the men and women of Real Ale at The Ginger Man to sample a wide variety of their beers, including The Devil's Share and The Kraken from their special "Mysterium Verum" series of barrel-aged beers. Saturday, October 30 at 5pm.
Closing Ceremonies & Confab at The Highball: The culmination of Austin Beer Week will take place Saturday, October 30 at The Highball, and though specific details seem to be scant at the moment, we've been assured that it will be "something special."
Of course there are dozens more events that we don't have room to mention here, including beereoke, beer pong, cheese and beer pairings, and a stash-o-lantern contest (mustachioed jack-o-lanterns!), plus insane beers from Jester King, (512) Brewing, Lovejoy's Tap Room and Brewery, Uncle Billy's, and lots more.
There are some non-Texas beers making a visit from the likes of New Belgium Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery, but according to Austin Beer Week organizers, "Regional beers have taken center stage. Besides wanting to showcase local treasures, the truth is, Texas has amazing beers only available in this state, and that makes Austin a legitimate foodie destination. We're in the middle of a renaissance -- upwards of 30 new breweries are either being planned or taking flight in Texas right now."
