The fifth annual Beer Week officially kicks off today with a parade through the Oregon District at 4:30pm. I remember viewing the inaugural parade in 2010, standing in front of Blind Bob’s. I think it lasted about 3 minutes and featured Thai 9’s Sweaty Betty, a flatbead truck and about 60 people. Today’s parade, which starts at The Dublin Pub, promises a kazoo ban from Blind Bob’s, Dayton Brew Tour’s Groove Machine handing out samples of MikeSells new Beer Can Chicken Potato Chips, a large contingent of owners from Fifth Street BrewPub and much more. The parade will end at Thai 9 where the ceremonial opening of Beer Week begins with special cask tappings from Warped Wing Brewing Co. and Toxic Brew Co., plus numerous craft draught beers will be tapped beginning at 5 pm. Mayor Nan Whaley will be tapping the first cask.
The popularity of Beer Week continues to grow and there are over 80 events on our calendar from tap takeovers, tasting and beer dinners. Due to the ever changing nature of these events, please check with your favorite beer bar for late additions or changes. Also many bars will be featuring special pricing and glass giveaways all week long. Check out the beer dinners that are scheduled, and please check with each business about availability and the need for reservations.
Beer Dinners:
8/17 -23
The Melting Pot– four courses perfectly paired with four craft beers
Monday, 8/18 –
Rue Dumaine – Mad Tree Brewing Tasting Dinner
Tuesday, 8/19
Archer’s Tavern – New Holland Beer Dinner
Spinoza’s Summer Beer Dinner featuring Rhinegeist Brewing Co.
Meadowlark Beer Dinner
Wed, 8/20
Jay’s Seafood Toxic Brew Dinner
McCormick & Schmick’s Samuel Adams & Great Lakes Throw Down Dinner
Thurs, 8/21
Jay’s Seafood Toxic Brew Dinner
The Grand Finale of Beer Week is the ultimate area beer tasting – AleFest, which takes place on Sat, Aug 23rd. As we hope you’ve heard by now, there are a few changes this year. First the location- moving north to Wegerzyn Gardens gives the event room to spread out and plenty of free parking. Also they have added a VIP tasting with 500 tickets available offering beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enter at 1PM to mingle in a relaxed environment with brewery representatives and industry experts. VIP tickets are $50 and only available for purchase online here! General admission tickets, $40 at the door or $35 in advance, include 20 tasting tickets, a commemorative glass, and program guide. Designated drivers will be admitted for $15 and will receive a commemorative tasting glass as well as complimentary soda and water. No one under 21 will be admitted.
We just heard from the folks at AleFest that they could still use a few more volunteers to pour beer. The shift is from noon – 5:30pm and you’ll get your very own AleFest T-shirt in exchange for your time. Sign up here to get one of these coveted spots.
Cheers to Beer Week! Feel free to add a comment below about where we’ll find you sipping a tall cold one!
