Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five choice dining and drinking events going on around the Twin Cities:
1) Minnesota Beer Activists Fundraiser
When: Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Dangerous Man Brewing Company
What: On Saturday, DMBC will host a fundraiser bash to raise money for the Minnesota Beer Activists, a non-profit consumer organization that advocates for consumer, producer, and retailer rights on beer and alcohol-related issues. There will be a silent auction with all sorts of items including craft beer, craft beer merchandise, local business gift cards, event tickets, art, and more. There will also be food, special beer, and music. Find more information about the event here.
2) Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery Festivus
When: Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Brewery
What:Celebrate Festivus with the rest of us! Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery is hosting an outdoor Festivus party on their patio, complete with a Festivus Pole and a bonfire. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in the traditional airing of grievances and feats of strength while sipping on the brewery's Festivus beer, an Imperial Belgian Wit. There will also be complimentary Glögg (mulled ale and wine) and snacks. For more information, check out Town Hall's website here.
3) Sweet Science Ice Cream Sampling
When: Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Sweet Science at Verdant Tea
What: Sweet Science Ice Cream is having a free ice cream sampling at the Verdant Tea tasting room. There will be 15+ flavors on hand to try, including their December flavor, eggnog. Sweet Science is also collaborating with Easy & Oskey cherry vanilla bitters and 45th Parallel Distillery's Richmond Rye to make Old Fashioned flavored pints. Find more information here.
4) Herkimer Anniversary Party
When: Saturday
Where: Herkimer Pub and Brewery
What: The Herkimer is celebrating their 14th birthday. In honor of the celebration The Herkimer Pub will be serving $2 tap beers all day (including a cranberry infused holiday saison) and their famous Puerco Sandwiches at the original price of $5.95. There will be live music, raffle tickets, and more. Proceeds from sale on Herkimer merchandise Joyce's Uptown Food Shelf. Find more information about the event here.
5) I AM MPLS
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Aria
What: The acclaimed fashion/variety show celebrating the talented and creative people of the city, returns on to downtown Minneapolis this weekend. The multifaceted event integrates comedy, music, fashion, and art to form an entertaining evening based on locally grown creative pride. Food and beverage from sponsors including Barbette and Bryant Lake Bowl will also be provided. For tickets and more information about the event, click here.
Also of Note: Lift Bridge Brewing is releasing their Biscotti beer and having a bake-off (Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.). Surly is taking over the taps at Uptown Tavern with a bunch of their beers (including the 2013 Darkness) and bringing in all seven previous Darkness artists for a meet and greet and more (Sunday, 6 p.m.). The Taproom Friday over at Summit Brewing will have a very limited keg of Rebellion Stout on tap and Motley Crews food truck (Friday, 3 p.m.). There are two Santa Clause-y pub crawls going on this Saturday. The 6th annual Lowertown SantaCon leads you from pub to pub by a brass band. Or maybe you want to get in on the St. Paul Santa Crawl which will have just as much pub crawl goodness but with even more activities. In case you need a little more brunch in your life, Seventh Street Social kicks off weekend brunch service beginning this weekend (Saturday, 10 a.m.). There's a "Feast of Seven Fishes" wine dinner at Terzo (Sunday, 6 p.m.). Call for reservations. Speaking of reservations, just a friendly reminder to start making your New Year's Eve dinner reservations, folks!