Looking for something beer-y to do this weekend? Here are five choice beer happenings going on around the Twin Cities:
1) Rails and Ales, A Celebration of Music, Art, and Beer
When: Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.
Where: Indeed Brewing Company
What: In honor of Art-a-Whirl, Indeed is expanding their taproom outdoors with a tent, additional seating, and taps. This day-long celebration will feature musical acts like Pennyroyal and the Como Avenue Jug Band, art, and food truck, as well as the release of the brewery's latest beer, the L.S.D. Honey Ale. Take a look at the full musical line-up here.
2) First Annual Stanley's Craft Beer Festival and Block Party
When: Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Stanley's Northeast Bar Room
What: The First Annual Stanley's Craft Beer Festival and Block Party is taking place during the 18th Annual Art-a-Whirl, closing down almost two blocks of Lowry Ave. in Northeast. Sample 100+ craft beers and firkins from over 35 breweries and enjoy a photo booth and live music. Tickets: $59
3) 612 Brew Fest
When: Friday, 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: 612 Brew Taproom
What: 612 Brew is hosting a brew fest in honor of Art-a-Whirl. Expect signings by two of the region's most popular beer artists, limited release t-shirts and posters, food trucks, and live music at 612's taproom. See the full line-up here.
4) Fulton Beer and Food Truck Fest
When: Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Fulton Brewery
What: AZ Canteen, MidNord Empanada, and Café Racer will be at the taproom for this month's Food Truck Fest.
5) Badger Hill Brewing Night at the St. Paul Saints Beer Dabbler Bullpen
When: Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Midway Stadium
What: Join featured brewery Badger Hill Brewing as they officially launch Wanderlust White IPA at the St. Paul Saints game.
Also of Note: Boom Island Brewing Co. invades Sen Yai Sen Lek on Saturday (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) to tap a special firkin of Brimstone, made with young ginger. Flat Earth's Food Truck Saturday (4 to 6:30 p.m.) will feature Tot Boss and the recently released Ovni Ale, a French style bier de garde made with imported malt and hops, available in growlers. Lift Bridge Brewery will celebrate their annual release of their Minnesota Tan, a Belgian style tripel fermented with raspberries, on Friday (6 to 10 p.m.). Lucid Brewing is tapping Duo, their new Double IPA, along with Air (American Blonde), Dyno (American Pale Ale), and Foto (IPA) at the 508 Bar on Saturday (4 to 5 p.m.). The Happy Gnome is offering discounted pints of all Minnesota beer to celebrate the last day of Craft Beer Week on Sunday with live local music in the evening and $4 pours all day of brews from Bad Weather, Badger Hill, Big Wood, Fulton, Harriet, Indeed, Lift Bridge, Lake Superior, Surly, Third Street, Lucid, and Summit.
—Lindsay Abraham
· The Essential Guide to Twin Cities Taprooms, May '13 [Eater MPLS]
