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Oct. 8-9: Ryleigh’s Oysterfest

Ryleigh’s Oyster Federal Hill, 36 E. Cross St. Sat. 12-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

It’s October and oyster season is officially upon us. Yes, you can now get them all year round, but with the cool winds of winter slowly approaching, those briny bivalves make for the perfect snack. This weekend, enjoy all-oyster-everything at seafood stalwart Ryleigh’s Oyster in Federal Hill. For the tenth year, Cross Street will be filled with raw bars, buck-a-shucks, ice-cold beer, and hundreds of onlookers for Saturday’s oyster shucking competition. For two full days, eat your way through dozens of oyster varieties, from Chesapeake Bay wilds to locally grown farm-raised oysters, including homegrown favorites like Barren Islands, Hollywoods, Sweet Jesus, and newcomer Orchard Points. Whether it’s an excuse for a Saturday day drink or early prep for your Sunday tailgate, feel good knowing that proceeds benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Living Classrooms Foundation, both of which work to make our bay a more healthy, vibrant place.

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Oct. 7-16: Baltimore Beer Week

Locations, times, & prices vary.

Starting this weekend, the streets of Baltimore will start tapping drafts, pouring pints, and kicking kegs in celebration of the city and state’s booming beer scene. Over the last several years, the region’s offerings have expanded from Heavy Seas, Oliver Brewing, and The Brewer’s Art to a new class of suds, including Union Craft, Monument City, Waverly Brewing, and Key Brewing, and for the eighth year, Baltimore Beer Week will help you taste them all. Across 10 days and more than 300 events (which we narrowed down for you), embrace your inner cold-one connoisseur with full days of brewing tours, pairing dinners, late-night happy hours, stein-holding contests, chili and homebrew competitions, and Ellicott City benefits. On Friday, swing by Max’s Taphouse for a full line-up of pumpkin beers, on Saturday, don your lederhosen for Das Best Oktoberfest at M&T, and on Sunday, compete in the Brewer’s Art disc golf open in Druid Hill Park, to name a few.

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Oct. 8-17: Maryland Fleet Week

Locations & times vary. Free.

Between our historic, national-anthem-inspiring fort and a certain highly decorated Olympian, Baltimore is no stranger to patriotism. It’s only fitting, then, that—for the first time in history—Charm City will host the Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show to celebrate the rich naval heritage of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the state’s contribution to the defense of the United States. The seventh of its kind in the country, and a descendant of the 2012 Sailabration and 2014 Star-Spangled Spectacular, the festival will feature a full 10 days of red, white, and blue. Join hundreds of thousands of onlookers as historic ships arrive and thrive in the city’s waters, accompanied by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, plus dozens of maritime-themed events. From the Inner Harbor to Fells and Locust points, board the decks of navy vessels and schooners, catch more than 40 boats competing in the Constellation Cup Regatta, and check out the Fleet Week Fair, with regional food and live music by local and military bands. At Martin State Airport in Middle River, there will be aircrafts on display, both on land and in midair, with flight takeoffs, landings, and pilot autographs. But back where it all began—where a star-shaped fortress protected the city from British attack by the bay—celebrations will abound at Fort McHenry, with ship salutes, sailor meet-and-greets, and living history programs. Just don’t miss the main event, as the legendary Blue Angels fly over the grounds that inspired those iconic lyrics, long ago: “O say can you see . . . ”

HEAR

Oct. 7-8: WOW Women of the World Festival

Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 N. Charles St. Fri.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $20.

Who runs the world? Beyoncé said it best. This weekend, celebrate women as a force to be reckoned with and join in discussions about the remaining barriers to gender equality. After stints in London, Australia, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and the U.K., this traveling festival makes its way to Baltimore to spread the word and highlight local women and initiatives. On Friday, catch conversations on gender discrimination and bias, female leadership and entrepreneurship, and women’s health, education, and faith, including the likes of local college professors, Rebecca Nagle of FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, Deb Tillett of Emerging Technology Centers, Michele Tsucalas of Michele’s Granola, and Charleston’s Cindy Wolf. On Saturday, catch workshops for young girls, meet the leading ladies of Baltimore (including Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Sonja Santelises and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen), and join commentary on women of color, women in the Muslim community, female athletes, and the role of men in female advancement and women’s rights.

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700-900 blocks of Washington Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-908-7038.

Just west of the hustle and bustle of Federal Hill, the quaint neighborhood of Pigtown sits pretty with charming row homes, timeworn warehouses, and a growing brood of businesses. During this 15th annual festival, watch the streets fill with people, the smells of regional food, the sounds of live music by The All Mighty Senators and Kelly Bell Band, and of course the swine of its iconic “Squeakness” pig races. Craft beer will be provided by Oliver Brewing and vendors will be on hand selling locally made goods.

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“Baltimore has such a rich brewing history, dating way further back than these West Coast cities,” Gold said. “We needed an event to call our own.”

Eight years later, BBW has evolved into a 10-day (“we wanted two weekends to drink”), 300-event festival across the entire Baltimore metro region. Gold and Cantalupo’s idea was to get everyone involved in the craft beer scene, whether that’s sculpting beer steins at Baltimore Clayworks or learning the chemistry behind it from the Maryland Science Center.

That same inclusive idea will be apparent during this year’s BBW, which runs from October 7-16 and features tap takeovers, beer dinners, and a host of other brew-related fun. With Gold’s help, we narrowed down the plethora of events to some not-to-miss highlights.

Beer Legends Hall of Fame
When: October 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Pratt Street Alehouse
Cost: $45
What: BBW will kick off with an inaugural event that organizers hope will become tradition as they induct a pioneer into the Beer Legends HOF. This year’s ceremony will honor 2016 inductee Hugh Sisson of Heavy Seas Beer, as well as honor the posthumous inductees from 2015—Thomas “Nelson” Carey III (Grand Cru), Bob Footlick (Bond Distributing), Tim Hillman (Wine Source), and Mick Kipp (Pickle’s Pub).

Brew House No. 16 Tour
When: October 8, 3-4 p.m.
Where: Brew House No. 16
Cost: Free
What: Plenty of breweries around town will be offering tours during beer week, but only one will take place in a converted firehouse. Mt. Vernon’s Brew House No. 16 has kept a lot of its same original elements (sliding polls and all), but brewer Ian Hummel will also show off its brewing system, the space’s history, and offer a free house beer along the way.

Brewer’s Art Disc Golf Open
When: October 9, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Druid Hill Park
Cost: $10-35
What: A single-round 18-hole disc golf tournament will take place in Druid Hill Park. Two pools with play three divisions each, with pool A on the back 18 and pool b on the front 18. Winners will get prizes provided by The Brewer’s Art and the bar will be the hosting the after-party to celebrate. All entry fees will benefit the Druid Hill Disc Golf Course.

Babes in the Woods
When: October 10, 12-2 p.m.
Where: Bertha’s
Cost: $30
What: When most people think of a craft brewer, a stereotypical image of a bearded dude with a flannel shirt comes to mind. And while it’s usually not that far off, there are plenty of women making noise in the craft beer scene these days and this event celebrates it. Guests can hear from local homebrew club Baltimore Beer Babes while enjoying mussels, shrimp, and beer from Union Craft and Heavy Seas.

The Battle of the Doms
When: October 11, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Hudson Street Stackhouse
Cost: Fixed price
What: Eating sandwiches for a good cause? Sign us up. Hudson Street Stackhouse owner Dominic Desantis and BBW co-founder Dominic Cantalupo will go head to head to find out who makes the best Italian sandwich. Each sandwich will be paired with its own select beer and guests can vote for their favorite version. Proceeds from each purchase will be donated to BARCS and matched by BBW. May the best sandwich win!

Hops Tasting Class
When: October 12, 5:30, 7 p.m. (two seatings)
Where: Nepenthe Homebrew
Cost: $10
What: Any beer fan knows the importance of a good hop varietal. These little plants provide robust flavor and also act as a stability agent in the brew process, so get to know them a bit better with classes at homebrew store Nepenthe in Meadow Mill. Guests will taste a variety of hops against a neutral background to learn the differences between noble and classic American hops used in some of the most popular beers on the market.

2 Books – 2 Beers
When: October 13, 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Room
Cost: $50
What: Ever wondered what you can do with all your six-pack boxes taking up space in the recycling bin? Well, Amanda McCormick of Ink Press Productions will show guests how to make them into books with a stab-bound technique. Enjoy an evening of beer and book binding, and you’ll be able to take your product home and document all of your future beer adventures.

The Song Remains the Same
When: October 14, 6-11 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Two local beer powerhouses, Oliver and DuClaw, will co-host this party featuring music from the Led Zeppelin album/film The Song Remains The Same. The two breweries will feature cask ales and draft beers, and costumes are strongly encouraged.

Beers Through the Years
When: October 15, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Venice Tavern
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Guests will meet at the popular basement dive Venice Tavern before going on a tour of Southeast Baltimore and learning about the city’s fascinating brewing history. Noted local beer historian Maureen O’Prey and BBW co-founder Cantalupo will lead a walking tour of Brewer’s Hill to discuss former breweries and make stops at pubs along the way before ending up at Huck’s American Craft.

Pints & Pancakes
When: October 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Mahaffey’s Pub
Cost: Pay as you go
What: After 10 days of partying, what better way to cap it off than a huge breakfast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, and a fixings bar. Flying Dog will provide beer-mosas and beers on tap, and each guest will get a raffle ticket to win prizes. If you’ve still got enough stamina left, stick around for Star Wars trivia that night against owner Wayne Mahaffey.

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EAT

Oct. 10-11: Ryleigh’s Oysterfest 9

Ryleigh’s Oyster, 36 E. Cross St. 12-9 p.m. Free-$99. 410-539-2093. ryleighs.com.

If you were stuck inside last weekend, now it’s time to get out, make the most of this last bit of warm weather, and also get excited for the cold, because with it comes the year’s best oysters. For two full days, celebrate the bay’s bivalves in Federal Hill with 10-plus raw bars, live music, and lots of drinks at Ryleigh’s ninth annual Oysterfest. Hit Cross Street to slurp back shucks, sip some Heavy Seas, and watch the fourth annual shucking competition to benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Living Classrooms, with In A Half Shell’s own celebrity ostreaphile Julie Qui on hand as a judge. It all starts on Thursday with the Moet Oyster Ball cocktail party, a fancy evening full of seafood and champagne.

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Oct. 9-18: Baltimore Beer Week

Locations, times, & prices vary. baltimorebeerweek.com.

Baltimore has been bursting at the seams with homegrown hooch lately, and our stellar local beer scene is really the one to thank for putting the gears in motion. Baltimore Beer Week is a celebration of those brews, with 10 days of beer tastings, drink specials, tap takeovers, beer dinners, and happy hours at some of our favorites like Max’s Taphouse, Cat’s Eye, Mahaffey’s, and Blue Pit BBQ. For starters, on Friday, drink al fresco during Pints in the Park at Center Plaza with Brewer’s Art beer, get your duckpin bowl on with Union Craft Brewery in Baltimore County, and enjoy a late-night beer happy hour at Parts & Labor. Come Saturday, attend the official keg tapping at Das Best Oktoberfest at M&T Bank Stadium, hit up the second annual Rocktober Cup catch-and-release rockfish tournament at Little Havana, and saunter up to Union Craft’s Schmoke Fest, with smoked meats and a new, smoky lager inspired by former Mayor Kurt Schmoke. Finally on Sunday, participate in the Charm City Chug Run with Heavy Seas beer at Birroteca, or better yet, indulge in the Pints & Pancakes boozy brunch with Evolution Craft Brewing at Kooper’s Tavern, and much, much more all week long.

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Oct. 9-11: Open Studio Tour

Locations vary. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-263-4350. school33.org.

Sometimes we might take it for granted, but boy are we lucky to have so much free art at our fingertips here in Baltimore. There’s the BMA. There’s the Walters. There’s a smattering of great local galleries highly worth a peruse. This weekend, dive into that great gratis luxury with the 27th annual Open Studio Tour from School 33 Art Center. On Saturday and Sunday throughout the city, meet more than 100 artists, admire their workspaces, and get the low down on their creative processes. On Friday, start things off with the event’s “community spotlight” neighborhood celebration, with a heap of happenings in various art hubs around the city. Start in Mt. Washington and celebrate 35 years of Baltimore Clayworks, then head south to browse the myriad galleries of the Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District. Make your way over to Highlandtown, too, to hear the energetic Orchester Prazevica brass band perform, and hang out in the city’s art epicenter, with a large-scale Alloverstreet art walk in Station North.

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Oct. 10: Beach House

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $22. 410-662-0069. theottobar.com.

This summer, Baltimore’s indie dream-pop duo Beach House made a big comeback. The band hadn’t necessarily gone anywhere, per se, except for into a bit of a hibernation after 2012’s Bloom, leaving fans in eager anticipation of their next release. Then on August 28, they dropped Depression Cherry with a quiet bang, critical hossanahs, and a sigh of relief from Beach House faithfuls, who warmly embraced the potency of its nine new tracks. The next day, they played an epic set as a headliner at Windjammer at Pier Six, with a twinkling backdrop, mood lighting, Alex Scally’s searing guitar, and Victoria LeGrand’s aching organ (oh, and envy-inducing hair) making for an unforgettable hot summer night. It felt like the band had reached a new pinnacle, all while staying true to not only themselves but also to Baltimore. And now, on the heels of all that, in typical Beach House buck-the-trend fashion, they just announced a second surprise (or “not surprise” album, Thank Your Lucky Stars, full-length and falling next week, as well as a pop-up performance at The Ottobar this Saturday. It’s a rare chance to catch the duo in a small venue, so grab your tickets fast, available Friday online at 10 a.m. or at the door at 6 p.m.

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Oct. 10: Pigtown Festival

700-900 blocks of Washington Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-908-7038. pigtownmainstreet.org.

Now in its 14th year, the prized Pigtown Festival is back on Washington Boulevard with a big block party in celebration of the South Baltimore neighborhood. The free festival sticks to tradition, with the much-loved “Squeakness” pig races returning to the city streets, four times throughout the day, and lots of live music, including the funky, old-school sounds of The Kelly Bell Band. Grab some local eats while you’re at it, with pit barbecue, Dooby’s, Harbor Que, and Pizza di Joey all in tow. We suggest you splurge on the $20 all-day drinking pass, too, with unlimited brews by The Brewer’s Art, Flying Dog, Public Works Ale, and Natty Boh.

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What’s not so awesome is trying to navigate the more than 300 events (!) the BBW folks have organized. So we’ve decided to narrow things down a bit for you a pick the 17 not-to-miss events from October 9-18 to make planning just a bit easier. Cheers!

Chilibrew IX Presented by Baltibrew
When: October 9, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 400 E Lexington Street
Cost: $25 for attendees, $10 for competitors
What: Even before BBW existed, there was home-brew club Baltibrew and its annual chili and home-brew competition, which is going on nine years strong. All Chilibrew attendees will serve as judges at the event, voting on the best chili con carne, vegan chili, and home-brew based beer provided by more than 60 competitors. There will also be a “celebrity-judged” competition with local food and drink experts weighing in on their favorite picks. Proceeds from the event will benefit Baltimore Brew, the Farm Alliance of Baltimore City, and activist group Force.

Double Duckpin Funk n Bowl
When: October 9, 7 p.m.-midnight
Where: Stoneleigh Bowling Lanes, 6703 York Road
Cost: $30
What: Relive your childhood birthday parties with way more beer this time, as Pinehurst Wine Shoppe and Union Brewing Company host a duckpin bowling night with bottomless beer and music from DJ BohFunk. Union stays on-theme by featuring Duckpin, Double Duckpin, and a cask-varient Duckpin on tap. Admission also includes a Union color-changing stadium cup.

Mahaffey’s Pub Passport Challenge
When: October 9-18
Where: Mahaffey’s Pub, 2706 Dillon Street
Cost: Pay as you go
What: If you like a good challenge, Mahaffey’s is offering beer nerds the opportunity to try 21 new beers in 10 days. Starting on October 9, and continuing everyday during BBW, the bar will feature a new brewery or theme. You’ll receive a passport and must drink a beer from each event to get stamped. Pick up your passport at the bar and, if you complete the challenge, you get a free beer, a Mahaffey’s Pub BBW t-shirt, and unlimited bragging rights for life.

Made in Baltimore: Beer Tap Handles and Homebrew
When: October 11, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Mark Supik and Co. Tap Handles, 1 N. Haven Street
Cost: Free
What: Not only is actual beer brewing an art, but so is the creativity and workmanship that goes into making tap handles. And some of the finest beer tap handles in the world are made by Baltimore native Mark Supik, who owns a woodturning shop in East Baltimore. Attendees will get the chance to watch tap handles being turned, sculpted, painted, and labeled. Plus, Cross Street Ireggulars home-brew club will be on hand for beer making (and tasting) demos and additional beer will be provided by Raven Beer.

Pub Science
When: October 12, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: The Wharf Rat, 801 S. Ann Street
Cost: Pay as you go
What: The Wharf Rat and The Maryland Science Center join together for a fun and educational evening of beer experimentation. Science Center interns have prepared for the event by coming up with experiments involving both liquor and beer. Past experiments have involved cold fusion, prism goggles, and huffing CO2. What could possibly go wrong?

Battle of the Breweries
When: October 13, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Birroteca, 1520 Clipper Mill Road
Cost: $45/person or $80/couple
What: We love when two of our favorite local breweries go head to head, and that’s just what’s happening as Salisbury-based Evolution Craft Brewing takes on hometown favorite DuClaw Brewing Company. In this four-course beer dinner, each course will be paired with one selection from each brewery and guests will get to vote on which beer pairs best. Let’s see if Evolution, the reigning champ, can be dethroned.

Yoga and Beers
When: October 14, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th Street
Cost: Free
What: This event just happens to combine all of our favorite things. We’ve already written about how much we love the new trend of craft breweries offering yoga classes. Next week, you can experience that in Peabody Heights, our pick for “Best Brewery,” which will be offering a free yoga class its in 2,000-square-foot tasting room.

A Beer Dinner in Bangkok
When: October 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Ten Ten Americain Bistro, 1010 Fleet Street
Cost: $49
What: Ten Ten and Union Craft Brewing team up to combine craft brews and Chef John Hufnagel’s authentic four-course Thai menu, inspired by his travels throughout the country. Every course, from spicy to sweet, will be paired with a complementary selection from Union. Think pork satay with a smoked lager, paneang curry with a double IPA, and dessert served with a Gose sweetened with galangal syrup.

So You Think You Know Beer?
When: October 14, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Parts & Labor, 2600 Howard Street
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Allagash Brewing Company will be in town to test out our local suds knowledge. While guests take a quiz on beer and beer-making facts, they can sample rarities from this Belgian-style brewery, including Adventureux (Allagash Black aged in rum barrels) or James Bean (Allagash Curieux blended with cold pressed coffee). Highest score on the exam takes home a $150 cash prize.

Harbor Booze Cruise
When: October 15, 5:30 p.m.-midnight
Where: Cat’s Eye Pub, 1730 Thames Street
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Enter to win tickets for you and a friend to ride on the Urban Pirates ship and sip on a selection of Coney Island craft beers. The 90-minute boat ride leaves out of the S. Ann Street port in Fells Point and sails around the harbor, from Downtown to Under Armour’s campus and everywhere in between. Even if you can’t make the cruise, Cat’s Eye will be offering samples of Coney Island brews on dry land all night accompanied by games and live music by funk band “Speakers of the House.”

Magic Number IPL Release Party
When: October 15, 7: 30 p.m.
Where: Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Some of the biggest forces in regional beer—Union Craft, Stillwater Artisanal, and DC Brau—collaborated on a new brew, Magic Number IPL, a six-percent ABV pale lager. The beer has a gentle malt character and is ridiculously hopped with floral, citrus, grapefruit, passionfruit, earth, pine, and melon notes. While you can first get your hands on this hop-heavy brew at Max’s Taphouse on Sunday, October 11 at 4 p.m., the real release party will take place at Blue Pit where Union and DC Brau brewers will be on hand, and guests can enjoy a whole hog barbecue.

Give a Shuck
When: October 16, 4-8 p.m.
Where: James Joyce, 616 S. President Street
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Enjoy Madhouse Oysters and Flying Dog beers at this James Joyce happy hour in Harbor East. Weather permitting, oyster shucks and beer will be available on the side patio, as well as live music from The Jordan August Band. The best part is that $2 from every $5 pint of Flying Dog will be donated to the Oyster Recovery Project and enable the organization to replant hundreds of baby oysters back into the Chesapeake Bay.

Brews, Witches, & Bitches
When: October 16, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Bar Liquorice, 801 E. Fort Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
What: Yards and Jailbreak Brewing Companies will be hosting the first-ever BBW dog costume contest. Feel free to dress up your pet as cute (or creepy) as you want, as there will be outside seating and a great selection of beers from the Philadelphia-based Yards and Howard County-based Jailbreak.

Beer Stein Making Workshop
When: October 17, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Avenue
Cost: $45 for members, $50 for non-members
What: After a full week of sampling some of the finest beers, it’s about time you make something to put them in. Using the basic principles of hand-building, guests can either decorate finished pieces or make one of their very own beer steins from a selection of six glaze options. Once you’ve crafted your creation, you can leave it to be fired and glazed by the professionals and Baltimore Clayworks and pick it up three weeks later, where you’ll, of course, fill it with your favorite brew.

Future of Biking in Bmore
When: October 17, 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: The Brewer’s Art, 1106 N. Charles Street
Cost: $20
What: Join cycling nonprofit Bikemore on a guided tour that highlights roads slated to received bike infrastructure in 2016. Learn how the projects are selected and designed and how bike advocates work with the city to bring more improvements to Baltimore. After the 15-mile ride, post up at Brewer’s Art for a continued discussion and a free pint for registered riders.

“Dive” Into Heavy Seas
When: October 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Heavy Seas Alehouse, 1300 Bank Street
Cost: $33
What: In what sounds like our personal dream come true, Heavy Seas is arranging for a bus to take 30 people on a dive bar tour of Baltimore. Admission comes with transportation, a boxed lunch, and a Heavy Seas beer on the bus. Dive bar stops on the tour, which will each feature their own food and drink specials, will include Mum’s, Mt. Royal Tavern, Knotty Pine, Venice Tavern, and Leadbetters.

Pumpkin Carving Spectacular
When: October 18, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway
Cost: Pay as you go
What: For the sixth year in a row, Little Havana hosts this all-ages pumpkin carving contest. Families are encouraged to sit by the fire, make s’mores, carve pumpkins, and the adults can enjoy Long Trail Brewing products. Sounds like a relaxing way to bid another successful Baltimore Beer Week adieu.

Of course, there are many, many more events to choose from throughout the week, so see BBW’s website for more details.

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Things get started today at noon with a “Star-Spangled Banner” parade from Fort McHenry eventually weaving its way to Rams Head Live in Power Plant. From there, the “Opening Tap Celebration,” at Rams Head from 6-9 p.m., will officially kick off the myriad of events for the next week-and-a-half.

To celebrate Baltimore Beer Week, I actually took a trip to Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, where I toured the brewery and learned more about its involvement in Beer Week events. You can view the video here. Flying Dog is proving that, while Beer Week is mostly fun, it’s also a chance to give back. The brewery is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake and, tomorrow, Flying Dog staff will participate in a Habitat Build in McElderry Park. They’ll end the day with a fundraiser and thank-you event at Langermann’s.

That is simply one example of the countless events going on during Baltimore Beer Week. For full listings, see their website. Cheers!

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While it’s impossible to check out all of the events, I got to attend a few this past weekend. My first stop was on Thursday night to Five, the bar at Christopher Daniel in Timonium. For the entirety of beer week, Christopher Daniel is doing $1 Natty Boh bottles, half-price drafts, a special beer-themed menu, and beer cocktails. Yes, you read that right. At first, the thought of combining liquor and beer seems just wrong. But after trying Christopher Daniel’s fall flower (Stoli Raspberry, St. Germain Liqueur, lemon, and Clipper City Organic Raspberry Wheat Beer), I was pleasantly surprised. The carbonated cocktail reminded me a lot of flavored soda and went down just as smooth. These would be great in warm weather, but worked just fine in the fall.

The following night I went to Three in Patterson Park, where they were hosting Evolution Brewery. A couple months ago, I actually visited the brewery in Delaware, which wasn’t much but a small bar, kegs in the back, and a handful of people sampling the products. I remember loving their pale ale and the fact that they had growlers. Three had a pretty sweat deal: your first beer was free and you got to keep the 22-ounce Evolution glass it was served in. On tap, they had Evolution’s porter, pale ale, IPA, and ESB (extra special bitter). You can try EVO beer for yourself later in the week at Abbey Burger Bistro, Ropewalk Tavernn, Mick O’Shea’s, and Alonso’s.

As if I hadn’t had enough ale, I rolled over to The Wharf Rat, who I think is offering one of the best specials this week. For nearly all 10 days, you can get any three beers for $5. The beers have to be different and they’re served in Pub Dog-style mugs. The special is a great way to sample the various Oliver Ales, pictured, and was obviously working for the bar, as it was packed on Friday night. I recommend their spicy Harvest Ale and Hot Monkey Love (just so you can say the name, really).

There are still five more days to enjoy Baltimore Beer Week, with events like tomorrow night’s brews and blues night at The 8×10, Thursday’s pre fixe six-course beer dinner at Brewer’s Art, and countless beer tasting and sampling throughout the Baltimore region. So what are you waiting for? Drink up!

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