Category: MN

Twin Cities Beer Fest August 11th

Another new beer festival? Not exactly. This year’s Twin Cities Beer Fest was on the scene last year under the moniker, Minneapolis Beer Fest, but thanks to a venue change, it returns as Twin Cities Beer Fest.This event promises to be a “grand sampling event” with hundreds of beers in unlimited pours. Food trucks? Check. Live music? Check. Games? Yessirree. Competitive eating? Holy shit, yes.

The event takes place on August 11th from 3-7pm in the old Met Stadium parking lot at the Mall of America in Bloomington. Free parking, of course, will be plentiful, but the wiser choice, of course is to hop on the light rail and use that as your sober cab.

Proceeds benefit the Finnegans Community Fund. I didn’t make it out for this one last year, but with any luck, I’ll check it out this year.

Minnesota Foodtruck Fair August 5th

…and juicy lucys and craft beer and wine…

The first annual Minnesota Foodtruck Fair is happening on Sunday, August 5th from 12:30-5:30pm in Downtown Minneapolis. This new event will, of course, highlight metro area food trucks and will also include 25+ breweries (9+ from Minnesota), stuffed burger samples from our buds at Blue Door Pub and jazz & blues music. Tickets range from $15-$80 (you want VIP tickets for unlimited beer samples).

Bonus: Right now they’ve got a Groupon offer going that’ll get you a half-price discount.

Craft Beer at the Minnesota State Fair Horticulture Building

Wait. What? Beer is an agricultural product? Well regardless of what you believe (and I’m kidding, btw), we’ve just learned that the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild will be at this year’s Minnesota State Fair in the Horticulture Building. Their exhibit will highlight Minnesota’s brewing history, how beer is made and what’s going on in Minnesota beer. Brewers will be present, and we’re told there will be sample beer flights too. The Minnesota State Fair just got a little bit cooler!

Summit 26th Anniversary Backyard Bash Sept. 8th

 

One of Minnesota’s “senior” breweries, Summit Brewing Co. turns 26 this fall. In the craft beer world, especially in Minnesota, 26 seems OLD with a grey capital O. In truth, though, they’re spring chickens compared to Schell’s. Regardless, it takes a lot to get to 26 in the beer industry, and we’re glad to see these “old farts” chugging along.

In proper form, Summit is celebrating their 26th anniversary this fall with a Backyard Bash at the brewery from 11-6pm on Saturday, September 8th. Tickets are $14 and will be available starting on Monday, July 23rd at www.summitbrewing.com.

Throwing down at the Bash this year will be locals like Doomtree, Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps, Halloween Alaska, Now Now, Heartbeats & Summit’s own Hotpants DJs. The Current’s Mark Wheat will emcee the event in a decidedly non-Minnesotan accent (we forgive you).

And yes, there will be beer… I’ll give you one guess as to who might be providing the beer… Look for special cask offerings as well. Local food vendors will be present as well.

Half of all ticket sales will benefit the Minnesota Music Coalition. Pretty cool, eh?

 

Lend Pour Decisions a Hand Monday Night

Pour Decisions will be meeting with the Roseville City Council on Monday at 6:40pm to obtain a Brewery Taproom License. They’d love it if you could come show your support. If you can make it, you’re also welcome to stop by the brewery for a tour & progress update from Kris & BJ. The meeting is at the Roseville City Hall: http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=806 Bonus points for attendees who live in Roseville.

[Update: The taproom is happening, per their Twitter comments. Congrats guys!]