(Asheville, NC) – The biggest beer bash to hit Asheville, North Carolina, a.k.a. BeerCity, USA, begins this Thursday, May 24 through June 3 with an incredible number of beer events held all over town and the surrounding areas during the first Asheville Beer Week.
The festivities begin at Highland Brewing’s Tasting Room on Thursday, May 24 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a Benefit for The Ben Harris Family. On April 24, 2012, Ben Harris passed away due to a keg explosion at Redhook Brewing in Portsmouth, NH. This terriblenews affected the brewing community nationwide. In Asheville, where beer is loved and brewed, we deeply mourn this tragedy. Ben’s wife, Alysha Miller, is a former Asheville resident and a cousin to Jamie DeJohn, Highland Brewing Company’s Assistant Tasting Room Manager. Ben and Alysha were newly married and Alysha is expecting a child in December. Asheville breweries will donate beer for purchase and beer gear for auction. Hank West & The Smokin’ Hots will be playing from 6-8pm. All proceeds will go to theBen Harris and Alysha Miller Baby Fund. There is no cover, but donations in any amount will be gratefully accepted. This event, joining local breweries and showing care for all in our industry, is a great way to start Asheville Beer Week.
Asheville Beer Week not only supports the local breweries, restaurants, bars, and retailers, but also many community causes, including the Asheville Brewers Alliance, The Ben Harris and Alysha Miller Baby Fund (Redhook), Habitat for Humanity, Save The French Broad, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC, The WNC Nature Center, and The Appalachian Trail Conservancy to name a few. There are big, fancy dinners and free, fun pint nights—ensuring there is something for everyone.
Some Asheville Beer Week highlights:
May 25, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Barley’s presents: Beer 101 (Open Class)
Learn about beer, history, etc and sample local brews w/ beer columnist, Anne Fitten Glenn. $10/pp
May 26, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Just Brew It! Homebrew Festival
Just Economics Annual Home Brew Festival and Competition. Sample 100+ different beers from 55+ homebrewers. Visit http://justeconomicswnc.org for information. $16/pp.
May 28, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Moe’s Original BBQ presents: Greg Engert Beer & Food Forum
Greg Engert, the Washington, D.C.-based beer director for The Neighborhood Restaurant Group, teams up with our very own Moe’s Original BBQ for a night of beer and food selections. $45/pp. Call Moe’s BBQ for reservation, (828) 505-8282.
May 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Pisgah Brewing: Flight Night at The Market Place
Four hors d’oeuvres paired with four Pisgah beers. $16/pp. http://www.marketplace-restaurant.com/
May 30, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Asheville Brewing: “District 12” Release Party
Ryan Burac from Asheville Brewing rolls out the “District 12 Ale” in honor of WNC’s beautiful showing as backdrop to the blockbuster The Hunger Games. Free, at the brewery.
May 30, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Bruisin’ Ales, Pack’s Tavern and AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) present: Beer Chef!
Beer Chef, in Pack’s Tavern Century Room, is a foodie and beer extravaganza—featuring Belgian and Belgian-style beers matched with the delectable creations of some of Asheville’s best chefs. This casual eight-course,
eight-beer pairing event is a highlight of Asheville Beer Week. Special Guests: Brian Grossman (Sierra Nevada, Co-Manager & Director of Consumer Experience), Terence Sullivan (Sierra Nevada, Brewmaster & Head Field Educator), and Grady Hull (New Belgium, Assistant Brewmaster). $85/pp. Tickets available at http://beerchef.eventbrite.com.
May 31, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Thirsty Monk presents: Brux with Brian Grossman of Sierra Nevada & Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River
Sierra Nevada Brewing and Russian River Brewing collaborated on a wild ale called Brux. Join us as we pop open some bottles and listen to Brian Grossman and Vinnie Cilurzo talk about their collaboration. This is your chance to try this beer a month before its official release. We will also be the only place in North Carolina pouring a keg of “Love at First Bike,” the beer that Brian and Vinnie brewed for Brian’s wedding! Free entry.
June 2, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Beer City Festival
The 3rd Annual Beer City Fest at Roger McGuire Green. Hosted by Asheville Brewers Alliance. Showcasing the best beers brewed in the Carolinas. Fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC and the Asheville Brewers Alliance. $40/pp. Tickets available at local breweries, Barley’s, and Bruisin’ Ales through Thursday, May 24, then at the gate.
For a full calendar, please visit the Events Page.
The Official Asheville Beer Week website is http://ashevillebeerweek.com. Mobile apps are now available in both the Android and iPhone markets. Follow us on Twitter (@AVLBeerWeek), Facebook, Instagram, Foursquare, and Untappd. There is also have an Untappd Badge to earn just for Asheville Beer Week. Use the official hashtags #AVLBeer and #AVLBeerWeek to share your events and get info.
