Love good beer and looking for something to do? Well look no further than the first ever Northwest Arkansas Beer Week, which will run May 9-16 with a series of events hosted by breweries and watering holes throughout the area.
The Fayetteville Visitors Bureau – creators of the extremely popular Fayetteville Ale Trail – is behind the effort.
“We’re trying to drum up some more interest in our local breweries,” said Jessica Leonard, communications manager. “The hope is that it will grow into something bigger, like the beer weeks in cities such as Portland and San Francisco.”
Things kick off next Saturday with Fayetteville Foam Fest. Just last week we reported that Victory Brewing Company will make its Arkansas debut at the festival, which will be held in the Walton Arts Center parking lot in downtown Fayetteville. Tickets are $40 each, with a fast pass option for an additional $25.
If a bona fide beer festival isn’t enough, there’s plenty more in store in the days that follow.
Nomad’s Music Lounge is hosting a ginger beer party on Sunday. Not sure if red hair is required for entry, but it sure sounds fun.
On Tuesday you can find live music at one of Northwest Arkansas’ newest breweries – Bike Rack Brewing Company in Bentonville. Also, Saddlebock will host the Arkansas Brewers Guild’s Spring Tap Takeover.
Fossil Cove has a ladies-only event on Thursday. Owner Ben Mills will guide 30 lucky lasses through the brewing process. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale at the Northwest Arkansas Beer Week website.
Also on Thursday, Columbus House is having a costume party. Go all out with your outfit and you might win a prize.
Apple Blossom, Core, and Ozark are also involved in the festivities. Check the Northwest Arkansas Beer Week website for an updated schedule. There is something going on every day of the week, and new events are being added daily.
Northwest Arkansas Beer Week (as of May 5)
Saturday, May 9 – Fayetteville Foam Fest
Sunday, May 10 – Ginger Beer Party at Nomad’s Music Lounge
Monday, May 11 – Beer & Grain Pairing at Columbus House Brewery
Tuesday, May 12 – Porter Takeover at Fossil Cove Brewing, Live Music at Bike Rack Brewing, Arkansas Brewers Guild Spring Tap Takeover at Saddlebock Brewery
Wednesday, May 13 – Craft Beer Trivia at Fossil Cove Brewing, Wit Beer Release Party & live music at Core Brewery
Thursday, May 14 – Ladies Only Beer Pairing at Fossil Cove (purchase tickets here), Columbus House Theme Party, Happy Hour at Core Brewery
Friday, May 15 – Session Fest at Ozark Beer Company, Firkin Friday at Apple Blossom Brewing, Brewers Ball at Chancellor Hotel
Saturday, May 16 – Homebrew Demonstration at Fossil Cove Brewing, Bike Rack Brewing Event at Compton Gardens
Sunday, May 17 – Arkansas Brewers Guild Beer Garden at Block Street Block Party
Brian Sorensen (@EBSorensen) is an admitted beer geek, occasional home brewer, and member of the Fayetteville Lovers of Pure Suds.
