Got Beer? Warm Up with Some Brew Fests

On January 16, Federal Hill Pizza presents the First Annual RI Winter Beer Blast at the Historic Warren Armory. Over a dozen breweries will bring their fine fare and several local small businesses will set up vendor tables so you can support your friendly neighborhood backyard businesses. This community event donates all proceeds from admission and raffle tickets to the Chefs Feeding Kids and the Historic Warren Armory Restoration Fund.

Attendees will enjoy live music by Gravity, Dave Podsnap and D&D Live. Meet some local authors, like Kristie and Ashley who will be signing their book, Two Girls, One Beer. You’ll find me there as well, probably next to the Bucket booth, but also signing my own work of fiction, Revenant.

You can also pick up something for the beast in your home from Woof! Woof! Pet Boutique & Biscuit Bar, get some brewing supplies from Brew It Yourself New England, grab some dessert from D’Licious Dessert or smack your lips on some tasty, smoky goodness from Bringeth The Meat BBQ.

There’s plenty to do, and it’s all for a good cause. As of this writing, it’s sold out, but you can always hope a forward-thinking friend picked up a ticket for you. Or you can plan ahead for next year!

If you can’t get your hands on a ticket, don’t fret, there’s another huge beer event in the wings for the end of the month. It does seem like there’s always another beer event around the corner, doesn’t it?

The Rhode Island Brew Fest lands at the Pawtucket Armory on Saturday, January 30, with over 50 breweries from all over New England and beyond, including local favorites like Ravenous, Bucket, Grey Sail, Tilted Barn, Foolproof, Proclamation, Revival and more.

This is one of the more fun local brew fests, as it’s small, but not overcrowded. Keep in mind it is the middle of winter here in RI, so you might want to wear a jacket over those pretzel necklaces. There are two sessions, an afternoon and an evening, each one three-hours long because it’s just that popular. So you have plenty of time to enjoy all that the local beer scene has to offer, and you’ll get to sample your suds while listening to live music provided by Steve Demers.

Don’t forget to check out the local vendors as well, such as Craft Brew Supplies for all your homebrewing needs, the Rhode Island Brew Bus if you love your local brewery tours, Newport Jerky Company, Benitos Hot Sauce and Fox Point Pickling. Hey, you’ll need snacks after a while. And while you’re there, meet the fine folks at the Rhode Island Brewing Society, like my esteemed beer colleague Chris Meringolo.

The whole shebang is sponsored by High Spirits in Providence, the aforementioned Rhode Island Brewing Society and the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.

If you need to get out of the cold, come inside. There’ll be beer and merriment aplenty, so raise those tasting cups high and celebrate local flavor. Tops off and bottoms up, my friends!