Got Beer? All the Beer That’s Fit to Drink: Beer events are springing up like dandelions

As we noted a coupla issue ago, the folks at Narragansett Beer are looking into launching a multi-purpose attraction – a brewpub/taproom with other beery elements – in the building (owned by Brown University) next to the Hilton Garden Inn near India Point Park in Providence. A hearing for a special use permit was held on May 8. ‘Gansett prez Mark Hellendrung gave us a few deets post-hearing: “Obtaining a zoning variance to brew was one of the requirements of closing on the sale. So this was a major milestone in the process, which will take a few more months to complete. Assuming all goes well, we will purchase the building later this summer and begin work in September! Super-exciting.”

The “Hi, Neighbor!” crew will still be a partner with the Guild in Pawtucket, brewing seasonal offerings and keeping the creative juices flowing at its suite of offices.

Is it too soon for a Beervana Fest post? Nah! The 11th annual gathering at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet will be literally bigger and better, with a coupla significant first-time-ever tweaks: a new day – Saturday, October 26 (see ya, Friday) – and two sessions (1 – 4:30pm and 6 – 9:30). Tix are on sale now at eventbrite.com. And while you’re clicking your way there, don’t sleep on tix for the Bacon & Beer Fest, the mashup hosted by Beervana and RI Food Fights, which is happening on June 16 at Cranston Print Works – they’re going fast!

Lightning round: Adam and Paul at Beer On Earth are making great progress at their new home on 425 West Fountain St in PVD (where Long Live usedtabe); there’s a refinished bar, a new mural, taster serving trays shaped like artist’s palettes (customized by local artists), and a sweet new logo. They have fingers crossed for a late May or early June opening; keep checking facebook.com/beeronearthbrew for the Grand Opening Announcement … Community Bruin, the tiny new brewery in West Greenwich, has added new hours: it’s now open on Friday from 4 – 7pm, and Saturdays from 1 – 4pm (communitybruin.com) … Ragged Island just released Liquid Hugs #9, made with El Dorado hops, and its latest iteration of Ripples Kettle Sour, infused with boysenberry, is coming soon … Shaidzon Beer Company is pouring a new batch of Never Tomorrow IPA and is debuting the eponymous Shaidzon Saison. And you can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday the next coupla weeks at their cozy West Kingston HQ … Crooked Current is brewing up some warm weather treats, including Strawberry Blonde Ale, Blueberry American Wheat, and a new “tropical milkshake IPA,” Stay Woke, Rich, made with pineapple and mango. And the Oatmeal Rum Raisin Stout is still aging in the rum barrel from White Dog Distillery; check the CC socials to be the first to know when it’s ready for your sipping pleasure.

And ICYMI, the 14th annual American Craft Beer Week is running through May 19. So we have a crazy notion – you should celebrate with a craft beer or two. Just sayin’!

For more beer news, check Lou’s blog, bottlescansclaphands.wordpress.com, or follow @BottlesCansRI.