It’s beer festival season in Charlotte. Get dates, tickets and other details
And just like that, Dry January has come to an end.
You’re in luck, too, as Beer Festival February is now arriving in Charlotte, offering several opportunities to try a new beer or three to quench your thirst. A couple of other beer events extend into the spring, as well, although the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is taking a break this year.
Here are a few beer-related events in Charlotte to get on your calendar:
Southern Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 12-6 p.m.
Savor briny oysters, mussels and clams, then wash them down with 30 international and local beers, wine and spirits. Ten professional shuckers will be in attendance, along with area seafood food trucks. General admission tickets are $49 and include a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling of beer, wine and spirits and live entertainment. All food is a la carte.
Queen City Brewers Festival
Location: The Innovation Barn, 932 Seigle Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 1-4 p.m.Tickets are sold out, but look for giveaways from participating breweries, partners and sponsors in the next couple of weeks.
Ticket holders will sample craft beverages from 49 regional breweries, and each participating brewery has been asked to create an eco-friendly brew to raise awareness for Envision Charlotte, a public private plus collaborative aimed to strengthen economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and positive community impacts.
Didn’t get a ticket? You can still try the beers debuted at the festival, as breweries will release these beers in their taprooms and these will be easily identifiable by the Beers for Life tap handle made from recycled pak-techs.
Charlotte Brewsology
Location: Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 6-10 p.m.
Check out exhibits and science demonstrations while sampling beers and ciders from 35+ local breweries. General admission is $55, with entry at 7 p.m. for beer tasting. For an extra $15, you can take advantage of early admission at 6 p.m., featuring specialty beers. Designated driver tickets will be sold for $20 cash at the door.
The Charlotte event is part of a national Brewsology beer fest taking over museums across the country.
Mark your calendars for spring beer fests in April and May, featuring barbecue, live music and even some bourbon.
Moo, Brew & ‘Que
Location: AvidXChange Music Factory festival grounds, 817 Hamilton St., Charlotte NC 28206
When: April 12-14
Music acts include The Revivalists, Hippo Campus, Lee Brice, Flipturn and Little Stranger.
Tickets range from $39 for 1-day general admission to $249 for Super VIP, which includes all music, a Super VIP area with cocktail lounge in front of the stage and complimentary beverages (beer, cocktails, water and soda).
More than 50 beers will be available for sampling, with local and regional barbecue to delight foodies in attendance. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to vote for the Moo, Brew & ‘Que Best Burger.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Saturday, May 18, 12-6 p.m.
Like your beer with a side of barbecue or bourbon? Enjoy the selection of 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons and lots of barbecue, from whole hog to brisket and chicken plus all the fixings.
General admission is $45 with entry at 2 p.m. and includes a souvenir tasting glass, all the beer and bourbon you can sample and live entertainment. VIP tickets cost $75, with entry at noon and include general admission perks plus a BBQ dinner plate.
