ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
Asheville Beer Week, now in its 13th year, is back, so grab a frosty one and a bite to eat or listen to some music, catch a class or maybe all of the above.
Although the event has “week” in its name, it includes two weekends, so it’s actually nine days of beer-inspired events.
The AVL Beer Week Kickoff Party is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at Marquee Asheville and Saint Brighid’s, 36 Foundy St. The celebration concludes with an event from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 26, with the AVL Beer Week Wrap Party at River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St.
In between, there are comedy shows, art shows, a drag brunch, beer tastings, craft beverage dinner pairings, brewer meet and greets, panel discussions, demonstrations, music and more.
“Western North Carolina is rich with exceptional craft beverages, innovative artists, delectable food, and vital non-profit initiatives,” Asheville Brewers Alliance executive director Karis Roberts said in a news release. “We know so many locals and travelers alike look forward to the annual Asheville Beer Week, and we are excited to bring this multi-day, multi-venue calendar of events to life this spring!”
In alignment with the ABA’s core mission, AVL Beer Week 2024 will also feature a range of events dedicated to education and philanthropy. Some notable events to look forward to include the popular Craft Beverage Expo, the annual Asheville-Biltmore Rotary Walkathon to Fight Dementia, Brewery Sustainability Call to Action and newcomer events like BrewStiller AVL and the two-week-long Sweeten Creek Sweep Crawl, the news release said.
Brewing Some Good For The Environment is a call to action for brewers. Wicked Weed Brewing, Hi-Wire Brewing, Cellarest Beer Project and The River Arts District Brewing will be recognized for their participation in a study searching for more sustainable ways to brew.
“Esssentially, a UNCA student funded by the Air Quality Board, did a study assessing when and where these breweries could save money, save energy, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Big Mountain Impact‘s Mica Crouse said.
The event will also highlight any beverage producers who have pledged to reduce their energy use by 10 percent within five years, Crouse said.
“Brewers are facing hard times right now. Electric bills are going up. Water bills are going up,” Crouse said. “That will, unfortunately, put some of the smaller brewers out of business. This could help them find ways to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Brewing Some Good for the Environment is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Wicked Weed Funkatorium. Admission is free.
Continuing education is also an integral part of the craft brewing scene. The Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College will be hosting tours of its brewing facility every hour from noon-4 p.m. May 23.
The annual Asheville-Biltmore Rotary Walkathon to Fight Dementia will be hosted by Hi-Wire Brewery with the theme “We’ll Walk 100 Miles to Fight Dementia.” Individuals and teams can sign up to walk 1-mile or 3-mile routes in the South Slope/downtown area on Saturday, May 18. Donations of $50 per person are encouraged.
Last but not least, The Craft Beverage Expo will return and be open to industry professionals and the general public. Attendees can shop the newest brewing equipment and learn from the best in the industry.
Click here to plan your week of beer activities.