A busy week in Charlotte craft beer with events by VBGB, JJ's Red Hots/Triple C, Custom Home Pubs/Unknown, Olde Mecklenburg and Birdsong
The sun is out, and it’s one of the busier weeks in the Charlotte beer scene. Let's get to it; here’s what’s going on at your local breweries/craft bars.
Tuesday (4/22)
As part of NC Beer Month, VBGB is hosting Meet the Brewers Charlotte Tap Takeover, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The beer garden’s taps will be represented by every Charlotte brewery, and brewers and representatives will be present to discuss their beer.
There will be $3 and $4 beer specials throughout the evening, live music from Giant Squid Squad, and free giveaways including a “Charlotte’s Got a Lot” pint glass and Charlotte Craft Beer Tasting Guide poster. Various prizes such as growlers, brewery gift cards and beer tours will also be handed out via a raffle.
Thursday (4/24)
Beer. Bacon. Barbecue. It’s an easy sell, right? Here are the details: JJ’s Red Hots, Triple C and King of Pops are teaming up for what looks to be a dream event. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the rooftop of JJ’s, enjoy the favorite things in life. For $12, you get two pulled pork sliders with Triple C Smoked Amber sauce, onion rings, a pint of Triple C’s Smoked Amber and a “JJ’s Red Pop,” made with chocolate, bacon, sea salt and cayenne.
When your mouth finishes watering, you can purchase advance tickets at this link, as well as at JJ’s Red Hots or by calling (980) 225-8880.
Friday (4/25)
Head over to Custom Home Pubs in Matthews for a tap takeover featuring beers from Unknown Brewing. Just $10 will get you unlimited samples and an Unknown pint glass to take home. Beers featured will be Over the Edge, No Shame Wheat, Head First Pale Ale and a surprise fourth beer. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Unknown head brewer Dave Scott will also be in attendance to talk about the brewery’s beers.
Saturday (4/26)
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is once again putting on its annual Louisiana Spring Fest, which will run from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, and that gets you a pint of beer from OMB, one raffle ticket and a plate of crawdads, jambalaya and what the event page describes as “all the fixin’s!” Live music will be provided by a Cajun duo from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the ToneBlazers bluegrass band from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Advance tickets can be purchased here, or if you want, at the brewery (note that day of tickets are $30).
Sunday (4/27)
Come out to Birdsong Brewing for one of their top seasonals, and also help participate in cleaning up your city. At noon, Birdsong will release their Up On The Sun Saison. This crisp beer is brewed with Sorachi Ace hops and perfect to welcome in spring weather.
Before the release, you’re also invited to join the brewery and participate in the Little Sugar Creek cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon. You can park in the Birdsong parking lot or at Cordelia Park. The meet-up spot is at 22nd St. and North Davidson St. And here’s the best part (and why the Birdsong folks are so great): The brewery is donating free beer and pizza to all volunteers afterward. Waders and cleaning supplies will be provided, and Birdsong will also give out prizes to the person who finds the most trash and unique item.
