I don’t know about all of you but, the Michigan/Northern European part of me is having a little issue with these temperatures and I’m almost longing for the days of snowmegeddon. With an hour-long, typically-congested commute to my day job and a/c that fizzled out in time for the heat wave (I’m looking for a new mechanic), by the time I get home and drink enough water to hydrate, there’s no room left in my belly for even a beer. But on those wonderful days when there is, here’s what I’ve found in the region:

Only one charitable cause for August. (Yeah, I’m a sucker for promoting any occasion where beer benefits the needy.) The Good Zoo Brew in West Virginia’s original capitol, Wheeling. (Where the state’s name was changed from the originally voted-upon Kanawha -- bet you didn’t know that.) And it’ll probably be a little cooler over there.

Also, I hear a few spots are left on Saturday’s beer bus from DC (Vienna metro station) to Charlottesville, VA. There are some excellent destinations planned for this trip!

Try to stay cool out there,
Mel
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Delaware

Registration for the 5th Annual Dogfish Dash – The race isn’t until Sunday, September 26th, but registration is now. Be a part of the 1500 runners in the off-centered 5K or 10K road race that starts and finishes at their Milton brewery. Food, entertainment, brewery tours, and Dogfish Head beer. Beninfits the Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. More info and tickets at www.dogfish.com/dogfishdash.
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District of Columbia

Saturday, July 31st: BURP Brew Ridge Trail Bus Trip (to Charlottesville) – Local homebrew club Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP) are organizing a bus trip from DC to the breweries of the Charlottesville area. Lunch at Devils Backbone Brewpub, tour at Blue Mountain Brewery & Hop Farm, organized tasting Albermarle CiderWorks, and visits to Starr Hill and South Street Breweries. Bus will depart promptly at 8am from the West Falls Church Metro and will return at approximately 10pm. $45/homebrew club members or $50/all others covers bus rental, cidery tasting fee, water, juice/coffee, bagels, and donuts. Advance reservations required. Sign up at http://brew.burp.org/Events/BURPBrewRidgeTrailBusTrip.aspx

Thursday, August 5th: Heavy Seas Sampling at Whole Foods, Tenleytown – Join in for a free sampling of locally made Heavy Seas Beer. A rep from our brewery will be there to answer all you beer-related questions. 4:30-7:30pm. http://wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/tenley.

Wednesday, August 11th: Heavy Seas Sampling at Connecticut Ave Liquors, Tenleytown – Join in for a free tasting of Loose Cannon, Small Craft Warning, Märzen, and classic Lager. 5-8pm. 202-332-0240.

Tuesday, August 17th: Allagash Dinner with Rob Tod at Granville Moore's – 7-9:30pm. 202-399-2546 or www.granvillemoores.com.

DC Beer Week is coming, from Aug. 20-27! Events are being scheduled as we speak. We'll have more in an upcoming email.

Friday, August 20th: (Beer) Nerd Nite at Rock & Roll Hotel – Speakers include ChurchKey beer director Greg Engert, Stillwater Artisanal Ales founder Brian Strumke and others. Live music by New Rock Church of Fire and more. 7-11:30pm. www.rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Wednesday, August 25th: Heavy Seas Cask Night at ChurchKey – Oak Cask of Loose Cannon plus Hang Ten and vintage aged Below Decks. 6-9pm. 202-567-2576 or www.churchkeydc.com.

Thursday, August 26th: Heavy Seas Cask Night at Thunder Burger – Celebrate the first cask that Thunder Burger has ever offered. 6-9pm. 202-333-2888 or www.thunderburger.com.
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Maryland

Attention homebrewers: The 2010 Maryland Microbrewery Festival will be held Saturday, September 25th at Union Mills Homestead in Westminster. For the third year, the festival will feature a homebrew competition. Entries must be received between August 30th and September 11th. Info and registration at http://home.comcat.net/~midnighthomebrewers.

Thursday, August 5th: First Ever Release of Fordham Saison – $4 commemorative glassware and $1 additional pours. 4-6pm. www.ramsheadtavern.com.

Friday August 6th: Heavy Seas Beer Tasting at Fenwick Beer and Wine, Silver Spring – 4-7pm. 301-650-5770 or www.fenwickbeerandwine.com.

Saturday, August 7th: Draft Tasting at Gilly’s Craft Beer and Fine Wine, Rockville – On Tap will be Fruli Strawberry, Crispin Apple Cider, Mama's Yellow Pils, Weyerbacher Insanity Barleywine. John from Legends will be there to sample and tell you all about these fabulous beers. 2-5pm. 301-770-5155 or www.gillyscbfw.com.

Wednesday, August 11th: Scottish Beer and Scotch Dinner at Victoria Gastropub, Columbia – 6:30pm. More info at 410-750-1880 or http://victoriagastropub.com.

Thursday, August 12th through Sunday, the 15th: Max’s World Famous Rare and Obscure, Part 3 – They’ve pulled out some real gems for this one. Casks on the 12th, and drafts and bottle s for the 13th and 14th. 410-675-6297 or www.maxs.com.

Friday August 13th: Laughing Dog Beer Tasting at Fenwick Beer and Wine, Silver Spring – 4-7pm. 301-650-5770 or www.fenwickbeerandwine.com.

Friday, August 13th: Friday the Firkteenth at TBonz, Ellicott City – At least 4 firkins to choose from so get here early to raise your glass to the freshest beer known! 410-461-4748 or www.tbonzgrille.com.

Tuesday, August 17th: Beer Club at Lure’s Bar and Grille, Crownsville – Featuring Evolution Brewing. 6-8pm. 410-923-1606 or www.luresbarandgrille.com.

Friday, August 20th: Heavy Seas Sampling at Columbia Liquors– Stop in for a free sampling of Heavy Seas beers and take some home with you. 5-8pm. 410-997-8151.

Friday, August 20th and Saturday, the 21st: Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival – A family culinary extravaganza complete with thousands of crabs, delicious beers and wines, and other mouth-watering delicious seafood. The show will feature live music, arts and crafts, exhibits, fun kid's activities and carnival rides, lots of spices, and a breathtaking view of the Potomac River. Admission packages range from $20 - $75. For more information call 800-830-3976. www.beerandoyster.com or www.mdcrabfest.com.

Saturday, August 21st: Heavy Seas Sampling at Beltway Liquors, Towson– Free sampling of Heavy Seas products. Terry from the brewery will be there to answer all your beer related questions. 1-4pm.

Saturday August 21st and Sunday, the 22nd: Augustoberfest in Hagerstown – A tribute to the area's rich German heritage, which supports scholarships for exchange students to Hagerstown's Sister City - Wesel, Germany. Enjoy Bavarian food, entertainment, and beer. Headlining the show is die Schlauberger, the Heidi and Heimat Echo Band and Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein. All of our entertainment offers a glimpse into German culture and folklore through authentic music, dance and songs. The popular Alphorn will be back as well. Details at www.augustoberfest.org.

Tuesday, August 24th: Heavy Seas’ Mutiny Fleet Prosit Release at Max’s – Come to Max's for their Tuesday night Beer Social. They’ll be celebrating the release of the Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet Prosit! As an extra special bonus they'll be bringing an oak cask of Loose Cannon. 6-9pm. 410-675-6297 or www.maxs.com.

Friday, August 27th: Heavy Seas Social at Koopers, Baltimore – Join founder, Hugh Sisson, for a rooftop beer social. Tapas paired with Heavy Seas beers in an intimate setting. This is a ticketed event and reservations are very limited. 6-8pm. Call Koopers for tickets and details at 410-563-5423. www.koopers.com.

Friday, August 27th: Heavy Seas Sampling at Normandy, Ellicott City – Stop in for free samples of Heavy Seas products at Normandy Liquors. 5-7pm. 410-465-4262.

Saturday, September 11th: DuClaw Real Ale Fest in Bel Air – Enjoy unlimited samples of cask-conditioned ales from 15 renowned craft breweries, an amazing free food buffet, and live music from the band Acoustically Sound. $45 per person, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit FARM. Tickets at http://realalefest.com.
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New Jersey

Friday, July 30th: Beer Wars - First of the Finals at High Street Grill, Mount Holly – Who will be the victor, Allagash or Unibroue? You decide. Stop by at 7pm to find out. $25. 609-265-9199 or www.highstreetgrill.net.

Saturday, July 31st: Robert Crays Blues Brews & BBQ at House of Blues Atlantic City – The musical styling of five-time Grammy Award Winner, Robert Cray, Food Network favorites Pat and Gina Neely, hosts of Down Home with the Neely's--with irrepressible brother, Tony--and the flavor of 25 craft beers will liven up the Atlantic City Beach this summer. Enjoy great BBQ while jamming to the undefineable music of Robert Cray, and sample some of the best craft beer made by man. 1-4pm. 609-343-4064 or www.harrahs.com/acfoodandwine/#[object%20Object].

Saturday, August 7th: Beer Wars at High Street Grill, Mount Holly – This round is Heavy Seas v Weyerbacher. You decide the winner. Stop by at 7pm to find out. $25. 609-265-9199 or www.highstreetgrill.net.

Friday, August 13th through Sunday, the 15th: 2nd Annual NJ Beer and Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg – Spend a day or the whole weekend as you sample your favorite brews, discover a variety of new flavorful beers, enjoy great food ranging from an all-out BBQ feast to a 4-course gourmet meal, party to all your favorite music, take part in a seminar/beer tasting competition, participate in the Brews and Birdies Golf Tournament and much more. Full schedule of events at 973-827-5996 x3 or http://crystalgolfresort.com.

Tuesday, August 17th: Abita Brewery Beer Dinner at Brickwall Tavern, Asbury Park – Brickwall's 3rd Beer Dinner is right around the corner, and this time, they went down to the bayou to bring back Louisiana's own Abita. They'll be finishing the evening off with their very own root beer for dessert. $50 plus tax and gratuity. 7-9pm. 732-774-1264 or www.brickwalltavern.com.
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Southeastern PA

Friday, July 30th: Sly Fox Beer Sampling –Stop in to taste some great beers, and help put the "Canned" beer myth to rest. 4-6pm. 215-468-6891 or www.bellbeverage.com.

Friday, July 30th: Cask Ale Night at Bulls Head Public House, Lititz – Including Sixpoint Righteous Ale and Tröegs Pale Ale. 5-8pm. 717-626-2125 or www.bullsheadpublichouse.com.

Saturday, July 31st: Rarities at Blue Dog Tavern – Join in at Blue Dog Tavern for some of the rare beers they’ve acquired, including Mikkellers IBU 1000, Pretty Things Saint Botolph's Town, Stillwater Cellar Door, Olivers/Stillwater Channel Crossing, Voodoo-Stillwater Jungle de Rues, and more. 11am-11pm. 215-997-9988 or ww.bluedog.cc.

Saturday, July 31st: Victory/Sixpoint Mad Decent Block Party – From noon to 8pm, Victory and Sixpoint take over the taps of The Institute, Mad Decent takes over the block, and Charlie brings their "sprinkler room" out for everyone to cool off in. (A 12x12x12 "room" of pvc pipes with holes drilled in to create a multi-directional shower of cool water.) On tap :Victory Sunrise Weiss, Whirlwind Wit, Lager, Hop Devil, Donnybrooke Stout, and of course, Golden Monkey. NYC will be doing the same thing with Sixpoint taking over the taps. 267-318-7772 or www.institutebar.com.

Tuesday, August 3rd: Bullfrog Dinner with Brewer and Owners – Join Tap and Table in Emmaus for this awesome event and taste a few of the incredibly delicious brews from Bullfrog. Five courses and five beers for $70. 7-9pm. 610-965-1009 or www.tapandtable.com.

Wednesday, August 4th: Summer Picnic with Lancaster Brewing Company at Spinnerstown Hotel – A summer picnic buffet featuring pulled pork barbeque, Italian sausage and peppers, Cajun crispy fried frog legs, beer barbequed baby back ribs, burgers, hotdogs, bratwurst, snow crab clusters, potato salad, macaroni salad, fresh fruit salad, and strawberry cheese torts. Accompanied by delicious Lancaster beers. 7-9pm. $40. Reservations at 215-536-7242. www.spinnerstownhotel.com.

Friday, August 6th: Weyerbacher Sampling at Bell’s Beverage – Stop in to Bell Beverage to sample beers with Joe Sixpack. 4-6pm. 215-468-6891 or www.bellbeverage.com.

Friday, August 6th: Yards at Blue Dog, Lansdale – Yards Brewing Co will offer samples and discounted glasses of their finest draft beers, including Philadelphia Pale Ale, ESA, Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, Saison, a firkin of IPA Dry-Hopped with Simcoe. Giveaways while they last. 5-7pm. 215-368-6620 or www.bluedog.cc.

Thursday, August 12th: Rogue Brewing Co Brew & Chew – Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse will be hosting the Rogue Brewing Co's Brew & Chew from 8-10pm. A 2 hour Rogue Brewing Co open bar where they will pair Rogue Brewing Company's Somer Orange Honey Ale, Morimoto Soba Ale, Dead Guy Ale, and Chipotle Ale, with four different tapas-style appetizers. $15 through phillybrewandchew.com or Upcomingevents.com to be paid at the door and you just need to sign up to be included. 215-665-9500 or www.phillybrewandchew.com.

Friday, August 13th: British Ales Sampling at Bell’s Beverage – Stop in to Bell Beverage to sample beers with Joe Sixpack. 4-6pm. 215-468-6891 or www.bellbeverage.com.

Friday, August 13th: Friday, the Firkteenth at Grey Lodge – Details at 215-825-5357 or www.greylodge.com.

Wednesday, August 18th: Green Flash/St. Feuillien Tasting at Union Jack’s, Boyertown – Come out and try these two great breweries collaborative brew: St-Feuillien Green Flash Bière De L'Amitié. Other St. Feuillien and Green Flash brews on draught as well. 5pm-midnight. 610-689-0189 or www.unionjacksmanatawny.com.

Friday, August 20th: California Crafts Sampling at Bell’s Beverage – Stop in to Bell Beverage to sample beers with Joe Sixpack. 4-6pm. 215-468-6891 or www.bellbeverage.com.

Friday, August 27th: Flying Fish Sampling at Bell’s Beverage – Stop in to Bell Beverage to sample beers with Joe Sixpack. 4-6pm. 215-468-6891 or www.bellbeverage.com.

Saturday, August 28th: Stoudt’s Annual Microfest – Come on down to Stoudt's Biergarten for their 19th Annual Microbrew Festival. Sample some of the best beers the industry has to offer in your very own festival tasting glass. Soak up those delicious beers with Ed's "Best of the Wurst" German-style buffet, including German sausages, red kraut, potato and pasta salad, and a nice assortment of Eddie's Breads from the Wonderful Good Market. $30 also gets you entertainment and a free shuttle to and from all of the local hotels. Noon to 4pm or 7-11pm. 717-484-4387 or www.stoudtsbeer.com.
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Virginia

Saturday, July 31st: Rogue Fest at Capital Ale House, Midlothian – The celebration begins at 11am and continues throughout the day. Capital Ale House will feature over 20 of Rogue’s finest craft brews on draught, beer tastings, beer flights, and growlers to take home your favorite brews. Door prizes every half hour for Rogue apparel and schwag plus 3000 Pacific Oysters will be flown in for the occasion. 804-822-3073 or www.capitalalehouse.com.

Wednesday, August 4th: Oskar Blues Beer Dinner at Tuscarora Mills, Leesburg – Featuring the Gordon, the Gubna, Old Chub, and, of course, one of their favorites Dale's Pale Ale. 7pm. $75 inclusive. 703-771-9300 or www.tuskies.com.

Thursday, August 5th: Oskar Blues Beer Dinner at Magnolia’s at the Mill, Purcellville – Five courses for $80 inclusive. 7-9pm. Details/reservations at 540-338-9800 or shawn@magnoliasmill.com. www.magnoliasmill.com.

Tuesday, August 10th: Bells Small Plates and Beer Tasting at Vintage 51 in Chantilly – 7-9:30pm. 703-722-2844 or www.vintage51sr.com.

Saturday, August 14th: Microfestivus at Elmwood Park, Roanoke – Sample from 30 breweries and enjoy food, bands, and related vendors. Noon to 6pm. Direct questions at microfestivus@squaresociety.org. http://microfestivus.squaresociety.org.

Thursday, August 19th: Belgium Comes to Fredericksburg – Steve Cardello from Ommegang/Duvel will host an all day event featuring Belgian and Belgian style beers, beginning at 2pm. Eight total beers from Ommegang, Maredsous, Chimay, La Chouffe, and The Bruery will be tapped and paired with an assortment of hors d'oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Rebecca Jordan. Menu includes; Smoked Salmon, House-made Spicy Sausage, and a variety of complementary cheeses. $30. Seating with access to special menu and host will be limited. All beers will be available in the restauraunt as well. 2pm-midnight. 540-371-2337 or www.capitalalehouse.com.

Saturday, August 21st: Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival in Roseland – The 2nd Annual Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival combines music, beer and the beauty of Nelson County. Sixteen craft beers from Blue Mountain, South Street, Starr Hill, and Devils Backbone will be available for purchase in full and sampler portions. This year's music line-up features nine bands including Ivan Neveille's Dumpstaphunk (New Orleans), Devon Allman's Honeytribe and region favorites William Walter & Company. General admission advance tickets $20; Taphouse Tent Package $30; Child ticket $10 (Ages 5 to 13; Children 4 and under are free). Noon to 9pm. http://brewridgetrail.com.

September 9th: Heavy Seas Beer Dinner at Jefferson Hotel, Richmond – Hosted by founder Hugh Sisson. The menu is still in the works but you may call them directly for details and reservation info at 800-424-8014. 6-9pm. www.jeffersonhotel.com.

Saturday, October 2nd: Shirlington Oktoberfest – Beer, food, music, fun, lederhosen. Noon to 7pm a the Village at Shirlington in Arlington. $25. www.capcitybrew.com/oktoberfest10.php.
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West Virginia

Saturday, August 7th: Good Zoo Brew at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling – 30 beers from more than a dozen different styles will be on hand from brewers such as Anchor, Breckenridge, Chimay, Great Lakes, Sierra Nevada, and Starr Hill. Harpoon Brewery will be sending a brewer to discuss the brewing process and answer any questions. Two live bands, heavy appetizers, a commemorative mug, and the ability to buy mix-and-match 6-packs of the beers on hand. $35 in advance or $40 at the door. 7-10pm. All proceeds go toward supporting the mission of the Good Zoo.
304-243-4027. Tickets and more detail at http://zoobrew.ovconnect.org.

Friday, August 13th: Snowshoe Mountain's Blues, Brews & BBQ – Smokin' barbeque, frosty brews and soulful blues, comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and mountain breezes provides the perfect mountaintop get away. The event ignites Friday night with a Subaru Tailgate Party in the Village including blues music that will continue throughout the smoky weekend. The main event takes place Saturday from 2-6 pm. Enjoy saucy barbeque, sample beers from the region's best brewers, and kick back with some zesty blues. Sunday offers more craft sessions and the Slow Brew Breakfast at the Junction's Sunday brunch. More info at 877-441-4FUN or www.snowshoemtn.com.

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