When I'm scouring the interwebs and engaging in conversation with foodies like myself, one thing becomes exceptionally clear time and time again: The South Sound really loves its beer. It's not as though I'm on the prowl specifically for hops-fueled festivities, it just so happens that there are an abundance of craft breweries and beer-inspired events here in town. And while some might wonder if we've hit full saturation, I'm inclined to say "nah, we're good!" Because there's no indication of it slowing down anytime soon.
For instance, the fifth annual Tacoma Beer Week goes down Aug. 11-18. That's right, that's one full week where you can chug, sip and gulp your way through new brew release parties, festivals, tap takeovers, brew tours and educational gatherings galore. Say, here's a few now:
Tacoma Arts Live kicks off Tacoma Beer Week in a big way with a prefunk you aren't soon to forget. Well, unless of course you indulge too much at the seventh annual Tacoma Brew Five Three. Things might get a little hazy then. More than 40 PNW beers, ciders and food vendors fill the streets on Broadway between 9th and 11th from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10. A few Tacoma breweries have concocted special-release beers that will be unveiled throughout the day even. That's more beer for your buck! Tickets are $30 in advance or $38 at the door and ticket price includes six taster tokens and tasting glass! Needless to say, one must be 21 and older to participate. To purchase tickets, call Tacoma Arts Live Box Office at 253.591.5894, toll-free 1.800.291.7593, or visit in person at 901 Broadway in Tacoma's Theater District or online at TacomaArtsLive.org
One need not be a beer geek or cheese hound to be stoked for Pint Defiance's Beer and Cheese Event, Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m. Local Cheesemonger Erica Baird, Cicerone Matt McLaren of Orcas Distributing LTD., and BJCP Certified Katie Johnson of Kulshan Brewing Company, will serve as guides through a hop- and dairy-fueled culinary adventure. This is precisely the type of event that will up your party hosting game in the future when you wow your guests with impeccable pairings. 2049 Mildred St. W., Tacoma
Peaks and Pints will be hosting a plethora of events during Tacoma Beer Week, but as a writer, the one I might be most excited about is the Dune SudsPop, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 7-9 p.m. Erik Hanberg (the man who championed Dune Peninsula, sci-fi author and Metro Park Board Commissioner) and musician, (among his many other talents) Doug Mackey, will weave tales chronicling the journey of making a homage to Frank Herbert's Dune into reality. Add Pacific Brewing & Malting Co. into the mix and you have a recipe for pure T-town brew-fueled fun.Tickets are $14 for the first 20 to RSVP. 3816 North 26th St., Basecamp Proctor, Tacoma, peaksandpints.com
Per the event page, "In honor of Tacoma Beer Week, August's installment of Steve's Drunk History, author, journalist, beer snob, Steve Dunkelberger will cover a topic dear to his heart as well as his liver to present a chat about Tacoma's beer-making history, from the pioneer days to the present.
Standard Brewing's very own Ken will be joining the fun, pouring frosty cold brews all night long! Don't miss out!" Festivities are hosted by Broken Spoke Friday, Aug. 16, 6-8 p.m. Dunkelberger's mind is like a vault hauling around a wealth of local knowledge and he's more than happy to guide attendees through Tacoma's rich, (and in this case beer-soaked) historical roots. This event is free to attend, though donations are encouraged with proceeds benefiting the Knights of Pythias. Must be 21 to attend. 1014 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma