HUG A FARMER

Farmers markets across the state have gained recognition from Gov. Christine Gregoire, through her proclamation of August 2-8 as Washington Farmers Market Week. The Tacoma Farmers Markets have supported local farmers and brought fresh produce to our community for the past 20 years. Go to wafarmersmarkets.com, find a farmers market, then head out and hug a farmer.

WINE PARTY

Brix 25 (7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor) hosts a meet and greet with the folks from Mercer estates winery with plenty of tastings 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 for $30 a head. Reserve your spot at 253.858.6626.

BEER HISTORY

The Harmon Brewery & Eatery (1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) will celebrate its 1000^th batch of beer with an all-day party Saturday, Aug. 7 hosted by long-time owner Pat Nagle. Festivities will include free T-shirts to the first 100 people, $3 pints, a special food menu, complimentary samples of the 1000^th brew, a meet and greet with the brewers from 3-5 p.m. and live music from 7-10 p.m.

WINE FESTIVAL

The Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival featuring Top Chef Fabio Viviana battling a local chef in a cook-off, plus 35 wineries, local restaurants and food businesses will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor. Tickets are $75 a person. Grab yours at 253.858.6722.

SALMON BAKE

The Browns Point Salmon Bake will celebrate its 64^th anniversary from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 7-8 with salmon baked on cedar spits on the shores of Commencement Bay at the Browns Point Improvement Club, 5125 Tok A Lou Ave. in Northeast Tacoma.

BEER DRINKERS UNITE

The Red Hot, Parkway Tavern, Doyles Public House, The Swiss, Meconi's Tacoma Pub & Eatery and Engine House No. 9 are all tapping fresh casks Monday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. as part of Tacoma Tap Night.

WINE MIXER

Justin Basel of Basel Cellars will visit Swing Wine Bar (825 Columbia St. SW, Olympia) 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11  to pair five wines with light appetizers for $30 per person.

NOSH LEAGUE

Beer likes company, so the Nosh League will hold its next nosh pit inside the Engine House No. 9 for a beer and cheese tasting Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Weekly Volcano Grocery Stories columnist Kris Blondin will sift through her knowledge of cheese to find a few friends for several lucky beers, picked by Tacoma brewmaster Doug Tiede. The cost is $15 per person, which includes tip. Join the Nosh League here, and then RSVP for the event.

DEAL

Every Tuesday night Harmon Brewery & Eatery serves a 6-ounce sirloin steak or half pound of rib tips - both on a bed of fries - for $5. Check it at 1938 Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma.

TIGHTWAD TUESDAY

Every Tuesday Hell's Kitchen serves $2 tacos, $2 wells and $2 beers. Get on it at 928 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

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