THURSDAYS RULE

Engine House No. 9 (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma) celebrates not one but two upcoming eves of big brew festivity. First, Charles Finkle of Pike Brewing drops in during 4-6 p.m. happy hour Thursday, Dec. 12 with loads of holiday style flavor in his 2012 Old Bawdy Barley Wine. Second, E-9 celebrates again on Thursday at its annual Snow Cru Release Party Dec. 19. Expect to sip on rhubarb, blackberry and golden berry sours plus guest winter brews.

WINTER MENU

Dirty Oscar's (2309 Sixth Ave.) released its winter menu with new nibbles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Peruse the menu at dirtyoscarsannex.com.

DICKENS FESTIVAL

Enjoy Victorian Era festivities at the Dickens Festival Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 in Tacoma's Stadium District. A Dickens Ball dinner, silent auction a dance will anchor the festival at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Dine on a delicious array of food and drink while listening to entertainment provided by Valse Cafe Orchestra and marveling at the Tacoma skyline from Tacoma historical landmark David's on Broadway (539 Broadway, Tacoma). Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for children. To reserve your ticket, contact Diana Schroader at 253.324.5212 or dianaschroader@gmail.com.

BREWERS NIGHT

Pint Defiance (2049 Mildred St. W., Tacoma) welcomes 10 Barrel Brewing for a night of swag, hops and fun 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Pray for Snow Winter Ale, the Stone/10 Barrel Suede Imperial Porter and, for the first time out of its Bend, Ore. home, Gargantuan Imperial Red Ale will be on tap. 10 Barrel Brewing is known for its philosophy encompassing both scientific and artistic expressions of brewing.

GINGERFEST

Tacoma Brewing Co. (625 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma) will celebrate GingerFest 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Enjoy the flavors of its three original adult ginger ales - Silver Ginger, Golden Ginger and Big n Spicy Ginger - plus a few compelling potions using their ginger ales, at the newly transformed Tacoma Triangle District pub. More details to be announced as the date approaches.