As detailed in my last post, Bristol has definitely upped its game in the past 12 months in terms of its beer offerings.
However, in addition to the many bars you can now choose from to educate yourself in all things ale and beer related (my original bar list is Here) there are also plenty of events coming up in the next few weeks to further cement your love of all beverages borne of the barley and hops. Here is my selection of the ones to make a note of.
Wild Beer takeover at The Barley Mow (Wed 11th Sept)
You’ve only got a day’s notice, but surely this is a no brainer anyway. One of the South West’s most exciting breweries is taking over the taps at The Barley Mow for one evening, so there’s no better time to sample all of the exciting range they have to offer; highlights include Shnoodlepip (brewed with passion fruit), Epic Saison and Bliss (brewed with roasted apricots). Talk to the brewers, drink all the beer. Job done. There will be a similar event with the imitable Moor Brewing Co. in November. Further details can be found Here.
Credit: BeerfortheWeekend
Factorberfest at the Tobacco Factory (13th-15th Sept)
3 days of music, food stalls, activities and of course, lots and lots of beer – over 60 varieties in fact. The event is mostly to showcase beverages from the South West but there are also some great beers from further afield on offer. More info on the Tobacco Factory’s website Here.
Beese’s 8th Beerfest (13th-14th Sept)
Not just a purveyor of cream teas, Beese’s Tea Gardens is hosting its annual beer festival, with an extensive range of ales from local breweries such as Bath Ales, Butcombe Brewery and Great Western Brewing Company, as well as plenty from other UK breweries. They’ll also be doing a fine line in ciders (well, this is Bristol) if that’s your tipple of choice. You’ll be well entertained by some great folk and rock bands over the weekend too. For more info and ticket prices, check out their website Here.
Oktoberfest at The Passenger Shed (Fri 4th Oct)
Not an event for the more discerning beer drinker, but sure to be a good party nevertheless. The experience of a German beer hall comes to Central Bristol, including a brass band, Bratwurst and over 100 trestle tables for you to bang your steins of Pilsner on. More details Here.
Stag and Hounds Music & Ale Festival (11-13th Oct)
Over 20 ales to choose from and live music from some of Bristol’s best bands; there’s no better way to see in another birthday for one of Bristol’s most raucous drinking establishments. Check out the Facebook event Here.
Bristol Beer Week (3rd-9th October)
The first ever Bristol Beer Week, and it’s looking to be a highlight of the year already. Events are taking place across the city with pubs and brewers great and small getting involved. Highlights include:
Oktoberfest @ The Three Tuns (Fri 4th Oct) – Bavaria comes to Hotwells for one night only, with famous German beers such as Hofbrau and Paulaner being served alongside similar tipples from Brewdog and beyond. Mr Meat and Bread will also be lining your stomach with some German-inspired fare. Lederhosen and Dirndls are encouraged. Further details Here.
Beef & Beer (Boiling Wells, Sat 5th Oct) – Burgers from the amazing Chomp are served alongside some fantastic beers brewed by Wiper & True, including an offering made especially for Bristol Beer Week with the Beerd Brewery. More info Here.
Bristol Vs. The World (Crofter’s Rights, 7-8th Oct) – Some of the best beers from Bristol breweries such as The Wild Beer Co. and Bristol Beer Factory will go head-to-head with some tasty international beers in some all out keg warfare. You’ll find more details Here.
Belgian Beer Essentials (Barley Mow, Wed 9th Oct) – See where it the craft beer movement all started, with talks on the different beer and hop varieties (with tasters, obviously) as well as some yummy mussels to munch on too. More comprehensive info Here.
You can see the full list of Bristol Beer Week events Here.
If you hear of any other exciting events going on in Bristol or Bath, post them in the comments section below!
Some of my other Bristol guides…
A Life Less Organised 
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