With roughly 50 breweries and brewpubs in and around the Triangle, there are plenty of places to celebrate NC Beer Month — otherwise known as April.
2018 marks the sixth year of the celebration, sponsored by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and Visit North Carolina to tap into the rising interest in beer travel.
“North Carolina’s growing craft beer industry is growing economic engine for our state,” said Gov. Roy Cooper when he made the official proclamation at Durham’s Ponysaurus Brewing. “Breweries help cities big and small by creating jobs and bringing visitors and locals together.”
The number of craft breweries in the state has more than quadrupled since 2010. According to the Brewers Association, the annual economic impact of the N.C. craft beer industry is more than $2 billion. It accounts for over $300 million in annual wages and more than 10,000 jobs.
“NC Beer Month is a celebration of our state’s brewing community and brewers,” said Andrew Lemley, executive director of the Craft Brewers Guild. “The goal is to get out there, explore a new brewery, celebrate your favorite brewer and have fun responsibly.”
Notable area events include:
Grapes, Grains, and Giving, 6-9 p.m., April 13, at Alford Mims House in Holly Springs
In its fourth year, Grapes, Grains, and Giving is the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraising event, this year benefiting the Holly Springs Food Cupboard. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000. Celebrate with local craft beers and wines, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, music, and a lively auction. hollyspringschamber.org
Yoga and Beer, 11 a.m.-noon, April 15, at Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary
Olya Carlin is known for teaching unique playful classes that are both grounding, inspiring and uplifting for the students. Class is limited to 50 participants. Please bring your own mat, or any other props you may need. Suggested donation $5 accepted on day of event, at the brewery. bondbrothersbeer.com
Cary’s Downtown Chowdown, 12:30-5 p.m., April 22, at Cary’s Downtown Park
Taste some of the best food in the Triangle or enjoy a cool beverage from craft beer and wine vendors, all while enjoying music from great local performers. townofcary.org
Make Me Laugh Comedy Tour, 7-10 p.m., April 24, at Jordan Lake Brewing in Cary
Dan Frigolette, Adam Gabel and Mia Faith Hammond on the Make Me Laugh Comedy Competition and Comedy’s Best Kept Secret Tour. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 at comedysbestkeptsecret.com.
ShakesBEER II: The Bard Strikes Back, 8 p.m., April 24 and 26, at Fortnight Brewing Company in Cary
Bare Theatre presents four ukulele-strumming, iambic pentameter-talking players portray more than 20 characters in 45 minutes of high-energy, high alcohol by volume antics designed to bring Shakespeare to bar-going audiences. The show is free, but donations are encouraged.
Brewgaloo, April 27-28, in downtown Raleigh
This two-day festival features more than 100 N.C. craft breweries, 50 local food trucks, vendors and bands on Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo
Other events and travel deals for April can be found at NCBeerMonth.com.
