The Week in Beer: It's the Time of the Season

Fall is bringing with it some monster beers.

You may have noticed a change recently. Not in the weather necessarily, but perhaps in the taps of your local barroom or the shelves of your favorite retailer. Pumpkin beers. Oktoberfests. Brown ales. The sure signs of fall may be a wee bit ahead of the elements, but they portend shorter days and cooler nights ahead. Best to get out and enjoy the dwindling days of fun in the sun while you still can. Here's where to go and what to do, courtesy of your latest Week in Beer.

Thursday, September 5

» To everything, there is a season. Turn toward Ashley's, 338 S. State, where beginning at 6 p.m. they’re welcoming in Bell’s fall seasonal, Best Brown Ale, with a tap event also featuring Amber Ale, Lager of the Lakes, Two Hearted Ale, Le Pianiste, Roundhouse Imperial Red Ale, Cherry Stout, Wedding Ale, Octoberfest, and Bourbon Barrel Aged Batch 9000 Ale.

Friday, September 6

» Free beer and Michigan football. I don’t know about you, but those are two of my favorite things. The only thing better would be if you could somehow combine the two and OH NO THEY DI’INT EXCEPT YES THEY DID. From 7-10 p.m., you’ll want to meander over to 312 Berkley Ave., die-rectly across from Michigan Stadium, for a special evening at the awesomest tailgating spot ever, known as MGoPatio. There you will meet former Michigan football studs like Marlin Jackson and Chris Perry as they schmooze on behalf of Marlin’s Fight for Life Foundation, which helps disadvantaged youths. It’s free to mingle (and to drink the Wolverine State Brewing beer), though of course unless you’re some kind of cad, you’ll donate something to help Marlin in his mission. All the details are here.

» Toga! Toga! That’s right, fellow Faberians, it’s a toga party at the Wolverine tap room, 2019 W. Stadium, with local favorites Dragon Wagon (and special guests the Womack Family Band) playing the role of Otis Day and the Knights. Put on your best bedsheet, er, Roman toga, and get in on the fun beginning at 8 p.m. And remember: Knowledge is good.

Saturday, September 7

» If you still haven’t had enough Wolverine, drop by in the afternoon for live music from Third Coast Kings, and stick around for the 8 p.m. kickoff as the Michigan Wolverines take on the Notre Dame Fig Things. Meanwhile, enjoy the new Bluewater Light Lager for just $2 for a 15 oz. pour or $3 for 22 oz.

» Over at the Farmers Market, the Homegrown Festival returns for its sixth year of locally produced food, drink, and music. Of particular interest to this column’s readership is the fact that one can enjoy libations from Arbor Brewing, Chelsea Alehouse, Wolverine, Witch’s Hat Brewing, and Unity Vibration. Get the full scoop here.

Sunday, September 8

» The last Halcyon Sundaze of the season is on at the Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti, from 2-9 p.m. And it’s all about bees! What? You heard right. Enjoy a special honey beer and dig vendors selling honey, beeswax, candles, balms, t-shirts, beekeeping equipment, and other bee-related things. Heck, there’s a whole lot of bee business going on; read about it here. Oh, and also music and stuff.

Wednesday, September 11

» What do you mean you don't yet have a copy of Ann Arbor Beer: A Hoppy History of Tree Town Brewing? Have you been sick? Out of the country? Never mind, you have another chance at Morgan & York, 1928 Packard, beginning at 7 p.m. when yours truly drops by to sign copies and sample some beers. Don't miss out!

Thursday, September 12

» The annual Suds on the River fundraiser for the Huron River Watershed Council is happening beginning at 6 p.m. at the home of Mary and Bill Kinley in Dexter. Tickets are $75 for HRWC members and $100 for nonmembers and include beer from Arbor, Blue Tractor, Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, Witch’s Hat, and Wolverine, along with food from about a zillion local restaurants. Check it here.

» At 6:30 p.m., Captain Joe’s Grill, 9901 N. Main, Whitmore Lake, is turning the taps over to Arbor Brewing. Weather permitting, dig Strawberry Blonde Ale, the new Violin Monster Autumn Ale, and others outside on the patio.

» Recently I encountered a fetching lass hailing from California. She was here on business and delighted to partake of some of the many beers Michigan has to offer. If only she could have stuck around for the Michigan Made beer tasting at Arbor Brewing, 114 E. Washington, then she really could have experienced something! Well, for those of us left behind, there’s more than two dozen brews from around the state, along with a tasty appetizer buffet and swanky prizes. The awesomeness lasts from 7-9 p.m. and costs $25 in advance, or $30 the day of. Call 734-213-1393 or buy at the brewpub.

Notes on the Napkin

• Wolverine’s top-selling Gulo Gulo India Pale Lager is hitting store shelves this week, but while you’re waiting to pick some out, check it out in the current issue of Draft magazine. Also, the Premium Lager is available in tailgate-friendly cans from the tap room as of Friday.