May is a happening month for beer. Warmer weather means outdoor festivals, and American Craft Beer Week (May 11 -17) heats up the scene as well. In the mood for beer and bands? How about a chocolate pairing? Options abound when it comes to beer and fun this month in Colorado. Read on for May’s most exciting events. 

Fortuna Release Party at Avery Brewing

Photo courtesy of Avery Brewing's Facebook page

Photo courtesy of Avery Brewing’s Facebook page

Where: Avery Brewing Company, 4910 Nautilus Ct., Boulder

When: Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.

Cost: Free to attend, individual bottles available for purchase for $12

The Low Down: Sour beer alert! Avery is releasing Fortuna, No. 28 in its Barrel-Aged Series. It has been aged in Suerte Tequila barrels for nine months, then added fresh lime zest and Maldon salt. Avery’s brand new facility just opened at the beginning of 2015, so hang out and enjoy the ambiance, sip a beer and grab a bite at its new restaurant.

 

Session Kitchen’s May the 4th Be With You Beer Dinner 

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Photo Courtesy of Session Kitchen

Where: Session Kitchen, 1518 S. Pearl St., Denver

When:  Monday, May 4, 6 p.m.

Cost: $65/person, call 720-763-3387 to book a reservation

The Low Down: Session Kitchen is hosting its 2nd annual Star Wars themed bash. The evening includes a costume contest with prizes, swag and photo booth for fan photos. There will be beer from New Belgium: slow ride session IPA, pear ginger beer, le terroir dry hopped sour ale, oatmeal IPA and oscar worthy coffee on nitro, and Lagunitas Brewing: daytime session IPA, Waldos’ special ale, imperial wheatwine ale, equinox ale and high west-ified imperial coffee stout.

Menu highlights from Chef Scott Parker’s Star Wars inspired menu include: green fal-hoth-el balls, aleppo chili citrus rubbed whole roasted lamb, cavatelli from the mustafar pasta bar and the death star croquembouche for dessert.

 

 

New Brew Fest Boulder County

Photo courtsey of New Brew Fest website

Photo courtsey of New Brew Fest website

Where: Whistlestop Park, 1st Ave. & Murray St Niwot

When:  Saturday, May 9th, 1-5 p.m. (12 p.m. for VIP ticket holders)

Cost: $40-85, click here for tickets

The Low Down: New Brew Fest – Boulder County is a festival of 30 local craft breweries and cideries, all of which are located in Boulder County. Around 100 beers will be served, and there will be local music and food at the festival as well. Attendees are also invited to stick around for the After Hours Party at Bootstrap Brewing Co. from 5-10 p.m.

 

The Upslope Get Down

The Upslope Get Down 2014. Photo courtesy of Upslope's Facebook page

The Upslope Get Down 2014. Photo courtesy of Upslope’s Facebook page

Where: Upslope Brewing Company, 1898 S. Flatiron Court, Boulder

When:  Saturday, May 16, 1 p.m.-12 a.m.

Cost: Free to attend. Click here for $55 VIP tickets

The Low Down: Attention music and beer lovers: Upslope Brewing in Boulder is ready to party at the second annual Upslope Get Down. The festivities will take place in the back parking lot with eight bands on two stages for continuous music all day long, with its core lineup of Upslope brews and food by local food trucks. Can’t find a babysitter? Children are welcome to climb the rock wall or make their own hula hoops in the Kid’s Zone (1-5 p.m.).

 

Beer and Chocolate Pairing

Photo courtesy of Copper Kettle's website

Photo courtesy of Copper Kettle’s website

Where: Copper Kettle Brewing Company,  1338 S. Valentia St. #100, Denver

When: Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m.

Cost: $20 per person, click here for tickets

The Low Down: Enjoy a four course beer and chocolate pairing in the private event room at Copper Kettle. The brewery is teaming up with Cacao Girl Chocolates, harvested from the Cacao Girl Farms in Papaikou, Hawaii. While the full pairing details have not been revealed, some of the Cacao Girl flavors include: hibiscus honey, mango mint, blueberry lavender, maple bacon potato chip, noir bar, smoked salted stout and passion spice.

 

Burning Can 2015

Photo courtesy of Oskar Blues' website

Photo courtesy of Oskar Blues’ website

Where: Bohn Park, 219 2nd Ave, Lyons

When: Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.

Cost: $45-60, click here for tickets

The Low Down: It’s a full day of music, beer sports, camping and canned beer from some of the country’s top breweries at Oskar Blues Brewery’s 4th annual Burning Can ExtravCANza. This outdoor festival has plenty to offer its guests, including a climbing wall, cornhole tournament and The Beer Relay, the first ever beer drinking and trail running race.