The weekend of May 3 to May 5 is definitely something to look forward to! There are two fantastic occasions taking place, and both revolve around everyone's favorite beverage – beer! Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with its “Tacos & Beer” event and Heckler Brewing Company is celebrating Oktoberfest with its “Springfest!” event. Clear off your calendar and check out the details for each event below.
Springfest! at Heckler Brewing Company
Heckler Brewing is located at 5780 Ramsey St #102 and has three days of beer, music and food lined up. The festival is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.
They are excited to announce that they are bringing back their '59 Kolsch, a beer that hasn't been available since the previous winter when it was produced as a limited trial batch. When asked to describe the ‘59 Kolsch, Rebecca Burger, Heckler’s General Manager, said, “It is a light bodied, slightly malty, light gold colored Ale (style beer) that drinks like a Lager (style beer). Kolschs are traditionally fermented by either using a warmer temperature with a lager yeast (which normally ferments at a colder temperature) or an Ale yeast fermented at a colder temperature (usually done at a warmer temperature). We use a suitable Ale yeast that allows for a cooler than usually fermentation temperature and yields a very clear and clean beer. Overall very refreshing and great for the start of warmer weather.”
Another great highlight of Springfest! will be incredible German cuisine. Indulge in a mouthwatering menu that includes beer brats simmered in their signature Kristalweizen, succulent chicken schnitzel, traditional German-style potato salad, refreshing cucumber salad, pretzels paired with delectable beer cheese, and a delightful new homemade dessert pretzel so amazing you will think you are at Oktoberfest. The ‘59 Kolsch beer and German food will be available all three days.
If you pop by on Saturday the 4th you will be treated to Bavarian music from The Fayetteville Bavarian Brass Band. Established in 1991, this band includes talented musicians from Fayetteville who specialize in playing German-American Oktoberfest "oompah" style music.
Saturday will also feature a number of contests. First up in the Best Dressed Contest for the couple, man, woman and child that has the best traditional Bavarian attire. The winners will receive Heckler Gift cards ($50 for couples, $25 for individuals, and a milkshake for kids.)
There will also be the traditional Oktoberfest contest-the stein hoisting contest where participants will see who can hold a filled 1 liter Bavarian style beer stein with their arm outstretched in front of them. The contestant's arm must remain parallel (or no less than parallel) to the floor and cannot bend their elbow. The contestant holding their stein without spilling longer than the other contestants wins. The winner gets a Heckler Gift card ($25).
For more information on this great event be sure to visit Heckler Brewing Company’s Facebook page here: https://tinyurl.com/yvk2apje They can also be reached by phone at 910-339-5505 and emailed at taproom@hecklerbeer.com.
Tacos & Beer at Dirtbag Ales
Dirtbag Ales is not giving you a one-day Cinco de Mayo celebration-they are celebrating ALL weekend. They describe their event as “a celebration of Cinco de Mayo and the beautiful unity that is beer and tacos.” They are located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills and will have different food trucks and music each day of the event as well as the relaunch of their Cerveza Buena beer.
Their Cerveza Buena beer was last available in Spring of 2023 and is described as “a Mexican Lager brewed with a hint of lime and mango. This refreshingly crisp lager is a great summer drink and will help keep you cool (4.2% ABV).” All weekend long they will be selling $5 Cerveza Buena pints to celebrate this comeback.
Check out the amazing lineup of food trucks and live music for this festive weekend:
Friday, May 3rd:
5 p.m to 10 p.m. -Food by Allisons Tacos & Hollywood Taco Shop
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. -Music by Whiskey Pines
Saturday, May 4th:
12 p.m. to 9 p.m. -Food by Allisons Tacos, El Toro Alebrije, Josef's Churro Truck, Taco Arepa
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Music by 1789
Sunday, May 5th:
9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Beer & Yoga w/ Kyle
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Dirtbag Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Food by Josef's Churro Truck, Authentique, EL Toro Alebrije, Flakis Mexi Snacks, Latin Flavours, R Burger, Taco Arepa, Vagabond
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. -Music @Guy Unger Band
For more information on the Taco & Beers event visit Dirtbag Ales Facebook page here: https://tinyurl.com/33n7n5dr They can also be reached by phone at 910-426-2537 or by email at info@dirtbagales.com