Seattle International Beerfest

It is the official Drink of Summer.©®™ (Or so SW now decrees.) Meaning, of course, beer, the subject of this weekend’s Seattle International Beerfest. Do you need more reason to celebrate it? Do you need more reason to drink it? Of course not—though the three-day fest features over 100 reasons (i.e., specialty beer labels) for your sudsy consumption. Oenophiles may scoff at such unfettered, open-air quaffing (that, plus no spitting), but beer geeks surely know how to concoct more amusing brand names than wine snobs: Double Bastard, Chocolate Oak-Aged Yeti, Double Dead Guy, Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale… we have no idea what they taste like, but what fun to try. Between rounds, you can enjoy chess, backgammon, and darts. (Warning: After downing more than six consecutive pints, maybe you should avoid the darts.) Music acts include the Haggis Brothers (8:30 p.m.), though haggis will not be served, thank God. (Instead, Hot Dog Joe will offer various barbecue items.) No kids. Dogs welcome. A cab ride, or staggering home under your own power, is strongly encouraged afterward. (Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater, 21 and over, www.seattlebeerfest.com.) BRIAN MILLER
July 3-5, 12-10 p.m., 2009