It’s time for Seattle Beer Week, which actually has 11 days. During that time, beer lovers and brew masters will celebrate the importance of suds. Events are spread throughout the citymeaning that, wherever you live, one will be within walking distance of home (i.e., no need to drive afterward). Pub crawls, beer-tasting bike tours, dinners, and seminars are on the SBW agenda. Founded by Matthew Younts and Ian Roberts, the 3-year-old fest has a daunting schedule, with roughly a dozen events each day. Where to start? The official kickoff is tonight at Ballard’s Maritime Pacific Brewing Co. (1111 N.W. Ballard Way), which brewed this year’s official beer, a strong ale called Decompression. Maritime head brewer Corey Blodgett says, “The color is designed to remind you of the sun setting beyond the Olympics to the west.” We’ll drink to that. SONJA GROSET
Thu., May 19, 5:30 p.m.; May 20-29, 2011
