In recent years, it has become increasingly clear to natives and visitors alike that North Carolina has one of the fastest growing craft beer scenes in the southeast, or perhaps the country. New breweries are popping up left and right, most bars and restaurants have an array of local brews from their areas and beyond, and we’ve designated a full month to celebrating one of the greatest beverages around. April is North Carolina Beer Month, and there are hundreds of events across the state ranging from beer specials and exclusive tastings, festivals and parties, lessons in beer-making and brewery tours, and even beer dinners. With so much going on, it’s hard to decide what to do — so we rounded up 12 NC Beer Month events happening in every corner of the state that we don’t think you should miss.

For the full list of NC Beer Month events, visit ncbeermonth.com.

Golden Effects with Beer and Watercolor Workshop • Asheville • April 7
Explore your artistic side on National Beer Day (April 7) and create beautiful painted landscapes, using dark beer and watercolor as your mediums. River’s Edge Studio & 310 Art Gallery in Asheville will host this unique event from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Admission is $90 and includes all materials.

Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Beer Education Series • Greensboro • April 13, 20, 27
Every Wednesday in April from 6-8 p.m., Gibb’s Hundred Brewing will pick a style of beer and discuss its origins, ingredients, and characteristics. As admission, attendees are asked to bring one bottle of an example of the style of beer showcased that week. After sampling a taste of each beer, the group will consider their similarities and differences. To find out the beer of the week, contact the brewery at (336) 763-7087.

Bull City Burger & Brewery Hosts Paired Tastings • Durham • April 8, 15, 22, 29
Bull City Burger & Brewery in Durham is celebrating NC Beer Month by releasing a special new brew each Friday in April, and pairing each special release with a signature bite. These unique beers will be limited, so make sure you get a taste before they’re gone!

Wilmington Brewery Showcase • Wilmington • April 9
From 6-9 p.m., you can sample Wilmington’s best breweries at the Wilmington Brewery Showcase. Ticket-holders get the opportunity to sip creations and chat with local brewers in an intimate setting, enjoy live music from bluegrass trio Stray Local, and choose from a number of food trucks on-site. Come out and celebrate the Port City’s rapidly growing beer scene.

4th Annual Bull City Food & Beer Experience • Durham • April 10
DPAC and Sam’s Quik Shop, together with Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom, founded the Bull City Food & Beer Experience in 2013. Their goal remains to stimulate and educate your palate and mind through the pairing of local food and great brews. This year will showcase more than 30 Durham restaurants and premier craft and import breweries. For $80, socialize on DPAC’s stage and sample some of the best food and drink pairings Durham has to offer.

Ales for Autism at NoDa Brewing • Charlotte • April 16
April may be NC Beer Month, but it is also Autism Awareness Month. Now in its third year, Ales for Autism raises money and awareness for families struggling with the challenges of autism. Charlotte is urging other communities across the country to join in this effort. Admission starts at $20 and will benefit Autism Charlotte, so come enjoy craft beers for a great cause.

14th Annual Hickory Hops • Hickory • April 16
From 1-6 p.m., the Hickory Hops Brewer’s Festival will feature handcrafted beer from more than 50 microbreweries, and live entertainment outside of Olde Hickory Station Restaurant. Grab advance tickets online for $30 (plus fees) or in-person for $35 (cash only) at Olde Hickory Tap Room, Olde Hickory Station, or Amos Howards before April 16, or get tickets at the gate for $40 (also cash only). Come see who will claim the title of Carolina Championship of Beers!

A Craft Beer Dinner • Charlotte • April 21
The chefs at Leroy Fox are preparing a special three-course meal paired with three hand-selected craft beers to celebrate NC Beer Month. To kick off the festivities, there will be a bonus beer and bacon flight upon your arrival. The dinner will be from 7-10 p.m. and admission is $50 per person. Click here to reserve your spot today.

Brewgaloo Festival • Raleigh • April 22-23
Brewgaloo features craft breweries from all over the state, food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment. Tickets for Friday night’s sampler event from 6-10 p.m. are $45 per person (21+) and will be limited, so be sure to secure your tickets beforehand. Admission to Saturday’s event from 2-10 p.m. is free and will feature more than 75 North Carolina breweries pouring pints or tastes, more than 50 food trucks, plus dozens of local vendors and bands. Saturday’s festivities will be fun for the whole family.

Brews & Bubbles at the Greensboro Science Center • Greensboro • April 23
Brews & Bubbles is an adult-only (21+) event at the Greensboro Science Center. Guests can explore the aquarium, museum, and outdoor zoo as they sip from a souvenir sample glass an assortment of beers, wines, and hard ciders, and snack on hors d’oeuvres. Brews & Bubbles will also feature entertainment, additional food items, and bottles of wine available for purchase. Admission is $45 per person, and proceeds will go toward supporting the Greensboro Science Center’s conservation efforts.

Waterline’s 1st Annual Bike Ride & Scavenger Hunt • Wilmington • April 30
To celebrate the last day of NC Beer Month, join Waterline Brewing Co.’s first annual group bicycle ride. Bike enthusiasts will meet at the brewery and take off for a bike-riding scavenger hunt adventure! Mountain, road, and beach cruiser bikes are welcome. After the hunt, riders and patrons can enjoy an after-party of live music and food trucks outside of Waterline Brewing Co.

Third Annual Sharpen the Blades Saison Fest • Asheville • April 30
Burial Beer Co. presents the Third Annual Sharpen the Blades Saison Fest on the last day of NC Beer Month. This fest will feature saisons from more than 30 breweries across the state. The event begins at 2 p.m., but there will be a prerelease from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. of The Garden of Earthly Delights Saison in 750 ml bottles. The best part? If you purchase a bottle during this time, you will automatically be able to purchase the $8 entry to the festival, which will allow you to head right in at 2 p.m.