Two Very Different Events Coming to Bier Brewery in September

31 Aug Two Very Different Events Coming to Bier Brewery in September

by Mark E. Lasbury for Indiana On Tap

Bier Brewery in Indianapolis has a couple of events coming up soon. The first is yearly event that has become insanely popular, and not just because of the beer release. But the second is completely new; a dastardly twist on the dog show we all watch on TV every year. Each event is a good enough reason to make the trip, but they are different enough that you should definitely contemplate attending both.

The first occurs on September 14th, the annual Pumpkin Ale Release Party. It takes place in the front of the brewery from 6-10pm on a Friday night. Say what you want about pumpkin beers, they own the fall and millions love them. Maybe you would too if you tried Bier’s version. The parking lot will be transformed into a Fall hoedown, with autumn flowers on the tables, hay bales, fire pits, and local music.

And yet, all of those amenities don’t come close to overshadowing the main event of the evening, the release of the Pumpkin Ale, a beer so decorated that it has to hunch over from the weight of the medals around its neck. Ranked as the 16th best pumpkin beer in the world, the Pumpkin Ale most recently took gold at the Indiana Brewers Cup this year – just the most recent of its half dozen or so medals.

If you have other plans for the evening, the Pumpkin Ale will be on tap at 1pm even though the party doesn’t start until 6pm – but I just suggest you change your plans and attend the party. This beer goes fast, and the food vendors and music are always great.

The new event is called Bierminster, a fairly serious parody of the world famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. If you have visited Bier Brewery before, you know how important mutts are to the atmosphere. There are dogs there pretty much every evening, from Iditarod experienced huskies to the only know jagdterrier I know of in Indiana. Big dogs, little dogs, little dogs who think they’re big …. it’s nice to see how well they all get along.

So Jerry O’Connor, the owner of Bier thought, why not have a pure bred mutt dog show? Bierminster is the result. To be held on Sunday, September 23rd from 1-5pm, this is the chance for you and your mutt to become popular….well, let’s face it, it’s a chance for you to become popular, everyone already loves your dog. There will be several categories of judging, from best appearance for small dogs and then big dogs to some more interesting aspects, like best wiggly butt.

There will be a scent contest in the middle of the event, and a best dressed competition for dog costumes – oh, who’s kidding who, people in costumes that go with their dog’s outfit will probably score big. The other two contests will be for best strut (dogs only), and for best trick, so there are many chances for Fido to become internet famous.

The contests will take place on the half hour (or so) with awards after each group for the top three places. The brewery will open at noon, as will registration, but you can buy your tickets to the event online here and save $5. A portion of the proceeds goes to Bier’s charity partner, Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana, and each ticket gets you a bier from Bier as well.

Several pet-centric vendors will be showing off their wares and services at the event, so tell your mutt he’s a good boy and take him/her for an outing at Bier on the 23rd. This is a unique event in Indianapolis craft beer and is sure to be favorite amongst canines and humans alike.

banner image credit: Johnston County Animal Protection League