If, as Benjamin Franklin said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” the Almighty must be absolutely smitten with Charleston. Since the Pop the Cap law of 2007—which upped the maximum alcohol by volume (ABV) content of beer sold in South Carolina from about six to 14 percent—the Holy City has been bubbling over with locally crafted beers. In recent years, three breweries—COAST, Holy City, and Westbrook—have hopped on the sudsy bandwagon, joining the well-established Palmetto. Meet the brew masters and check out their craft beers that have become a part of the city’s flavor.
Grab a pint at one of these fall functions
October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
Rare Beer Tuesday
Switch up your happy hour routine and stop in to the Charleston Beer Exchange on Tuesdays to fill your growler with thirst-quenching featured beers.
Charleston Beer Exchange, 14 Exchange St. Tuesday, 5 p.m. Prices vary. (843) 577-5446, www.harlestonbeerexchange.com
October 6
Oktoberfest
Don your lederhosen and join in REV Foods’ Oktoberfest celebrations, complete with live music, traditional German sausages and pretzels, and the most important element: beer. Spartan and Paulaner will be on draught.
The Royal American, 970 Morrison Dr. Saturday, noon-2 a.m. $5 entry fee. (843) 853-3524, www.closed4business.com
October 6 & 7
Gene's Outdoor Beerfest
Gene’s Haufbrau’s parking lot transforms into a block party with live bands and plenty of local and regional beers on tap.
Gene’s Haufbrau, 817 Savannah Hwy. Saturday & Sunday, noon-2 a.m. $5 entry fee. (843) 225-4363, www.geneshaufbrau.com
October 7
Charleston Battery Oktoberfest
Ready for the Roger Gootman Sauerkraut Band? Listen to live Oompah music, watch authentic German dancers, and enjoy a wide variety of German beers as Blackbaud Stadium transforms into a Bavarian-style beer hall.
Blackbaud Stadium, 1990 Daniel Island Dr. Sunday, noon-5 p.m. $8; $5 advance. (843) 971-4625, www.charlestonbattery.com
November 10
Lowcountry Hoedown
Celebrate all things Southern at this country-gathering of bluegrass bands. Fill up on barbecue, then wash it down with beer or bourbon.
The Bus Shed, 375 Meeting St. Sat-urday, 7-11 p.m. $50. (843) 619-0229, www.lowcountryhoedown.com
Year-Round
Brews Cruise
Board a minibus and taste-test Charleston’s best craft brews, cruising from one local brewery to the next.
Locations vary. Monday-Saturday, times vary. $45. (843) 860-9847, www.charlestonbrewscruise.com
Year-Round
Charleston Pub Tour
The city’s original pub tour invites guests to indulge in complementary appetizers at each historic stop as they sip on craft beers and listen to tales of the Holy City’s past.
Rainbow Market, 40 N. Market St. Days & times vary. $30. (800) 979-3370, www.pubtourcharleston.com
Year-Round
The Charles Towne Pub Stroll
Join a period-dressed guide as he dishes up stories of the city’s early drinking habits during a stroll along the peninsula, popping in for a pint at historic taverns such as Blind Tiger on the way.
Meet at Washington Square Park, 78 Broad St. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. $18. (843) 442-7299, www.pubstroll.com
