Tired of the same ol’ watering hole? Mix it up with these cheers-worthy events.
Oktoberfest
September 26, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Norse Brewing, Wake Forest
It’s not all about the beer at Oktoberfest, but the beer certainly pairs well with pretzels and bratwurst. Stop in for a pint or while the afternoon away enjoying the fun festive music. Don your fanciest lederhosen for a chance to win a prize!
Old Fashioned Class
October 6, 6 p.m.
Boatman Spirits Co., Raleigh
Boatman co-founder and certified Executive Bourbon Steward Aaron Lambert dives into the intricacies, variations, and techniques of one of the most ubiquitous classic cocktails. You’ll hear intriguing stories and pick up tips and tricks to take home, along with some light bites. A dinner reservation before or after is recommended. $45 per person.
Bourbon not your thing? November’s class covers party punch, and December dives into the bubbly world of champagne.
Ooky Spooky Halloween Cocktails
October 25, 2 p.m.
The Willard, Raleigh
Rooftop views, cocktail know-how, and seasonal bites … what could be a better combo? In this festive edition of the Cocktails & Cuisine series, you’ll learn how to make the Bloody Marg, Bloody Marg, Bloody Marg (tequila, Aperol, blackberry syrup), Last of Your Words (Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, gin), and Ghosted S’mores Martini (Krupnikas, Chocolate Kahlúa, espresso). $55 per person.
Also check out: Stargazing October 14, Friendsgiving Cocktails & Cuisine November 13.
Witch, Please! Cocktail Bar Pop-Up
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Raleigh
through October 31
Raleigh’s only immersive pop-up cocktail bar experience offers so many options, you might have to go more than once.
The lineup includes more than a dozen specialty themed cocktails, including Wise Woman (tequila, Strega Liquore, cucumber, mint, lime, absinthe), Nine Lives (blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, house-made horchata), Better Half of Hades (rye whiskey, pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, Italicus, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur), and The Watch Fire (mezcal, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Apricot Brandy, tiki dram, lime, ginger, tiki bitters), just to name a few.
Sip your beverage of choice from a themed custom ceramic mug. A limited number are available for purchase so you can take the spooky spirit home. On Tarot Tuesdays, a live reader will be in the taproom from 6:30-8:30. Reservations recommended!
Carrie Welling
Wello Wine Down
November 6, 5 p.m.
Wake Forest Listening Room
We bet you’ve never had a wine pairing like this before! Instead of matching wines to foods, singer-songwriter Carrie Welling pairs four wines with her original songs. This special event precedes her show and gets attendees VIP seating for the main event (separate ticket required for main show). $35 per person.
Booze & Buskers
Sundays, 5-10 p.m.
Tonic, Bar and Social Club of Wake Forest
Every Sunday, this casual social club turns over the mic to the whims of the public with an open invite for buskers of all types. Show up to perform, or just stop in to see what’s happening. $8 cocktails help mitigate the Sunday scaries.
