Category: Events

October 21, 2014

Bridging the Gap’s Pizza, Beer, & Networking at Boulevard

Bridging the Gap’s Green Business Network held a networking event in the beautiful Muehlebach Suite at Boulevard. I’ve been to this suite for a few other events and each time it’s even more breathtaking. The view from the terrace into downtown Kansas City has to be the best view, especially with all the Royals logos and blue lights on the buildings.

So, back to the point of the event. If you have a goal of making sustainable decisions that protect our natural resources, want to make your home more comfortable, and/or want to have more cash in your wallet then the Green Business Network is a great group of which to be a part. There’s no better place to hold a green event than Boulevard. They are always looking for ways to reduce environmental impact, whether it be through Ripple Glass, having zero waste, or having a green roof on their brewhouse. Boulevard is very committed to making Kansas City a greener place.

The presentations from members of the Green Business Networking were attention-grabbing and educational. While drinking some Boulevard Beer and eating some Waldo Pizza we learned about their efforts in volunteering and that they need 450 volunteers in the next three weeks. If you want information on how to volunteer, click here.

Great views, great speakers, great beer and pizza all for $5. It was a great event!

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October 19, 2014

Beerfest at the Ballpark Review

Take note other beer events *cough*cough*Boulevardia, ballparks are the perfect venue to hold a beer event. There’s plenty of bathrooms, plenty of space for vendors, plenty of space for beer drinkers.

With that being said, it wasn’t the highest class of people, both attending and volunteering/working. Of course, with breweries like Heineken, MillerCoors, and Anheuser-Busch, it’s not like I was expecting master cicerones, but a little more tact would have been nice from some people. For instance, the pourer at Off Color Brewing decided to just pour whatever he felt like because, “It’s cold, just drink it.” I had to ask for their Troublesome Gose three times before leaving without trying it. There were also several vendors smoking cigars and wearing too much perfume. When I’m drinking a beer I like to smell it and not other aromas that don’t go with the beer.

For the most part, the attendees were okay. A note for the next event, don’t stand at a table if you’re not getting a beer or talking with the vendor. Make it easier for everyone and back up so people can get to the beer they want. Also, in my opinion, it’s pretty tacky to buy a 12 oz Bud Light for $3 when breweries are serving you (for free) their hard worked on beer. It’s even more tacky that the event is selling it.

Tallgrass Brewing, KC Bier Co, High Noon Saloon, Lindemans were highlights of the events. The Lindemans server was very knowledgeable what he was pouring and friendly.

I stayed for an hour and a half which was sufficient for me to try what I wanted to try. Overall, I would give the event a 6 out of 10 and that’s mostly due to the location.

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October 18, 2014

Girls’ Pint Out at Big Rip

The local chapter of Girls’ Pint Out had their October event at Big Rip Brewing Company this past Thursday. Despite the name, people from all genders were welcome and there was a pretty good turnout.

It started with some mingling, light snacks, and beer of course. For first timers, it may have been a bit awkward as there was no clear area set up for the group and it didn’t help that the Northland Young Professionals were having a meeting at the same time. Once found, the GPO group was welcoming and excited to talk. Big Rip’s beer patio was as perfect as the weather – enough picnic tables to handle both events and some regulars.

At 7pm, we took a tour of Big Rip where we learned about their fermenting process and their upcoming plans. They’ve recently received approval from the State to start bottling their beers to sell at the brewery. They will also start selling very limited kegs of their beers. Only one or two kegs will be available at a time and will be posted on their website. Big Rip also plans to have barrel-aged beers on tap in about 6 months. Using barrels from Sonoma, California, Big Rip will create an Imperial Coffee Porter with Pinot Noir and use their flagship Sweet Brown recipe in the second barrel with cherries added.

After the tour, the Girls’ Pint Out group got another beer and mingled for a little while longer. Screenland Armour showed up to start an 8pm showing of Dawn of the Dead, so some of the group stayed for that. Next month, Girls’ Pint Out is planning an event to celebrate their one year anniversary. We’ll keep you updated with more details.

October 16, 2014

Beer Me!

Beerfests, special tappings, networking, swap meets. Here’s where you can say, “Beer me!” this week.

Thursday, 10/16

North Kansas City wants to introduce you to Kansas City Bier Co. From 6pm until 8pm, Grain to Glass will host KC Bier Co. founder Steve Holle as he gives a presentation on the traditions of German brewing. They begin distribution North of the River with the tapping of three of their beers at Grain to Glass. Free.
Meet up with Girls’ Pint Out at Big Rip Brewing Company for a Haunted Happy Hour starting at 6pm. It’s a two-hour happy hour that goes until 8pm. $10 includes a flight of beer and a tour of the facility.
After the Haunted Happy Hour, Screenland Armour will be showing Dawn of the Dead in Big Rip’s Beer Patio. $5 per ticket.

Friday, 10/17

Kansas City Bier Meisters will be holding their monthly meeting starting promptly at 7:30pm at Communication Workers of American Union Hall in Kansas City, MO. There will be a presentation and commercial examples of Belgian Tripel Style. The presentation qualifies for CEP credit for BJCP members. Bring a tasting glass for samples. Guests are welcome, but I’m sure they would love for you to join the club.
Midwest Beerfest in Wichita starts on this day with a Beer & Food Lovers Beer Dinner. Guests will enjoy some of the finest American beers paired with food selected to celebrate and enhance the flavors of the beers. Dinner begins at 7pm and is $55 per person.

Saturday, 10/18

Wichita’s Midwest Beerfest continues today beginning at 1pm. For $40, you get a tasting mug, program guide, a key to the world of beers, and access to a Silent Auction with great prizes. For $6 more, be a taster for the 5th annual Midwest Wingfest.
Free State will be the host for AHA Rally Homebrew Competition. Bacchus and Barleycorn will be celebrating their 30th anniversary by giving out samples of beer made in collaboration between Bacchus and Barleycorn, McCoy’s Public House, and Free State. Exclusive tastings, gifts, discounted merchandise, VIP tours, and meet and greets with Free State brewers and staff from 1pm until 4pm. Free for AHA members.
Don’t want to go to Wichita or Lawrence? CommunityAmerica Ballpark (home of the T-Bones) is hosting Beerfest at the Ballpark. Taste beers from breweries like Breckenridge, Ciderboys, Goose Island, Oskar Blues from 1:30pm until 5pm. $35 includes a tasting glass. No one under 21 will be permitted, including children and/or infants and no pets are allowed, except for service animals.
Something a little fancier, Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too. 5pm to 8pm indulge in delicious bites, brews, and wine from local restaurants, breweries, and vineyards. $30 for FOTZ members, $35 for everyone else.

Sunday, 10/19

We are having a brew day! With the wort we picked up from 75th Street Brewing, we will be creating some kind of wonderful beer. Stay tuned for a post on how it went.
It’s the third Sunday of the month and that means a Swap Meet at Grain to Glass in North Kansas City. Gather in the parking lot to buy, sell, or trade your used equipment. Bring your own table, handle your own deals! New equipment, brewing supplies, and beers on tap inside. I talked with Leanna about bottle sharing/trading she said she wasn’t sure, but it was probably okay. I’ll talk with Jennifer to make sure and update.
Chiefs’ game against division rivals San Diego Chargers is on CBS at 3:05pm.

Monday, 10/20

Pizza, Beer, & Networking at Boulevard Brewing Company. Want more money for beer? Of course you do! Join Bridging the Gap and the Green Business Network to socialize, sample Boulevard’s fine brews, and learn about becoming a greener person. By becoming a greener person, you can save money on utility bills, gas money, and more. $5 includes Waldo Pizza and Boulevard Beer.

Beer Me! is a weekly event post where we let you know what’s going on beerwise in the Kansas City area. If there’s something we missed, please comment below or email us and we’ll add it to the list.