The Dog's Day of Summer

When was it decided that there had to be a day for everything that ever existed? And who decides which are national and which are global? Does World Radio Day carry more weight than National Hot Dog Day? I'm more inclined to celebrate National IPA Day than either. And National Beer Day must look down upon IPA day, right? So many more styles to celebrate. And now every dog has its day with National Dog Day, apparently celebrated every August 26. Even the cynic in me can get behind this one, especially knowing that Boxing Bear is holding an adoption event on Dog Day to hopefully bring some dogs the best days of their lives. The Corrales location will host the adoption part of the event from 12-3 with the Cross My Paws animal rescue. There will be more than 18 pups available to take home and love. Every pint sold between 12-3 means $1 donated to Cross My Paws, so get out there and drink until you feel you've donated enough. Dogs not adopted by 3 will still hang around to make you happy, so give them a scratch. As a bonus, Bridges Breeze Photography is donating their time with a photo booth where you can get a FREE professional photo taken of your dog from 2-5 pm. Make a donation to Cross My Paws via their Amazon wish list or Chewy wish list and be entered into an hourly drawing for some fun stuff. Dog in photo definitely not avalable for adoption, but always accepting of treats and pets.

NM Brew Fest Ticket Party

What's your favorite beer festival in New Mexico? To me, they're all like the kids I was smart enough not to have: they're all my favorite. But I can say that the NM Brew Fest holds a special place in my heart because I remember how impressed I was by the very first one back in 2010. I had never been to Villa Hispana at Expo New Mexico and I was blown away by how spacious, shaded, and green the area is. It was so nice to be able to take a break and relax in some grass rather than being shoved in a stuffy building with sweaty drinkers, as I have at some out of state fests. And that was back in 2010, remember, so there wasn't even Covid to consider. There were just a million other viruses to catch. NM Brew Fest did have to take 2020 and 2021 off due to Covid, but had a successful return last year.

And they'll be back at it this year on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the same great venue. And if you show up at Marble Brewery's downtown location this Thursday, August 17th between 6 and 8 pm, you can score yourself some discounted tickets to the festival! The NM Brew Fest peeps will be on hand to get you set up for this fun festival that promises 20+ booths pouring wonderful alcoholic beverages. Beer purveyors range from the likes of larger breweries you all know such as Ex Novo, La Cumbre (who doesn't participate in festivals much, so this is a rarity), Tractor, Turtle Mountain, Marble, Boxing Bear; but also smaller and newer to the fest scene breweries like Gravity Bound, Downshift, and Sunday Service Motor Co. Cider and spirit booths will also be at the fest. Festival entry gets you a commemorative pint glass, samples, and the nice touch of being able to buy full pints rather than just getting samples. NM Brew Fest has always had good food served up over the years, and this year's lineup includes food trucks Umami Moto, Gourmet Donor Kebab, and Phat Stax Burgers. You like music with your beer fest? Well, tough, because you're getting it anyways. Hooks and the Huckleberries and Hello Darlin' For you out of towners visiting for the fest, or in-towners who just don't wanna be at home, the Ramada Midtown is offering special rates on both Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th for those attending the fest. More info on the festival can be found at www.NMbrewfest.com

National IPA Day, Today and Back in the Day

Couldn't let the day go by without posting something about National IPA Day. Held the first Thursday in August, this holiday is one I can firmly get behind. I've benn writing about it since 2012- somehow, I missed it in 2011, the first year of celebration. I took a look back at the post from 2012, and it was funny to see some of the suggestions I threw out there for people to drink on IPA Day back then: locals like Canteen Exodus (Il Vicino Exodus back then!) Marble IPA, La Cumbre Elevated, Santa Fe Happy Camper. All still going strong, though 7K has blown out Happy Camper in popularity. Also got one of my worst hangovers after a night of Happy Camper at a concert in Santa Fe in 2011, so won't be revisiting that one even after all these years. I also threw in the suggestion of a growler of Chama River's The Big Lebrewski. Who made that one? That must have been a Justin Hamilton beer considering the year, right?? R.I.P. Chama River! For national brands, I suggested Odell Myrcenary and Sierra Nevada Hoptimum. Surprised these two high-alcohol beers haven't joined 90 Minute and Voodoo Ranger in those big cans with the alcohol prominently featured. The 40s of the 2020s. But those two are now classics that have stuck around even with the hazies coming on strong from about 2016/17 on through today. Who would have thought of such a style being so popular way back in 2012? Wish I had. Look at all those beautiful Monkish beers (pictured). I'd be riding around on yachts with Machine Gun Kelly and Post Malone. Who would have thought back in 2012 that I'd still be driving that 2008 Volvo in 2023? Wish I wasn't.