PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH BREWERS GUILD

Three Rivers Beer Week 

Pittsburgh’s always been a beer-lovin’ town, but pints around the city will runneth over April 10-14. 

During Three Rivers Beer Week, an annual celebration organized by the nonprofit Pittsburgh Brewers Guild, Allegheny County taprooms will host events ranging from a barrel-aged stout brunch to an anniversary beer market. 

There’s an interactive calendar online that allows you to search for specific activities or within a certain area. New events are added daily. 

In addition to participating in activities, beer lovers can pick up the latest Pittsburgh Brewery Guide. Mel Larrick, executive director of the guild, says the team is working on a digital version of the passport-style booklet. It’s filled with information about the nearly 50 member-breweries as well as designated beer trails throughout the city. Folks can also plan their own hoppy adventure and win prizes for visiting a certain number of sites to have their book stamped. 

Bon voyage!

Sip ’n Shop at Construction Junction

I enjoy taking weekend strolls through Construction Junction in North Point Breeze, even though my home improvement skills are limited.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Pittsburgh’s place for reclaimed building materials and architectural salvage is launching a Sip ’n Shop event series. 

From April through September, the facility at 214 N. Lexington St. will host an after-hours, family-friend shopping extravaganza on the last Saturday of every month. The dates, which are free to attend, are April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.

From 6 to 8 p.m., guests can browse CJ’s array of reclaimed building materials, appliances, doors, light fixtures, salvaged lumber, home goods and more, listen to live music, enjoy food and refreshments from local vendors (alcoholic and NA beverages), participate in art projects, take a behind-the-scenes tour and watch demonstrations. Partner spaces Free Ride Bicycle Collective and The Pillow Project will offer activities, too. 

Pittsburgh Brewing Co.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Did yinz know Pittsburgh Brewing Company offers behind-the-scenes tours of its sprawling facility in Creighton? Just go up 28 past the Pittsburgh Mills, n’at! Have a Laverne & Shirley moment as you watch bottles and cans zip by on the automated line and then sample some brews, including the new Poolside pineapple-lemon shady. 

The fruity beer is the official beverage of Changes in Latitudes, a Jimmy Buffett tribute concert that will be held on the 42-acre riverfront property on June 29.

Barrel & Flow

For two years in a row, USA Today readers named Pittsburgh’s Barrel & Flow the best beer festival in the nation. 

This year’s celebration will be held Aug. 10 at The Stacks at 3 Crossings in the Strip District. 

The event is more than malty beverages; it celebrates Black brewers, food vendors, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs from around the globe, features exclusive collaborations and offers family-friendly fun and learning experiences.