Bashes, bacon, and beer: Weekend highlights Sept. 12–13

Summit’s Backyard Bash is one of many events taking place this weekend, Sept. 12–13 // Photo courtesy of Summit Brewing

Summer’s over, huh? Apparently this weekend didn’t get the memo.

This Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12–13, are more packed with beer, food, and culture events than your Facebook feed is with back-to-school photos. See below for a rundown of some of our favorites.

Saturday, September 12

Lift Bridge Pickin’ and Grinnin’ & 7th Anniversary Party | 12–10pm | 1900 Tower Dr W, Stillwater | Free

Join the Lift Bridge crew and pick some hops for this season’s fresh hop brew // Photo courtesy Lift Bridge Brewing Co.

Help pick hops that will be used immediately in a batch of Lift Bridge’s fresh hop ale, Harvestor, at Pickin’ and Grinning. The event, which is free to attend and family-friendly until 7pm, will also include live music and food trucks. More info.

Summit Backyard Bash | 12–7pm | 910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul | $15 in advance/$20 day of

Photo courtesy Summit Brewing

A party in Summit’s backyard headlined by The Suburbs? Just try to get more Minnesota than that. With special beer tappings throughout the day, a varied lineup of musical acts, local restaurants and food trucks providing grub, and half of ticket proceeds benefiting the Minnesota Music Coalition, what’s not to like? More info.

Brau Bros. Hopfest | Friday 5pm–12am, Saturday 12pm–12am | Marshall, MN | Free

Brau Bros. is throwing its second annual Hopfest at its Marshall, Minnesota, brewery, complete with special beer tappings, live music, food, kids activities, and more. More info.

Electric Fetus 4th Annual Garage Sale and Fall Festival | Saturday 9am–8pm, Sunday 11am–6pm | 2000 4th Ave S, Minneapolis | Free

Photo by John Garland

The annual sale at this Minneapolis institution is one not to miss. Storewide discounts, live music from Low, Superior Siren, and more, food from Glam Doll Donuts and Café Racer, and more. Plus, Electric Fetus teamed with Dangerous Man Brewing to create a special collaboration beer in honor of the sale that will only be available at the Dangerous Man taproom. Show your receipt from a purchase at the garage sale to get $1 off a pint. More info.

Surdyk’s Oktoberfest Sale & Tastings | Tastings Sept. 12–13 & 18–19 | 303 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis | 9am–9pm | Free

Photo via facebook.com/surdyksliquor

Sample dozens of local and national beers including, but not limited to, Oktoberfests. All Oktoberfests and seasonals will be on sale. More info.

Bacon and Beer Classic | Two sessions, 1–4pm & 7–10pm | Target Field | $49 GA/$89 VIP

Photo by Joshua Lewis, Seattle Refined // via baconandbeerclassic.com

Bacon, beer, and ballparks are all great on their own, but become something special when combined into one event. The Bacon and Beer Classic will take over Target Field for a day and provide attendees with all-they-can-eat bacon dishes and all-they-can-drink beer. God bless America. More info.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival | 9am-7pm (weekends through Oct. 4) | Shakopee, MN | $11.50–$89.95

Photo courtesy Minnesota Renaissance Festival

It’s a weekend of canines and Christmas at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Weiner dog races, pet costume contest, and Christmas-related vendors. Grab a turkey leg, sit back, and enjoy the show. More info.

Grape-Picking at Schram Vineyards Winery and Brewery | 8:30am–12pm| Waconia, MN | Free (online registration preferred)

Photo by Brian Kaufenberg

Help the folks at Schram Vineyards Winery and Brewery harvest their grapes. As a bonus, receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer along with discounts on wine or beer purchases the day of the event if you register online in advance. More info.

St. Mary’s Craft Beer Festival | 2–6pm | Winstock Music Festival Grounds, Winstead, MN | $25 in advance/$35 day of

Sierra Nevada at The Summer Beer Dabbler 2014 // Photo by Aaron Davidson

Sample drinks from 20+ breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries and raised money for St. Mary’s Care Center, a non-profit providing a wide range of specialized services that help ensure residents and their families live each day to the fullest extent possible. More info.

Prairie Brewfest | 3–6pm | Eden Prairie, MN | $35

Photo via prairiebrewfest.com/

Sample beers from all around Minnesota and enjoy live music and food from Culver’s. More info.

Harvest Moon Brew Fest | 2:30–6:30om | Aitkin, MN | $25 in advance/$35 day of

Photo via facebook.com/pages/Glacial-Lakes-Brewers/

Sample beer from several Minnesota breweries and homebrew from the Glacial Lakes Brewers and enjoy live music and food. More info.

First Annual Music in Mears Celebration Weekend | Saturday 6–9pm, Sunday 2–9pm | Mears Park, St. Paul | Free

Photo via 365twincities.com/

A weekend of free, live music in downtown St. Paul’s Mears Park to cap off another season of Music in Mears. Music lineup and more info.

Sunday, September 13

Birchwood Bash | 11am–7pm | 3311 E 25th St, Minneapolis| Free

Photo courtesy of Birchwood Cafe

The Birchwood Cafe is turning 20 years old! Celebrate 20 years of great food and building community at the Birchwood Bash, which will feature live music, local beer and food trucks, activities for kids, and more. More info.

Polli-NATION | 1–6pm | 1900 Tower Dr W, Stillwater | Free

Photo via facebook.com/Pollinator-Friendly-Alliance

Help raise money to save pollinators the best way there is: a big ole’ party at Lift Bridge Brewing Company. Lift Bridge will be pouring a special honey beer just for the occasion and there will be live music and food on site. More info.