Tampa, Fla.- The second annual Tampa Bay Beer Week officially kicked off on March 2nd. The celebration allows beer lovers to congregate at their favorite watering holes and chat with some of the local brewers in the Tampa Bay area. With a growing number of micro-breweries gaining positive reputations in the Tampa Bay region, many of the local bar owners banded together to celebrate the growing culture. Owners of the local breweries and bars make up the board for this eight day-long affair. This allows the events to be hand tailored to allow the customers to interact with the brewers and give feedback on their products.

  There are a variety of events and specials being held at multiple venues throughout the Bay area that will allow their patrons to sample the craft beers of the region. Most of these venues are large chain run bars, such as Brass Tap and World of Beer, and have specials on particular craft brews the entire length of beer week. Some of the more established, independent pubs hold more in depth events, in which they showcase or introduce a particular beer or brewery that day.

  Mr. Dunderbak’s, located at 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, held events all week long for the second year in a row. Starting on March 4th at 6:00pm, Dunderbak’s held a free tasting and celebration, sponsored by 7th Sun Brewery. On March 6th, they hosted a sour beer ice cream social. The event entails crepes, sour beers, and ice creams, but this particular event had a limited capacity and required a pre-ordered ticket, set at the price of $30.

  The New World Brewery, 1313 8th Ave. Tampa, has long been known for its laid back atmosphere during the day and house-rocking live music at night throughout Tampa. Located in Ybor City, New World Brewery never has a problem bringing customers through their doors to try their selection of over 80 beers (26 of which are on tap).

  On March 10th however, they held a sour beer social in the morning. Admittance runs at a rate of $20 per ticket and was well attended.

  Quite possibly the largest of all the events is held at Busch Gardens, where they hold the month long event, “Bands, Brew, and BBQ”. The event started on February 10th and ran all the way through March 3rd, the day after Tampa Bay Beer Week kicked off.

  Busch Gardens will be serving over 100 different beers, including some of the local craft beers. During the event, there was barbeque food for sale and head line bands playing, such as John Kay & Steppenwolf, Barenaked Ladies, The Doobie Brothers, and on the final day, the Goo Goo Dolls closed out.

  So if you happen to be a beer connoisseur or you’re just looking to get out and try something new, head out to one of these or many other locations and events that can be found at, www.tampabaybeerweek.com.