There’s something about November that brings people together. Maybe it’s the anticipation of the holidays, family coming into town, or simply finding more reasons to gather as the year winds down. Whatever the occasion, we believe good company deserves a great pour. This month, Blackbird Brewery and Bird’s Nest have plenty of both to offer. From fresh beers to live music, special events, and opportunities to reconnect with your favorite people, November is shaping up to be a month worth sharing.
Tap into November
Fall is settling in, and our taps are following suit… well, mostly. November is bringing a few darker delights to the Blackbird beer lineup, with rich, bold flavors that feel right at home as the temperatures begin to drop. But we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to those brighter, sunnier days just yet! Alongside our cozy, cold-weather brews, we’ve got a couple of fresh releases that bring a little sunshine back into your glass. Whether you’re embracing the season or holding on to the last hints of summer, there’s something new on tap with your name on it.
Bayou Boogaloo | Dark Lager | Coming Soon
This beer was brewed originally as an homage to a dark lager brewed by an honored, now defunct, New Orleans brewery that specialized in traditional German styles. We decided to bring back this lager as the perfect dark delight to fit the cooler weather of the season. Brewed with roasted malt, caramel malt, and chocolate malts. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
It’s Always Sunny in Motueka | Hazy IPA | Out Now
The Motueka region in New Zealand is known for lots of sunshine, so maybe it’s no coincidence the Motueka hop also delivers bright citrus notes. We used Mosaic hops to blend with Nelson and Motueka, and kept the ABV a little more tame on this one for drinkability.
The Mangover | Sour Ale | Out Now
As exciting as a jungle cat in the bathroom, this tropical flavored sour has a subtle acidity that simply mimics the fruit. This lightly wheated ale gets loads of mango and pineapple puree with a little extra tropical pop from mango and yuzu terpenes. Tigers love mango.
Pink Phantom | Raspberry Gose | Out Now
A Gose (pronounced goe-zuh) is a German-style sour with sea salt. As fermentation was tailing off, we poured in a whole bunch of raspberry puree, turning it pink and giving a nice framboise aroma. Held you a long time, put your name in my rhymes. Refresh your memory of where you wanna be. The Phantom’s on the way, she’s comin’ down the street.
Czech Dark Lager | Collab w/ Cape Side Brewing | Coming Soon
The Blackbird team took a trip down to Southport to brew a collaborative Czech Dark Lager with Cape Side Brewing. Alan, one of the Cape Side owners, was our first-ever intern in our first year of business and we are always ecstatic to partner with him and his crew. This was our first time participating in a brew on their shiny new brew system and we’re specifically thrilled for this release.
More Reasons to Get Together
From familiar weekly favorites to special events worth marking your calendar for, there’s always something going on at Blackbird and Bird’s Nest. We’ve got tons of tastings, live music, and so much more happening as the backdrop to a month that emphasizes quality time with the ones you love. Let’s continue falling into autumn together this month.
Frost & Fire Spirits Tasting | November 12 | 7pm-9pm
at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
November might be cooling down, but things are heating up behind the bar. Join us for Frost & Fire, a special spirits tasting featuring locally crafted liquors from Liberty & Plenty Distillery. Throughout the evening, you’ll have the chance to sample four distinctive spirits from Liberty & Plenty’s lineup, including Bronze Bull Bourbon Whiskey, Cap & Cane Spiced Rum, Slate Belt Vodka, and Bronze Bull Bourbon Cream Liqueur. Learn more about these locally crafted spirits, explore their unique flavor profiles, and discover what makes each one special. Of course, we couldn’t resist putting our own Bird’s Nest spin on the experience! We’ll be featuring specialty cocktails showcasing each of the four spirits, giving you a chance to experience them in a whole new way. Even better, you can enjoy a cocktail flight featuring all three of the creations for just $20!
Live Music w/ Story Charlemagne | November 13 | 8pm-10pm
at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Every great song has a story to tell, and Story Charlemagne knows just how to bring those stories to life! Join us at Bird’s Nest for an evening of live music with this Raleigh-based singer-songwriter whose distinctive sound blends soul, indie rock, and folk into a musical experience all his own.
Oyster Roast w/ Cape Fear Seafood | November 14 | 1pm-4pm
at Blackbird Brewery
Get ready to get shuckin’! We’re bringing a taste of the coast to Blackbird Brewery with an afternoon of fresh oysters, cold beer, and great company! Our friends at Cape Fear Seafood Company are joining us for a special Oyster Roast, serving up delicious oysters right here at the taproom. Whether you like your oysters freshly shucked and raw or prefer them hot and steamed, we’ve got you covered! We’ll be serving up deliciousness from 1pm-4pm or until sold out. Grab a dozen, pair them with your favorite Blackbird brew, and settle in for a laid-back afternoon of coastal flavors without ever leaving Wake Forest.
Sunday Funday House Party | November 15 | 2pm-8pm
at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Get into the groove at Bird’s Nest with an afternoon of soulful house music, delicious cocktails, and good company! DJ Jamie, DJ Mindormatter, and DJ BossLady are taking over the decks, bringing smooth rhythms, infectious beats, and plenty of reasons to hit the dance floor. House of Sticks will also be joining us with a selection of premium cigars to complement the afternoon.
Sweater Weather Trivia Night | November 16 | 7pm-9pm
at Blackbird Brewery
Sweater weather is officially here, and we’re celebrating with a cozy twist on our classic trivia night hosted by Hammered Trivia! Break out your funkiest, loudest, most outrageously patterned sweaters and join us at Blackbird for a special fall-themed edition of trivia! Additionally, Artisan Beverage will be sampling Shacksbury Cider and varied wine offerings as a part of our Week of Wine Tasting. We’re putting your autumn knowledge to the test with a night full of seasonal questions, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a fall fanatic or just here for the drinks, grab your smartest friends, pull on your favorite ridiculous sweater, and get ready to show off what you know.
Week of Wine Tasting | November 16, 18, 21, & 22
at Blackbird Brewery
Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Just in time for Thanksgiving, we’re dedicating an entire week to exploring the wonderful world of wine at Blackbird. Throughout the week, we’ll be welcoming a lineup of wine representatives for a series of tastings featuring unique selections, new discoveries, and plenty of opportunities to find your next favorite bottle. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to taste your way through different wines and find just the right bottles to bring to your holiday table.
Wine Tasting Schedule:
Artisan Beverage | November 16 | 7pm-9pm
Winebow | November 18 | 6pm-9pm
MainVine Wine | November 21 | 3pm-6pm
Orsini Wines | November 22 | 3pm-6pm
Thanksgiving Week Hours | November 23-26
Thanksgiving week is all about spending time with the people you love, and we’re giving you a little extra time to do just that! With family and friends coming into town for the holiday, we’re opening the Blackbird taproom early Monday, November 23, through Wednesday, November 25 from 1pm-10pm each day. Whether you’re catching up with relatives you haven’t seen in a while, showing out-of-town guests your favorite local brewery, or taking a much-needed break from holiday preparations, we’ve got the beer flowing and plenty of room for everyone to gather. We’re even keeping the brewery open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26 from 3pm-10pm so you can sneak in a pint before the feast or unwind with a cold one afterward. However you spend the holiday, we hope Blackbird gets to be a little part of it! At Bird’s Nest, we will maintain our usual hours of 5pm-10pm on Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25, but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Black Friday w/ DJ Al-Ski Love | November 27 | 3pm-6pm
at Blackbird Brewery
Skip the shopping crowds and trade the Black Friday madness for good music, cold beer, and a little post-Thanksgiving fun at Blackbird! DJ Al-Ski Love is taking over the tunes for a special Black Friday set, bringing the energy and keeping the good times rolling all afternoon. DJ Al-Ski Love’s sets are a vinyl musical journey through house, soul, funk, boogie, old school hip-hop, Motown, 80s dance, and rare groove.
Your Wake Forest Live Music Destination
At Blackbird and Bird’s Nest, we’re proud to bring some of the area’s best local talent to Wake Forest, filling our spaces with everything from laid-back acoustic sets to high-energy performances that keep the crowd moving. November is no exception, with another fantastic lineup of musicians ready to provide the soundtrack to your nights out. Take a look at who’s taking the stage this month!
Upcoming Live Music:
Jason Adamo | Nov. 7 | 7pm-10pm | Blackbird Brewery
Sunday Jazz w/ Cam Cokas | Nov. 8 | 3pm-6pm | Blackbird Brewery
Just Us | Nov. 12 | 3pm-6pm | Blackbird Brewery
Story Charlemagne | Nov. 13 | 8pm-10pm | Bird’s Nest
Open Mic | Nov. 15 | 3pm-6pm | Blackbird Brewery
Sunday Funday House Party | Nov. 15 | 2pm-8pm | Bird’s Nest
Sterling Scott | Nov. 19 | 6pm-9pm | Blackbird Brewery
DJ Al-Ski Love | Nov. 27 | 3pm-6pm | Blackbird Brewery
Mike Edwards & His Only Friends | Nov. 28 | 7pm-10pm | Blackbird Brewery
JT Parrothead | Dec. 3 | 6pm-9pm | Blackbird Brewery
Live Music Bingo | Dec. 5 | 6pm-9pm | Blackbird Brewery
Giving Thanks, Raising Glasses
The holidays have a way of reminding us just how much the people around us matter. At Blackbird and Bird’s Nest, we get to see that connection happen every day, whether it’s friends catching up, families coming together, or strangers sharing a moment with a cold beverage in hand. We’re thankful to have created spaces that continue to serve as the backdrop for so many moments in your lives. Join us in creating a few more memories this November! See you soon.
