Welcome to November, a season of warmth, comfort, and gratitude! As the air turns crisp and leaves blanket the ground, our taproom becomes a cozy haven for gathering with friends and family. This month, we’re celebrating the flavors of fall with a lineup of festive events and live music that will fill your days with seasonal joy. Whether you’re in the mood to savor Thanksgiving-inspired tastings or simply relax with good company, Blackbird Brewery is here to make every autumn moment memorable. Join us as we embrace the spirit of togetherness, great brews, and the cozy vibes of fall!
Supporting Western NC
Each time you check out at Blackbird Brewery or Bird’s Nest at Blackbird (the cocktail bar open Friday and Saturday nights just next door), you’ll be invited to round up or donate additional funds to a cause. For the first portion of November, your funds will help support “Generating Warmth: Send Power & Heat to Banner Elk.” Anna Barson from Triangle Together is coordinating with the Sentinel Foundation to raise funds for generators and propane buddy heaters for the hardest hit, most remote areas of Banner Elk and Avery County. Families in these areas are facing weeks or even months without power and are in great need of sources of heat. Please help Triangle Together meet their goal of providing enough funds to purchase 50 generators by November 8th! Click here to learn more.
Beer Update
In early November, the brewery will release several crowd-pleasers. We plan to release Bro Montana, a West Coast Pale Ale with a punchy mix of Riwaka and Nelson hops, and Pub Ale, an English-style ale last released in January with a malt-forward, copper hue at 3.8% ABV at the first of the month. Following later that week, the Munich Dunkel returns—a rich, amber lager enjoyed last year. Around the middle of the month, we’ll re-release Tuxedo at a Pool Party, a quick-seller from past releases, and the iconic Yellow Submarine will also be back again to satisfy fans.
Later in November, the brewery ramps up with bold new offerings and festive flavors. The highly anticipated Where I Belong, a West Coast IPA with a blend of Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops will arrive near the end of the third week in November, followed by a Belgian Pale and the award-winning El Rey Dorado Hazy IPA featuring El Dorado hops later that week. December begins with a new twist on seasonal brews: Xmas Ale arrives at the beginning of the month, this time as a ginger-spiced variant without pumpkin. Next, we’ll have Higher Calling Hazy IPA, where profits benefit the Western NC brewing industry, and by the end of the first week in December, we’ll also have Big Trees Celebration Style IPA debuts, using freshly harvested whole Cascade hops—a nod to Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale tradition.
Upcoming Special Events
Fishin’ Shrimp Bottomless Crab Legs and Corn Feast: November 3rd, 3-6 PM
Fishin’ Shrimp is delivering the ultimate seafood feast to Blackbird Brewery! Indulge in unlimited crab legs and corn while enjoying live jazz music by Cam Cokas. Grab your tickets now and prepare for a fantastic afternoon filled with fresh seafood and soulful jazz!
Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving Parties with Winebow at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird (Next Door) November 14th 6:30-8:30 PM
Join us for a refined evening of wine tasting with Winebow at the cocktail bar next door, Bird’s Nest at Blackbird! Discover ideal wine pairings for every course of your Thanksgiving meal, from appetizers to dessert, with expert guidance. This event will include a curated tasting experience featuring wines perfectly suited for a 4-5 course Thanksgiving feast, pro tips on selecting the ideal wine for each part of your holiday spread, and a Q&A to personalize your pairing knowledge for your special dinner. This event is a perfect way to elevate your Thanksgiving gathering; click here for the ticket link!
Beaujolais Tasting with Matt Matthews at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird (Next Door) November 21st 6:30-8:30 PM
Join us for an exclusive Beaujolais Tasting with wine expert Matt Matthews from Proof Wine & Spirits! Delight in the rich flavors and lively notes of Beaujolais wines, ideal for both seasoned wine lovers and curious tasters. Matt will guide you through a handpicked selection, offering insights into the region’s unique winemaking traditions and the stories behind each bottle. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your wine knowledge and savor an evening of tasting; click here for the ticket link!
F* Cancer Let’s Dance: A 90’s Prom Fundraiser for Kari
Step back into the 90s for a “prom night” to remember! This ticketed event supports our amazing bartender Kari as she bravely battles cancer. Let’s unite as a community to show our love and help her focus on healing.
What to Expect:
🎶 90s Prom Theme (music, decor, and nostalgia!)
💃 Dance floor to relive those high school moves
🍽️ Ticket provides Food and two drink tickets (tip included)
💌 Donations to support Kari’s medical expenses
Tickets are $100 per person and ALL proceeds will go directly to Kari’s medical fund. This event is expected to sell out early; reserve your ticket now to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun! Let’s rally around Kari for a night full of fun, laughter, and love. Together, we can make a difference!
Returning Favorites
Farmers Market Hosted by the Family Bee’s-ness LLC: November 9th 4:30-7:30 PM
Support local farmers and artisans while sipping on great beer! This Farmers Market event, hosted by The Family Bee’s-ness LLC, will feature grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, raw honey, elderberry syrup, handmade soap, and more. Explore fantastic offerings from a range of local vendors!
Fermented Flow: a Yoga and Mimosas Benefit for WNC November 23rd 10:30-12 PM
Join Unita Yoga for a traditional vinyasa flow followed by a complimentary mimosa in the gorgeous taproom of Blackbird Brewery, all while making a positive impact! This class welcomes participants of all experience levels, and mats and blocks will be provided onsite. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Western North Carolina relief efforts! Come for the yoga, stay for the good vibes, and help support a worthy cause. Reserve your spot today!
The Blood Connection Blood Drive November 26th 3-8 PM
We are collaborating with The Blood Connection to host a blood drive on November 26th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Every donor will receive $40 in rewards from The Blood Connection along with a $5 gift card for Blackbird Brewery! Each blood donation can save up to three lives! Donors must be at least 16 years old (those aged 16 and 17 will need a permission slip available at the blood drive), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, have an ID, and be in general good health. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged. Click here to schedule your appointment.
Weekday Happenings
Join us throughout the week for fun events:
- Mondays: Hammered Trivia 7-9 PM
- Tuesdays: Music Bingo 7-9 PM
- Wednesdays: Wine Flights & Run Club
- Thursdays: Enjoy live music every Thursday evening
- Silent Book Club takes place in the Bird’s Nest at Blackbird the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6-9 PM
- Don’t miss our monthly Crokinole game on Wednesday, November 6th 6-8 PM!
Holiday Hours
- November 11th – Veteran’s Day – Opening early at 11 AM
- November 27th – Thanksgiving Eve – Opening early at 12 PM
- November 28th – Thanksgiving Day – Taproom open 4-10 PM
- Novemer 29th – day after Thanksgiving – Taproom open at 12 PM
The Bird’s Nest at Blackbird provides a refined and intimate speakeasy setting for your next special event, accommodating up to 60 guests with cozy velvet couches and a stylish bar. With the holiday calendar filling up quickly, visit our rental page to submit a request today!
Live Music Lineup
Don’t miss our fantastic lineup this month:
- Saturday, November 2nd: JT Parrothead, 7-10 PM
- Sunday, November 3rd: Live Jazz with Cam Cokas 3-6 PM
- Thursday, November 7th: Ryan Johnson 6-9 PM
- Saturday, November 9th: Lady May and Redd 6-9 PM
- Thursday, November 14th: One Block Over 6-9 PM
- Saturday, November 16th: K-Bomb & the Kool Whips 7-10 PM
- Thursday, November 21st: Just Us 6-9 PM
- Saturday, November 23rd: Duopoly 7-10 PM
