It’s that time of year—leaves crunch underfoot, pumpkins glow in the evening, and a little mischief is in the air. Halloween week is almost here, and both Blackbird Brewery and Bird’s Nest at Blackbird are ready to help you celebrate with a mix of spooky fun and utterly stylish events. From family-friendly frights to live music and seasonal sips, there’s something for everyone.
Special Drinks: Halloween Brews & Cocktails
Nightman — Black IPA
No Halloween celebration is complete without a little shadowy mischief in a glass. Enter Nightman, our hop-forward Black IPA, available mid-October. The name is a nod to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, serving as a playful follow-up to Dayman, while also embracing the spooky, shadowy vibe of the season.
Teetering between black and deep brown, Nightman delivers bold roasted flavors without overwhelming the hops, thanks to a roasted malt concentrate from Weyermann Specialty Malts in Bamberg, Germany. The result? Rich coffee-chocolate notes with a balanced, bold character—perfect for Halloween or any night craving a touch of darkness. Sip one while you soak in the season, and let Nightman be your companion for all things spooky and spirited.
Crystal Lake — American IPA
Some legends never die… and neither does this IPA. Crystal Lake was born from an old-school IPA recipe thought lost—but it’s returned, dry-hopped and better than ever, with a touch of Halloween mischief. Brewed with crystal malt and dry-hopped with Citra, Simcoe, and CTZ, this American IPA balances classic old-school character with bold, modern hop flavors. Perfect for those who like their Halloween with a side of mischief—and maybe a little suspense in every sip.
Gourd of the Rings — Pumpkin Ale
Our pumpkin ale is here just in time for Halloween! This is a special milestone for us—Ian has never made a pumpkin beer and always said he never would, but this year we decided to do it anyway. The result is a balanced, approachable ale built on our dunkel base, enhanced with a warming blend of fresh cinnamon, allspice, clove, and ginger. The spices complement the rich malt character, creating a beer that is both cozy and flavorful—perfect for savoring on a crisp fall evening or enjoying alongside your favorite seasonal dishes.
Halloween Cocktail Collection
Our bartenders at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird are stirring up a lineup of Halloween cocktails that are equal parts magic and mischief. Each drink is crafted to capture the essence of the season—moody, playful, and just a little wicked. Whether you prefer something dark and bold or bright with a twist, our cocktails are designed to delight every palate and add a touch of Halloween spirit to your evening.
This year’s drinks include:
- Witch’s Brew – Benchmark Bourbon, Domaine de Canton, lemon, honey, Festbier
- Poison Apple – Lunazul Blanco, green apple syrup, lemon
- Scandalous – Vodka, cranberry, lemon, blackberry liqueur, grenadine
- Blood Moon Gin Fizz – Gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda
- Night Terror Shot – Rumhaven, crème de violette, lemon juice, edible glitter
From the sultry Witch’s Brew to the sparkling Night Terror Shot, each cocktail is an invitation to sip, savor, and toast to the spookiest season of the year.
Frights & Festivities
Get ready for a week of Halloween fun! Our lineup of spooky, festive events kicks off Sunday and continues all week—perfect for friends, families, and everyone in between.
Sunday, October 26th: Spooktacular Kid’s Day!
Little ghouls and goblins are in for a treat at our Kids Station (12–5 PM), sponsored by the Raleigh Kids Art Gallery! The day is packed with activities that will delight kids of all ages—from whimsical face painting with the talented Sarah Otter (12–3 PM) to mind-boggling comedy magic by Michael Douglas (12–2 PM). Young trick-or-treaters can also show off their spookiest, silliest, or most creative costumes in our costume contest (3 PM), with a chance to win a Jeremiah’s gift card. It’s a perfect day for families to laugh, play, and embrace the Halloween spirit together.
Monday, October 27th (7–9 PM): Halloween-Themed Trivia
Put your spooky smarts to the test with our Halloween-themed trivia, hosted by Hammered Trivia! This isn’t your average quiz night—expect fun, frightful facts, and a few tricks along the way. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect way to kick off your week in true Halloween spirit.
Tuesday, October 28th (7–9 PM): Halloween Music Bingo
Get ready to groove, giggle, and mark your bingo cards with our Halloween-themed Music Bingo, hosted by Top Shelf Trivia. Dance along to your favorite spooky tunes and compete for prizes as you enjoy a playful mix of music, mischief, and seasonal cheer.
Wednesday, October 29th (6–8 PM): Halloween Wine Tasting
Sip, savor, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at our Halloween Wine Tasting, hosted by Advintage. In addition to our weekly $20 Wine Flight Wednesday special, indulge in a curated selection of seasonal flights designed to capture the flavors and mood of spooky autumn nights. Enjoy the evening with good company, laughter, and the warm glow of Halloween décor—a perfect midweek escape that’s both festive and memorable.
Wednesday, October 29th (6–8 PM): Mrs Ropers Run
We’re putting a groovy twist on Run Club this Halloween with Mrs. Roper’s Run! Lace up your sneakers and slip into your boldest kaftan as we channel the one and only Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company. Expect plenty of laughs, bright prints, and good vibes all around. Costumes are highly encouraged—check out the image for a little inspiration! After the run, stick around in the taproom for post-run drinks and Halloween fun. All experience levels are welcome!
Wednesday, October 29th (6–8 PM): WBA Broomsticks and Barstools at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Calling all witches, ghouls, and girlfriends! In partnership with the Women’s Business Alliance, this women-only evening blends festive fun with networking, cocktails, and costumes. Raise a glass to friendship and small business in a lively, Halloween-themed atmosphere, complete with signature spooky drinks and plenty of laughs. Dress in your finest Halloween attire and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, magic, and a few mischievous surprises along the way. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.
Thursday, October 30th (6–9 PM): DJ Jamie’s Halloween House Party at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Get ready to dance the night away at our high-energy Halloween House Party! DJ Jamie will spin infectious house beats to keep the dance floor alive, while our costume contest adds an extra layer of spooky fun with prizes—including a $50 gift card to Bird’s Nest or Blackbird. No reservations needed—just come ready to dance, mingle, and enjoy the night in the bar with seasonal drinks, music, and Halloween magic.
Thursday, October 30th: Halloween Thirsty Thursday
Raise a glass to the season with live music from Steve & Chris (6–9 PM) and Halloween drink specials! Don’t miss the chance to try Nightman Black IPA, our hop-forward seasonal favorite, as you celebrate the night with friends and enjoy a lively, spooky atmosphere.
Friday, October 31st: Let the Ghoul Times Roll
The ultimate Halloween celebration lands on Halloween night! Dance, toast, and revel with live music from Peak City Band (6–9 PM), and join our costume contest for the chance to win prizes. Sip on one of our Halloween drink specials as you immerse yourself in the energy of the season. With spooky decorations, festive drinks, and thrilling surprises at every turn, this is the perfect way to end Halloween week in style.
Spooky Fun Awaits!
From costume contests and trivia to live music, Halloween week is packed with ways to embrace the season. Whether you’re coming for family fun, a night out with friends, or a festive drink and dance, there’s a spooky delight waiting around every corner—especially when paired with the bold, mischievous flavors of Nightman or a cocktail from our haunted lineup.
