It’s July—the month when sunscreen doubles as a condiment and your car transforms into a sauna with cupholders. Around here, we’re all about those wear-your-sunglasses-all-day vibes and embracing the dog days of summer—when cold beer tastes even better under the blazing sun. Whether you’re chasing lightning bugs, cooling off beneath our shaded beer-garden pergola, or finding your rhythm where the music and hops collide, Blackbird Brewery is your ultimate summer headquarters.
And speaking of July fun, don’t miss our Red, White & Brew Fireworks Bash on July 3rd! Come celebrate Independence Day early with cold brews, live music, delicious food, and prime views of the Town of Wake Forest’s spectacular fireworks show.
The best is yet to come—let’s dive into all the exciting brews and events pouring this month!
Beer Releases
With All Due Respect… Fruit Beer
This is Brad’s beer! Part of our Staff Brew Series, where each team member gets a turn at the brewhouse. Brad brought the heat—literally. This crisp lager base is flavored with mango purée, habañeros, and sea salt. It’s fruity upfront with a warm, balanced finish. Feeling bold? Ask for the “extra hot” version (+$0.50).
“With all due respect… I had no idea you got experimental surgery to get your balls removed.”
“What?? I said with all due respect ;)”
Chimcoe West Coast IPA
A fan favorite returns! Last released in March 2024, Chimcoe scored a 95 in Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine—one of the highest national scores for a West Coast IPA. Hopped with Citra and Simcoe, this beer brings clean, crisp hop character in a super drinkable classic IPA.
Sliding Down the Sandpaper of Time – Hazy IPA
A name born from the rough edges we all feel now and then—this hazy IPA offers a gentler landing. Crafted with a wheat-forward malt bill, it’s lighter-bodied and drier than most, making it shockingly easy to sip at 7.5% ABV. Bursting with bright citrus from Citra and Krush hops, this brew is your flavorful reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the ride—bumps and all.
Bro Montana West Coast Pale Ale
Returning by popular demand, this staff favorite starts with a carefully step-mashed pilsner malt for a perfectly balanced malt backbone. Hopped with vibrant Riwaka in the whirlpool and generously dry hopped, it delivers a bold, hoppy punch that’s both crisp and refreshing. Get ready for its July 3rd release!
Fat Night Porter
Sometimes, simple is exactly what you need. After a run of pastry-packed dark beers, we’re dialing it back with a classic, unflavored porter—smooth, creamy, and easy to sip. Expect soft notes of cacao and roasted malt from a thoughtful grain bill that lets the ingredients shine. Kick back, catch the vibe—it’s summer, it’s Fat Night.
Live Masa – Pre-Prohibition Mexican Blue Corn Lager
A collab with our friends at Heyday Brewing! This year, we gave our blue corn lager a Mexican twist, building the recipe on a classic Mex lager foundation and brewing it with raw blue corn for a crisp, refreshing finish.
The idea sparked when Heyday’s Head Brewer Lance showed up with a sack of blue corn, curious to see how it would perform in our mash mixing tank—designed to gelatinize raw grains and extract maximum sugar and flavor. The result? A rich purple mash that smelled like fresh tortillas. Once clarified, the beer pours clean and bright with just the faintest pastel pink-orange hue when held to the light. Don’t let the color fool you—this one’s a straight-up summer crusher. The perfect July 3rd crusher!
Upcoming Special Events
July 3rd (1-10 PM): Red, White & Brew Fireworks Bash
Join us for our annual Red, White & Brew Fireworks Bash—a full day of cold beer, live music, and Fourth of July fun, capped off with front-row views of the Town of Wake Forest’s spectacular fireworks show.
- Live music with Dee Jay Jamie (4–6 PM)
- Live music with Adam Lee Decker (6–9 PM)
- Fishin’ Shrimp Brats: Grilled brat baskets with chips and toppings (4–8 PM)
- Fireworks at 9:30 PM: Excellent view of fireworks from our beer garden & parking lot
July 8th (6:30–8:30 PM): Wine Tasting with Winebow at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Sip and swirl with a sommelier from Winebow as you explore a curated selection of exceptional wines.
July 19th (1-8 PM): Timeless Sparkle Permanent Jewelry Pop Up
Get custom-fitted for clasp-free permanent jewelry right in the taproom! Timeless Sparkle Permanent Jewelry is popping up with their signature shine—so don’t miss your chance to treat yourself to something effortlessly elegant and truly timeless.
July 23rd (6:30-7:30 PM): Oaklore Distilling Tasting Event at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Join us for an exclusive guided tasting with Don from Oaklore Distilling, a Charlotte-based craft distillery known for its small-batch, hand-crafted spirits. Experience their signature Bourbon, Rye, and Port-finished expressions—each carefully aged and crafted right in the Queen City.
On-Site at Phillips Farm for Watermelonfest
Blackbird Brewery is back at Phillips Farms in Cary, pouring our ice-cold brews during their exciting summer Watermelonfest celebration! Whether you’re exploring acres of outdoor fun, riding thrilling attractions, or browsing the farmers market for local treasures, we’ve got the perfect refreshment to keep your summer vibes flowing.
Saturday, July 19th (9 AM–4 PM) and Sunday, July 20th (12 PM–6 PM)
Watermelonfest at Phillips Farms is the perfect way to close out your summer with family-friendly fun, delicious food, and, of course, refreshing ice-cold craft beer. With watermelon-inspired festivities in full swing, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Find us pouring fresh Blackbird brews—on draft and in cans—at two convenient locations:
- The Farmers Market Area (no admission required)
- The Blackbird Brewery Beer Shed inside the Fun Park (admission required)
Sip a cold one as you take in the fun, then grab a four- or six-pack to keep the good times going at home.
Returning Favorites
July 2nd (6-9 PM): Silent Book Club at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Unwind with us for Silent Book Club, held the first Wednesday of each month. Bring your current read, grab a handcrafted cocktail, and enjoy a quiet evening of reading in good company. Afterward, stick around to chat with fellow book lovers and sip something delicious.
July 9th (6-8 PM): Crokinole
Whether you’re a seasoned flicker or brand new to the board, Crokinole Night is open to all! Meet us in the taproom on the first Wednesday of each month for this fast-paced game that blends curling strategy with shuffleboard precision. It’s just as fun to watch as it is to play.
July 10th (5-10 PM): Vinyl Night at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird
Drop the needle and vibe with us! On the second Thursday of each month, bring your favorite records to Bird’s Nest and enjoy a night of analog sound, great drinks, and even better company. Music, cocktails, and community—what more could you ask for?
July 12th (4:30-7:30 PM): Farmers Market Hosted by The Family Bee’s-ness LLC
Support local farmers and artisans while sipping craft beer! We’re excited to have The Family Bee’s-ness LLC hosting this monthly outdoor Farmers Market event! Browse a fantastic array of local produce and one-of-a-kind offerings.
Weekday Happenings
Mondays: Hammered Trivia (7-9 PM)
Tuesdays: Music Bingo (7-9 PM)
Wednesdays: Wine Flight Wednesday w/ $20 wine flights and Run Club (6-8 PM)
Thursdays: Enjoy live music every Thursday (6-9 PM)
Live Music Lineup
Thursday, July 3rd (4-6 PM): Dee Jay Jamie
Thursday, July 3rd (6-9 PM): Adam Lee Decker
Thursday, July 10th (6-9 PM): Story Charlemagne
Sunday, July 13th (3-6 PM): Jazz with Michael Jones Duo
Thursday, July 17th (7-9 PM): One Night with Rishi
Thursday, July 24th (6-9 PM): JT Parrothead
Thursday, July 31st (6-9 PM): Tigerlily
Cheers to the Dog Days and Cold Pours
July brings the dog days of summer—those hot, sticky afternoons and slow-moving evenings made for cold beers and good company. Whether you’re beating the heat under the pergola or enjoying live music with friends, Blackbird Brewery is your oasis when the sun’s at its peak.
With fresh brews flowing and great vibes all month long, it’s the perfect place to cool down, catch up, and soak in the best of summer. So grab your crew, raise a glass, and let’s make these dog days the highlight of your year!
