Get ready to pop the champagne and raise a pint! April has arrived with plenty of celebrations and thrilling events to look forward to. We’re getting a little nostalgic this month as we prepare for Blackbird Brewery’s 3rd Anniversary. What started as an idea poured into a glass has grown into a community where strangers became regulars, and regulars became something closer to family.
While we reminisce, we’re also looking ahead and celebrating new traditions in the making, like Li’l Sebastian Fest, Blood Drives with new partners, bonding over Mahjong, and our first Beer Dinner with Cape Fear Seafood Company. It’s a month that lives in two timelines at once: honoring the roots we’ve grown deep into Wake Forest, while continuing to plant new seeds for the years ahead.
Fresh & Flowing
We’ve got tons of exciting beer releases coming up this month. The beers fit the old-and-new theme just as well as our events. We’ve got some beloved favorites returning, as well as a couple of new collaboration brews that showcase our brewery friendships with brands that are as passionate about beer as we are. And, of course, we need some hype-worthy beers for our anniversary party.
Yellow Submarine | Hazy IPA | 7.6% ABV
We all live in a yellow submarine, propelling through a sea of Hazy IPAs, and this is a damn good one. Many, many of you constantly remind us that this is a damn good one. If there’s ever a time for us to bring back this favorite, it’s our anniversary. We dove all in by double dry-hopping with Citra for those chasing that juice. “And our friends are all aboard, many more live next door, and the band begins to play… We all live in a yellow submarine.”
Li’l Sebastian | Helles Lager | 4.9% ABV
I mean this return is kind of a given, considering we’re throwing a whole party for the beer. But trust us, ladies and gentlemen, this is a brew that’s worth the hype. Inspired by our Johann Sebastian Spring Bock, we used some similar brewing techniques but scaled it down into a smaller malt-forward lager. Once you taste it, you’ll know it’s not a pony, it’s a miniature horse.
Saison Du Héritage | Farmhouse Style Ale | 5.7% ABV
Saison Du Héritage was brewed out of love for authentic Belgian Saisons. We did our best to pay our respects to the tradition and methods of brewing this style of beer. Utilizing local rustic malts such as spelt and red wheat from Epiphany Craft Malt in Durham, along with doing a traditional step mash. This beer consists of a blend of 2 saison strains from Belgium and is full of luscious fruity esters. This beer is also naturally carbonated to heighten the drinking experience and flavor. A votre santé mon amies!
Girl You Know Wit’s True | Belgian Witbier | 4.5% ABV
So, what are you doing back at Blackbird? Well, I sat back and thought about the things we used to do, the beer I drank with you, the cheers, and many brews. I’m so in love, Girl You Know Wit’s True. We are channeling Milli Vanilli, but this beer is a classic, crushable Belgian Witbier with wheat, coriander, and orange peel. Order a pint and know my love is for you.
Wai-iti Phone Home | Hazy IPA | 8.2% ABV
We went extraterrestrial with some lesser-known New Zealand hops for this one. Brewed with Wai-iti, Newzilla, and a touch of Citra because there’s just always Citra in the hop boxes when we open them.
Hazy DIPA Collaboration with Edit Brewing Co.
Unnamed and unfinished, this beer is still brewing, waiting to be fully born. And oh, will there be a party when it’s here! This collaboration wasn’t brewed for just one anniversary party, but two! Edit Brewing is simultaneously celebrating their 3rd Anniversary this April with their own brewery birthday party. This Hazy DIPA utilizes new techniques to dial in thiols. The current hopping plan is to use Citra, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and possibly Anchovy hops. This beer will be released at our anniversary party on April 25!
Roofless Ride | Rye IPA | 6.0% ABV
This brew is a collaboration with DSSOLVR and Cellarest Beer Project in Asheville. While our friends were in town for the Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting, we invited them to kick back in Wake Forest for a day to brew something extra special with us. This experimental recipe features 40% black seashore rye grown in eastern NC and a new ingredient in the brewing game that we’ve found to contribute a big, creamy, frothy body. We went a little old school with a touch of dark crystal malt and a blend of old and new hops for dry hopping. “Deep cut” Cascade CGX and Krush. Let’s ride!
Mark Your Calendar!
Blackbird Brewery’s 3rd Anniversary | April 25 | 12pm-11pm
Three years ago, Blackbird Brewery was just a dream. Something sketched out in conversations, built on passion, and conjured through hard work and dedication. Since then, it’s grown into something far greater than we could have imagined: a place where time seems to slow just enough for one more round, where your familiar bartender greets you at the door, and where countless memories have been made between sips. This anniversary isn’t just about marking another year. It’s about celebrating every moment, every connection, and every person who helped shape Blackbird into what it is today.
We’re filling the day with everything that feels unmistakably Blackbird: specialty beer releases, live music, incredible food, and a lineup of entertainment that keeps the energy moving from afternoon into night. DJ Jamie sets the tone early from 3pm-6pm, leading into an evening performance by Peak City Band from 7pm-10pm. Along the way, expect a little extra magic (literally) with Magician Michael Douglas from 1pm-3pm, plus face painting and balloon art with Kathi’s Klowns from 3pm-5pm. The Butcher’s Market will be on-site starting at 12pm, serving up food until they sell out. We’ll have special beer releases pouring from the taps both inside and outside from a secondary beer station. A big top tent will be set in the biergarten with additional seating throughout. Preparations are underway for what we know will be a packed celebration. Parking is expected to be limited, and we highly encourage using rideshare apps, especially so you can enjoy the celebrations and beverages throughout the day without worry.
Li’l Sebastian Fest | Blackbird Brewery | April 11 | 12pm-11pm
“So I have a surprise and it is possibly the best thing to potentially ever happen to anyone, anywhere in the history of the universe.” Li’l Sebastian Fest is trotting into Blackbird Brewery this April. Yes, we’re giving our smallest, most legendary inspiration the biggest beer release celebration we can muster. Inspired by the beloved icon from Parks and Recreation, this fest is equal parts tribute and excuse to throw a wildly fun party at the brewery. We’re tapping our annual spring release of Li’l Sebastian Helles Lager. Whether you understand the hype or you’re just here for the beer and good times, consider this your invitation to celebrate something a little ridiculous and completely unforgettable.
The day kicks off with face painting from Vivid Face Painting from 12pm-2pm and Live Music with Danger from 12pm-3pm to set the tone. Sponsored by Howard Hanna from 2pm-5pm, Pint Sized Pasture brings the petting zoo experience including the star of the day. The Family Bee’s-ness will host their monthly Farmers Market in our Biergarten from 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Cape Fear Seafood Beer Dinner | April 29 | 7pm-9pm
Join us for our first Cape Fear Beer Dinner, an evening that brings together thoughtful cuisine and expertly paired craft beer in collaboration with one of our favorite neighboring restaurants. This multi-course dining experience is designed to highlight the way great beer can elevate every bite, with each course paired to complement and enhance the flavors on the plate.
The evening begins with a crisp spring salad featuring arugula, apple, roasted walnuts, blue cheese, and warm bacon vinaigrette, paired with a bright saison. From there, enjoy an IPA ceviche with lime, heirloom tomato, spring vegetables, and diver scallop, matched with a citrus-forward pale ale. The third course showcases island-inspired mahi, glazed with IPA and served alongside scampi pepper risotto, grilled pineapple mango salsa, and broccolini—paired with our complementary Yellow Submarine Hazy IPA. To finish, indulge in a decadent three-layer stout cheesecake, featuring our Raspberry is My Safe Word Milk Stout, chocolate ganache, brown sugar custard, and berry garnish. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a unique night out, this is an experience meant to be savored from the first course to the last. $60 per person with gratuity included. Call Cape Fear Seafood Company to purchase a ticket today – (919) 295-2455
And That’s Just The Beginning
Mahjong Beginner Class | Bird’s Nest | April 7 | 6pm-9pm
Join Megan, founder of Mahj with Megan, at Bird’s Nest for a fun, beginner-friendly 3-hour lesson where you’ll learn the basics of mahjong gameplay, get a clear introduction to the NMJL card, and play one to two rounds of guided Mahj with step-by-step coaching. $55 per guest. All supplies included. No experience needed! Come ready to learn, laugh, and leave confident enough to join a table! Purchase ticket here!
Wine Tasting w/ Rise Over Run Wines | Bird’s Nest | April 8 | 6:30pm-8:30pm
An evening at Bird’s Nest, a glass in hand, and something new to fall for. We’re hosting our first wine tasting with Rise Over Run Wines for an evening that leans into bold character and easy indulgence. Come for the tasting… and stay for everything after.
NC Pint Day | Blackbird Brewery | April 12 | 12pm
This year’s NC Pint Day design brings the spirit of North Carolina to life through an illustrated celebration of music, beer, agriculture, and community by Asheville-based artist Sadie Tynch! Stop by and grab this year’s limited-edition pint glass ($10 for glass and pint)! These exclusive glasses will be available while supplies last, starting at the beginning of the day when we open at 12pm. Don’t wait to stop by! Each year we have a line before we open and typically sell out within the first couple hours.
After scooping up your limited-edition pint glass, hang around and enjoy our monthly Jazz Sunday performance by The Dan Davis Group from 3pm-6pm! We couldn’t imagine a more fun way to close out the week than this!
Spring Artisan Market w/ Be Like Missy | Blackbird Brewery | April 18 | 1pm-5pm
Bring all your friends to Blackbird Brewery for a Sip & Shop market hosted by Be Like Missy! Sip on delicious craft beer, tasty wine, and bubbly selections while experiencing our intimate vendor market. Shop from a diverse selection of small businesses such as Be Like Missy, Bibliobean Books, Brody’s Arts & Plants, Bull City Knives, Foxhound Crochet, Glassy Creations, Little Giraffe Co, and Taylor Varron Art. Plus Perfectly Imperfect Pups will also be on-site with some snuggly adoptable puppies! You never know when you might meet your furry best friend.
Cabaret Night w/ Miss Candice | Bird’s Nest | April 18 | 7pm-9pm
Join us as the captivating jazz chanteuse and cabaret performer Miss Candice takes the stage at Bird’s Nest at Blackbird. Miss Candice masterfully blends the sultry charm of 1920s–1960s jazz and show tunes with a stunning visual performance reminiscent of classic cabaret. Seats go fast, so we highly recommend making a reservation in advance!
Blood Drive Supporting Blood Cancer United | Blackbird Brewery | April 19 | 2pm-7pm
For this Blood Drive, as part of the TBC Cares program, if we reach our goal of 30 donors, $500 will be donated to an organization of our choice. Our partner, Perry Farms, is one of our favorite local suppliers of malt and barley. Tim Kuhl, President of Perry Farms, requested to team up and fundraise in his son’s honor. Levi Keul previously battled blood cancer and wished for Blood Cancer United to be the recipient of this month’s blood drive efforts. Beer always tastes better after saving lives! Reserve your time slot today!
Cue The Music
Live music takes on a bigger role this month, weaving its way through our largest celebrations and filling the brewery with fresh energy from start to finish. From anniversary sets that carry the party into the night to curated performances sprinkled throughout the calendar, April’s lineup brings a mix of returning favorites and a wave of new artists stepping onto the Blackbird stage for the first time.
Grace Stephenson | April 2 | 6pm-9pm
Jimmy Deve | April 9 | 6pm-9pm
Danger | April 11 | 12pm-3pm
The Dan Davis Group | April 12 | 3pm-6pm
Cole Spade | April 16 | 6pm-9pm
Mike Edwards & His Only Friends | April 18 | 6pm-9pm
Open Mic hosted by Adam Lee Decker | April 19 | 3pm-6pm
Ryan Mullaney | April 23 | 6pm-9pm
DJ Jamie | April 25 | 3pm-6pm
Peak City Band | April 25 | 7pm-10pm
Duopoly | April 30 | 6pm-9pm
Fresh Air, Cold Beer
Spring returns with the reopening of Phillips Farms of Cary. The gates are open, the fields are buzzing, and weekends are back in full swing. As their exclusive beer partner, Blackbird Brewery will be on-site pouring throughout the season’s events—giving you the perfect pairing to markets, fruit-themed festivals, their Fun Park, and everything else that makes a day at the farm feel like a breath of fresh air.
Phillips Farms Schedule:
Grand Reopening | April 11-12
Kids Days for Caison | April 18-19
Touch A Truck | April 25-26
Grandparents Weekend | May 2-3
Strawberryfest | May 9-10
A Weekend for Charity | May 16-17
C10s Tailgate Party | June 6
Peachfest | June 13-14
Watermelonfest | July 25-26
Shrop’s Wingfest | August 1-2
A Toast to Three Years
April feels like a return to where it all began, while standing firmly in everything we’ve built since. As we celebrate three years of Blackbird Brewery, we’re reminded that it’s never just been about what’s in the glass. It’s about the people, the connections, the memories. At Blackbird Brewery, we take great pride in our community and home away from home we’ve created. Join us this month in celebrating this milestone and the journey that brought us here.
