Barking Lot Party - Logan's Alley

This past Saturday was pretty much my favorite day in recent history. We went Logan's Alley for an event that they were hosting with Dogfish Head and Paws with a Cause. Oh, and there were about 30 dogs hanging out in their parking lot for me to pet, so there's that.

We got there at around 1 and the event was just getting started so Mister (our giant lovable mutt) made his presence known by barking at literally every single dog and human in the area. He made quick friends with some adorable puppies and we took turns heading inside to grab some of the beers they had on tap for the event.

I started with Red and White, a belgian style witbier that was very refreshing considering how insanely hot it was outside. It had a bit of a citrusy taste which I'm a sucker for so I was game. John started with Festina Peche which he knew he'd be ordering going into the day as it's a great summer beer for those fruit fans out there.

I know it was a Dogfish Head event, but it was hot out and the menu had it (like always) so I had to order an M43 as my second beer. It is my favorite beer of the summer and it is my new weakness if it's on a menu. I'm just saying, if this juicy trend could stick around I'd be okay with that.

The best part about this event (okay, maybe second best behind all the dogs being there) was that it was for a good cause. 15% of the days sales were going towards Paws with a Cause, a charity that increases awareness and trains assistance dogs. There were a few PAWS dogs at the event and they were just amazing. Any time that I can combine drinking beer and raising money for doggos, sign me up.

Summer Concert Series: Andrew Bird and Esperanza Spalding

Nothing feels more like summer than drinking an ice cold beer outside on a hot day. Except maybe swimming. Or like, a slip and slide. Or a popsicle. But for me, it's an ice cold beer on a hot day.

Last night, we went to the first of many summer concerts at Frederick Meijer Gardens to see Andrew Bird and Esperanza Spalding. It was basically like being transported back to 2007, but we have way better taste in beer now. And we choose to sit down to listen to music instead of dance. I love aging.

Esperanza Spalding opened the show on this bright summer evening with her band the Royal Tease and they were phenomenal. The perfect jazzy tunes to pair with a draft 312 from Goose Island. If I'm being completely honest, 312 isn't my favorite beer. I'm not sure that it's anyone's favorite beer. But on this hot summer night it was absolutely delightful.

As the night continued, and the sun went down, Esperanza and her band ended their set to make way for Andrew Bird. The air cooled off and the music started with a lot of whistling and songs that just brought me back to college. Granted, I apparently only know one Andrew Bird song but the show was really good nonetheless. It was the perfect music to hear at a beautiful venue with friends by your side.

This is also when you should break out a better beer, like a Perrin Grapefruit IPA. This is one of those seasonal beers that is so incredibly refreshing in the summer. And it has just the right amount of fruit flavor to not be overbearing like some other fruity beers I've tried. Just be sure to really enjoy the can you have, because at $9 a pop you may only want to spring for 1 of these bad boys at this venue before switching back to draft beers.

All in all this was a perfect start to a concert filled summer for us at the Meijer Gardens. We'll be going back on Thursday for another time jump to see The Shins and drink some more beers. 

Let us know in the comments what your favorite beer + music combination is this summer!