Isthmus OktoBEERfest 2015
Saturday, Sept. 26, 3 pm
An Oktoberfest celebration in Madison’s Central Park featuring 40-plus breweries and a $40 ticket means you have an extremely good deal, considering it’s unlimited samples. Among the highlights: Epic Brewing Co. of Utah, Goose Island, New Belgium, the new Bent Kettle Brewing from Fort Atkinson, mighty Wisconsin crafters Oliphant, Vintage, Tyranena, Karben4, the Great Dane, Sand Creek, Parched Eagle, Hop Haul, One Barrel and more. There will be Imperial Pumpkin stouts and, of course, Oktoberfests. Food carts (Bubbles Doubles, Jakarta Cafe, Slide and El Coqui), cheese, sausage, bakery, ice cream and more will also be on hand. Tickets via isthmustickets.com.
Coffee for a cause
Sunday, Sept. 27, 9 am-12:30 pm
Recent attacks have underscored the importance of the Rape Crisis Center. Java Jive is an upbeat fundraiser for the group, with an embarrassment of riches in the form of pastries and other goodies from 32 area vendors (including Nature’s Bakery, Portage Pi, Bloom Bake Shop, Lazy Jane’s, 4 & 20 and Rosie’s) and great local coffees. You’ll leave buzzed and satisfied. Advance registration ($30) guarantees you a take-home mug, but it’s perfectly okay to just show up at the Brink Lounge and pay at the door ($35).
Cart confab
Sunday, Sept. 27, noon-6 pm
Is food cart season really over? Well, the Let’s Eat Out season is, and that collective of 19 vendors is going out with a bang, with bands (Whisky Farm and Tony Castañeda) and food at Burr Jones Field. Look for newcomer Silk Road Gourmet, an Afghani spot. Free admission; most plates $4.
