Setting the clocks ahead for Daylight Savings has given us more hours of daylight, and suddenly Spring Fever is in the air. Whether you want to make the most of the last bit of snow at two great skiing competitions out West, party it up with Indie film buffs in Austin, or drink your days away in the City of Brotherly love, this weekend has something for everyone.
By Cannon Kinnard and Nathan Storey
Philly Beer Week, March 5-15
Philadelphia, PA
We’re halfway to Oktoberfest — does that make you feel like busting open an organically brewed keg of suds with a sledgehammer? Mayor Michael Nutter (his real last name) did just that at the opening of 2008’s Philly Beer Week, one of America’s largest beer festivals. Last year over 15,000 people sampled a slew of darks and ambers at the inaugural festival, but this year, with almost 700 different brews on tap, the sophomore-effort crowd is expected to be in the tens of thousands. You already missed the 5-mile Beer Run last Saturday, but we suggest taking a hiatus from your health regimens this weekend and hitting events like Friday night’s Magic Hat Pub crawl, which starts at at 7 PM at the several pubs located in the Fairmont neighborhood. Another good bet for Friday night: Yuengling’s Trivia and Swag giveaway at Doobie’s Bar at 8 PM. For all of Friday’s happenings, see the full event calendar here. If one night isn’t enough for you to spend at this suds extravaganza in the city of Brotherly Love, meet up at Nodding Head bar on Saturday at 11 AM to take part in the Brewery Bike Ride, a leisurely 14-mile spin to five of the area’s breweries. Then, attend several Meet-the-Brewer events where you can pick the brains of such beer luminaries as Rob Tod of Allagash and Shane Welsh of Six Point Brewery. On Sunday, close out the consumption-filled weekend with several après parties, including La Fin du Monde’s End of Beer Week party in the Devil’s Den at 9 p.m.
Accommodations and travel:
Philadelphia is serviced by all major airlines, and the city is currently snow-free enough for a weekend drive for Northeasterners. Find special rates on hotels here, and note that the Radisson Plaza-Warwick hotel is offering a special rate of $150/night during Philly Beer Week.
SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Festival, March 13-22
Austin, TX
Each year over 11,000 music-lovers flock to Austin, Texas for the South by Southwest music and arts festival, but this coming weekend it’s all about the film side of things. At 7:30 on Friday, catch an early screening of Paul Rudd’s latest buddy comedy, I Love You, Man. Then, at 10 PM, hit up Buffalo Billiards for the SXSW Film Opening Party, sponsored by A&E IndieFilms. This will kick off a weekend of independent film screenings, so cowboy-up and schmooze with some of the film scene’s elite and rising stars. Saturday’s screenings are plentiful: Go here for a complete schedule. After an afternoon of popcorn-popping Indie film pleasure, wander over to film distributer B-side’s 10 PM bash and indulge in some late night drinks and live music by the Diagonals. The freeloading kicker comes at 4:00 PM on Sunday, with SXSW’s Block Party. At the Block Party, which is modeled after a pub-crawl, talk with exhibitors in a festive atmosphere — but more importantly enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages.
Accommodations and travel:
Most events take place at the Austin Convention Center, but for official maps, schedules, event fees and general information, checkout the SXSW official page. And take a look at the website’s interactive Austin hotel map for tips on where to stay on the cheap.
12th Annual Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals, March 13-14
Snowbird, Utah
While many parts of the country are gearing up for spring, in Utah, this is the time of year when riders are embracing unheralded ski conditions (resorts last year didn’t close until the end of June). So go west and get a first-hand peek at the fluffy March powder as some of the world’s best freeskiers (think heli and backcountry) take to Snowbird’s rugged terrain at the 12th Annual Subaru U.S. Freesking Nationals. The reigning Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals Champions, Dylan Crossman and Jaclyn Passo, will try to defend their titles against a field of almost 200 competitors. The escalator-style competition (each run increases in difficulty) will kick off at the Peruvian Gulch on day one. On day two, the sheer and jagged face of Mt. Baldy will host the second run and, weather permitting, the finalists will duke out a heli-accessed super final on the legendary 2,762-foot Mt. Superior. After taking in the dynamic stunts of the world’s best, cozy up to a brew and some live music at Wildflower Lounge on Friday (5-7 PM) and Aerie Lounge on Saturday (8-11 PM).
Accommodations and travel:
Snowbird is 29 miles away from the Salt Lake International Airport in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Winter Weekend Package is a three-night deal that includes two days of Snowbird Tram and Chair lift tickets for $180 per person, per night. The package also includes round-trip ground transfers to and from the airport.
2009 Superfly Open, March 13-15
Powder Mountain, Utah
Crave bigger air? Head about 75 miles north to Powder Mountain for the Second Annual Superfly Open. Here, at approximately 9,000 feet, you’ll find the world’s best snowkiters launching into orbit at “The Towers,” located in the hidden lake area of Powder Mountain. Competitors will compete in three categories: Freestyle, Kite Races and Big Air. Those who want in on the action can grab a lesson or watch one of the demos taking place each day of the Open. If you think you’re ready to conquer the mountain yourself, then take a Suunto GPS watch and digitally log your snowkite session as part of the Suunto Challenge. The two snowkiters who log the longest distance and fastest speed will keep a Suunto watch. The festivities don’t start or stop on the slopes, though: on Friday night, get your fill of eye candy in nearby Ogden as Brewskis hosts the Best Bash featuring the finals of the Best Girls Model Search Competition. Saturday, dinner at Red Moose Lodge will be accompanied by photographer and author Andrew McLean’s presentations on recent snowkiting expeditions.
Accommodations and travel:
The Lift and Lodge Special gets you in a room and on the mountain for $86 a night, per person. Minimum stay is two nights.
Print this article
Leave a Reply