Many beer enthusiasts are satisfied to spend a low-key evening at their favorite brewery, anchored to the bar, bantering with the tender, tasting hoppy brews, and soaking up the ambiance. Seattle certainly has a prolific array of neighborhood taprooms suitable for first dates, networking sessions, and friendly meet ups. However, for those who crave more than pretzels with their beer, breweries around Seattle are teaming up with a diverse set of community groups and hobbyists to add activities that include fitness, arts and crafts, and continuing education to the mix.
Astronomy on Tap
A collaboration between University of Washington astronomers and local breweries, Astronomy on Tap lectures bring beer nerds and space nerds together for astro-trivia, beer-induced mingling, and engaging astronomy presentations on topics from planets to black holes to the beginning of the universe. Astronomy on Tap events are free, but attendees are encouraged to support the hosting brewery by drinking an ample volume of beer and tipping generously. Check out May’s presentation on “the weirdest stars and galaxies in the universe” while sipping a Hilliard’s Saison or Boombox IPA. Hilliard’s Beer, 1550 N.W. 49th St. Free. 7 p.m. Fourth Wednesday of each month.
Brewery Yoga Classes
Limber yogis and curious novices are invited to stretch their bodies, clear their heads, and enjoy a refreshing beer together afterward. Organized by a group called Just Add Yoga, brewery yoga classes offer a familiar and non-intimidating setting to meet like-minded Seattleites and prove that yoga doesn’t always have to be so serious. Grab a yoga mat and explore mindfully curated tap lists at upcoming May classes hosted by Spinnaker Bay Brewing and Dirty Bucket Brewing. Various dates and locations. $22–$27. All levels welcome.
Brewery Running Clubs
What better reward for jogging through the hilly streets of Seattle than a fine-tuned microbrew? Every Wednesday, Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery leads a group run through Greenwood before reconvening at the taproom for frosty pints of Pale Hoppy Thing and Lavender IPA. Each Friday in another part of town, Seattle Running Club joins Flying Lion Brewing to offer a chance to explore Columbia City’s jogging routes, connect with the running community, and indulge in a Ginger Wheat Pale or Dry Hopped Porter at the end of the guided excursion. How’s that for incentive? Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery, 8570 Greenwood Ave. N., flyingbike.coop. Free to join. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Flying Lion Brewing, 5041 Rainier Ave. S., flyinglionbrewing.com. Free to join. 6 p.m. Fridays.
Brewery Arts and Crafts
According to the organizers of Modern Whichcraft, sipping a skillfully crafted beer can help with creative flow. The new Seattle meet-up group offers pop-up art workshops at local craft breweries and taprooms, including Lowercase Brewing, The Growl Store, and Outer Planet Brewing. Participants are encouraged to cultivate a creative community while learning how to design and construct a functional craft in an afternoon. Project materials and instruction are provided, and admission often includes a beer flight and brewery tour. Etch a growler, cast a set of cement coasters, or learn how to wood-burn a cutting board, and keep the beer—and inspired artistry—flowing. Various dates and locations. $20–$30.
