The Belgian Beer Weekend has once again landed in Fukuoka, returning for its third year in a row, and will be running, despite its name, for the next ten days. If you enjoyed last year’s event, this one is set to be even better, with a greater selection of beer, some top-class entertainment and enough Belgian waffles to see you through until winter. On May 8, we headed down City Hall to check out the opening night festivities. We arrived at 5.30 to an already packed venue, and by 7pm the atmosphere was nothing short of merry, with the beer flowing freely.
Special! – WIN A SIX-PACK OF BELGIAN BEER!
Two lucky people will be awarded a six pack of Belgian beer. To enter the lucky draw use the form below and be sure to fill in the comment field. Only winners will be notified and they must be willing to pick the boxes up at the Fukuoka Now office (in Tenjin) between May 18 and May 22, 10am~18:30.
Lucky Draw Entry Form:
http://bit.ly/fn-giveaway
This year there are 53 types of Belgian beer on tap, each carefully picked by the organisers from local, Fukuoka importers. The aim of the festival is to introduce drinkers to different types of Belgian beer and all beers served can be found on sale at Fukuoka based importers, great news if you find one you really like.
Struggling to know where to start, or just want some more information on what you’re enjoying? This year the Belgian Beer Weekend have launched a new App on the Apple Store (Android launch soon), that will give you as much information as you’d ever need about the festival. Micro-chips located above each stand send signals to your phone giving you location specific information about the beers served at each stand.
If you’re wondering whether to pick up some food before hand, don’t bother. From deliciously fat Belgian frites (fries), to waffles, stews and sausages, there’s plenty to line your stomach with throughout the evening.
There’s also a varied schedule of live entertainment, with three Belgian artists performing across the ten day period. From 80’s rocker Arno (as in the frontman of TC Matic) to up and coming indie group My Little Cheap Dictaphone (MLCD), there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Once you’re in, there’s no need for cash. The ¥3,100 entrance fee gives you 11 tokens to spend around the venue as well as a free glass that you can keep even when you leave. Each beer costs between three and four tokens, depending on alcohol volume and the beer’s rarity. Food is in a similar range, frites starting at two tokens, with more substantial meals costing a token or two more more. Token top-ups can also be bought if you run out.
Whether you want to drink Belgian, eat Belgian food or just join an outdoor party in the middle of downtown Fukuoka, your sure to have a good time at the Belgian Beer Weekend. Catch it while it lasts and for more information, see the Belgian Beer Weekend website below.
Belgian Beer Weekend
• 5/8 (Fri.) ~ 17 (Sun.) Weekdays: 16:00~22:00, Weekends: 11:00~22:00
• Fureai Hiroba, Fukuoka City Hall
• Door ¥3,100 (original glass and 11 coins for food & drink)
• http://www.belgianbeerweekend.jp/ja/fukuoka/