Drink and think responsibly on Earth Day
If you want to save the environment, support local businesses and drink craft beer, join the Litter League.
Through June 21, individuals and teams of up to 10 people can sign up to compete in a series of trash collection challenges. Allegheny CleanWays and Friends of the Riverfront, the organizations that founded the Litter League in 2021, will introduce creative tasks each week that promote responsible stewardship.
Every team will receive video tutorials and handmade, all-weather litter collection kits so that they can redd up individually or in groups for a chance to win prizes from some of the region’s most environmentally conscious businesses.
Join Litter Leaguers and other friends of the environment for an Earth Day happy hour on Friday, April 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cinderlands Warehouse in the Strip District. The hosts are Cinderlands Beer Co., Allegheny CleanWays and 3 Rivers Outdoor Company — collectively known as the 3 Rivers Conservation Crew. They are expecting about 100 Litter League members and other interested parties to enjoy activities and beer, including the new collaboration brew Clean Ways.
The kölsch-style beer will be released on Tuesday, April 19. It’s an interpretation of the quaffable beverage that’s fermented cool with an ale yeast and hopped with Hallertau Blanc from Germany. Clean Ways will be available in cans and on draft at all Cinderlands locations, as well as at select establishments in the Pittsburgh region. A portion of the proceeds will go to Allegheny CleanWays to support the organization’s mission to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County.
A second 3 Rivers Conservation Crew beer will be released in June to celebrate Pittsburgh’s outdoor spaces.
“We’re big outdoors lovers at Cinderlands, and we naturally jibe with other independent Pittsburgh family-owned businesses who share our interests and values,” says Paul Schneider, partner and head brewer with Cinderlands.
“We were customers at 3 Rivers Outdoor Company for a long time, and had dropped many four-packs off to their staff, when they approached us about partnering with them to support Allegheny CleanWays by boosting their story to our audiences and helping generate funds and volunteers for their clean-up crews’ incredible efforts. I love it when beer can be a gateway to doing good.”
Traveling Beer Market kicks off its season on Friday
Pittsburgh’s beer industry is making moves.
The Traveling Beer Market, a pop-up shop that will take over a different outdoor venue each month, makes its first tour stop on Friday, April 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bay 41 (115 41st St.) in Lawrenceville. The market, which is sponsored by Beers of the Burgh and the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild, is open to the public and there is no entry fee.
This month, participating breweries include Brew Gentlemen, ShuBrew, Cellar Works Brewing Co., Noble Stein Brewing Company and Mindful Brewing Co.
Brisketburgh and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels will sell food at the market and the Tim Vitullo Band will provide entertainment. Attendees can peruse a vendor fair featuring items from Songbird Artistry, PSquare Scents and The Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms.
Upcoming tour dates are: May 27 in Cranberry Township, July 8 on the South Side, Aug. 5 in Hampton Township, Sept. 2 in Collier Township and Oct. 14 in Homestead.
The 2022 Beers of the Burgh Festival will be held on two consecutive Saturdays — June 4 and 11 — at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Rankin. There will be more than 70 local breweries on hand as well as food trucks and bands. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp. and its mission to promote resource conservation and development, heritage tourism, cultural and educational programs, and economic revitalization in the area.
The outdoor festival will take place rain or shine and is open to attendees aged 21 and older. No children or pets will be admitted. There will be a free shuttle connecting the festival to parking at The Waterfront.
Comic books and beer
Butler Brew Works and New Dimension Comics have joined forces again to release a new version of Kryptonite. This year’s libation is a pink-hued, imperial strawberry margarita gose.
The bottle release event will be held on May 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the brewery at 101 S. Main St. in Butler. From 1 to 2 p.m., attendees can watch artists — including Willow Quillen, label designer for Butler Brew Works — draw unique creations on each bottle.
Sip the super beer in anticipation of 3 Rivers Comicon, which will be held June 4-5 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
