As warmer weather approaches, thoughts turn to all things spring – green grass, fresh outdoor air, long walks on the beach, and relaxing at local craft breweries.

Just in time, Rhode Island Craft Beer Week returns March 7-16 with exciting events, special releases, new merchandise, and, most importantly, great brews at over 35 RI-based craft breweries.

We spoke with Nils Weldy, Executive Director of the Brewers Guild, who shared what to expect during the 10-day celebration of all things brew-worthy. Click here for the complete schedule.

One highlight this year – the brand new All Guild Member Collaboration Beer, an 8.2 ABV Hazy Double IPA, he described as a “big, beautiful, delicious, hazy double IPA. That was an all-Guild member of collaboration effort, brewed at The Guild in Pawtucket.”

Weldy explained that numerous Brewers Guild members were present at a recent event where the brew was assembled, “breaking out some grains and dropping some hops in the mix.”

The collaborative spirit among local brewers is evident, with members supporting each other through a constantly evolving business environment.

Weldy said the Brewer’s Guild is growing and is no longer comprised solely of local breweries. “We’ve got almost as many associate members as part of Rhode Island Brewers Guild as brewery members,” he said. “Many of those are our product suppliers, such as malt, hops, yeast, and others involved with this project. They’re truly part of the collaboration as well.”

“The theme for this year’s Craft Beer Week is that we’ve got you covered from head to toe,” said Weldy. “At every Rhode Island brewery, they’ll be giving away some really quality merchandise. That includes one-of-a-kind Richardson ball caps and Rhode Island Craft Beer Week socks.

Weldy also suggests beer lovers download the RI Brewery Passport App, which renews at the beginning of Craft Beer Week. “It starts on the first day of Craft Beer Week, so all the stamps that you’ve accrued in 2024 and into the first part of 2025 will essentially reset at midnight on Friday the 7^th,” he explained.

Passport users are eligible for special prizes during the week, and point are doubled for every stamp. “We see just a huge spike in users during the week,” he added.

Newport area breweries have special events during the celebration, including a Barn Sessions concert at Ragged Island Brewing Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band Little Lies on March 8. In addition, Taproot Brewing is introducing four different house-made bites, perfectly paired with any beer flight, all week long.

Weldy also mentioned the upcoming Newport Beer Festival, coming to Fort Adams State Park on April 19. The lineup includes local favorites as well as breweries from around the region. “It’s been really fun to get to know my peers in the other New England guilds, and they’ve been so supportive of advocating for their members to come and celebrate with us in Newport – the brewery lineup is killer.” Click here for tickets to the Newport Beer Festival.

Local breweries have events year-round, including trivia nights, bonsai workshops, and live music. Follow your favorites on social media for the latest announcements.

Click here to learn more about RI Craft Brewery Week.