The season of spontaneous plans, late sunsets, and cold pints is finally here. June arrives with fresh beer on tap, a new summer menu, a packed calendar of events, and the kind of weather that begs you to be outside. Whether you’re gathering in the Blackbird biergarten with a fresh pour or settling into the Bird’s Nest patio for an evening cocktail, summer has officially found its home. Consider this your invitation to pull up a chair, stay a while, and savor everything the season has to offer.
A Cold Beer For A Hot Day
Summer and fresh beer go hand in hand. June’s lineup showcases everything we love about the season: bold new hop expressions, bright flavors built for warm days, and the return of a few crowd favorites we’ve been looking forward to pouring again. Grab a pint and see what’s pouring fresh on draft!
Habu – Rice Lager – 4.7% ABV
A rice lager worthy of legend. Tales of the battles between Habu and Mongoose while enjoying this timeless libation are just where the lore begins. Traditionally brewed using our mash mixer to gelatinize short grain sushi rice. Over half of this beer comes from rice and the rest is from pilsner malt. It’s hopped with floral Lorien hops and lagered for several weeks until naturally clarified. It’s also very low gluten!
Blackbird Kölsch – 4.5% ABV
The classic light and crisp German ale, drinks like a lager but with unique stone fruit, salt cracker, and chalky aromas you only find in Kölsch. A special selection of malt and hops we don’t share with our other beers, a special yeast strain, tricky alkaline water profile, and 3 weeks cold conditioning to settle into its personality makes this a one of a kind beer style we can’t get enough of.
The Rhine – Altbier / Amber Ale – 5.5% ABV
Named after the river that is home to Düsseldorf, Germany, where the Altbier was born. Brewed with large portions of Munich malt, a touch of crystal malt, noble German hops, and fermented cool with neutral ale yeast. This malty libation is a smooth, balanced, no-frills amber beer!
Mr. Bob Manilita – Hazy IPA – 7.3% ABV
I forgot my favorite man, sittin’ over there. His name is Mr. Manilita, Mr. Bob Manilita. We were building out our summer beer plan when we got word from Freestyle Farms in New Zealand that they’re releasing a limited quantity of their new experimental hop, Manilita. It has a high oil content (that’s flavor) and they say it has notes of gummy candy, red grapefruit and red berries. We get some orange citrus too.
C10 Loco – Pale Ale – 5.3% ABV
This weekend we are debuting a beer we brewed for the C10s Tailgate Party at Phillips Farms of Cary. The C10s Tailgate Party is in support of The Invictus Project, a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to partner with law enforcement to combat the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. For an event with a powerful impact, we had to brew a beer to match: C10 Loco! Made with our new favorite experimental hop, Manilita from Freestyle Farms in New Zealand.
Yellow Submarine – Hazy IPA – 7.6% ABV
We all live in a yellow submarine, propelling through a sea of Hazy IPAs, and this is a damn good one. We dove all in by double dry hopping with Citra for those looking for juice. Made with a base of oat malt and London yeast for an opaque and creamy brew. This hazy was dry hopped mid fermentation with Citra Cryo to pick up those lush biotransformation characters from the yeast and then doused a few days later with hand selected Citra T90s.
Your Summer Calendar is Set
A packed calendar is part of what makes summer at Blackbird Brewery and Bird’s Nest so special. From live music and trivia nights to tastings, markets, and community gatherings, June is filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and make memories. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or looking for your next favorite event, there’s always something happening around the corner.
C10s Tailgate Party | Phillips Farms of Cary | June 6 | 9am-4pm
Rev up your engines and head to Phillips Farms of Cary for the C10s Tailgate Party, a family-friendly gathering celebrating classic GM trucks while supporting a meaningful cause. Hosted on behalf of The Invictus Project, the event helps raise awareness for an organization dedicated to partnering with law enforcement to combat the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Visitors can enjoy an impressive lineup of vintage trucks, live music from the Raleigh Assassins, food trucks, and plenty of shaded seating to stay comfortable throughout the day. Blackbird Brewery will be on-site pouring cold beer, including our special event release, C10 Loco Pale Ale, brewed exclusively for the occasion. Whether you’re a truck enthusiast, craft beer fan, or simply looking for a fun summer outing, the C10s Tailgate Party offers something for everyone while supporting an important mission.
Crokinole Night | Blackbird Brewery | June 10 | 6pm-8pm
Join us for Crokinole Night every second Wednesday hosted by the Triangle Crokinole Club at Blackbird Brewery! Crokinole is an exhilarating tabletop game that blends elements of shuffleboard and curling with precision and strategy. This event is open to all new participants! No prior knowledge or experience required! Our Crokinole organizers are friendly and enthusiastic about sharing this game with newcomers. The organizers provide the board and all necessary game materials – just show up and enjoy!
Peachfest | Phillips Farms of Cary | June 13 & June 14
Nothing says summer quite like a fresh North Carolina peach, and Peachfest at Phillips Farms of Cary is a celebration of the season’s sweetest harvest. Spend the day exploring the farm, enjoying family-friendly activities, shopping local vendors, and indulging in all things peach. From fresh-picked fruit and peach-inspired treats to live entertainment and outdoor fun, it’s a summertime tradition that’s worth the trip. As the exclusive beer partner of Phillips Farms, Blackbird Brewery will be on-site pouring cold craft beer throughout the festival. Grab a pint, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a perfect summer day surrounded by great food, local agriculture, and community.
Soulful Saturday House Party | Bird’s Nest | June 13 | 3pm-9pm
Step into the rhythm at Bird’s Nest with a Day Party bringing Soulful House music vibes to Wake Forest. Expect smooth grooves, uplifting beats, and a welcoming dance-floor energy as a lineup of talented DJs keeps the atmosphere flowing from start to finish. Featuring sets from DJ Jamie, DJ Mindormatter, and DJ BossLady, each spinning soulful house selections designed to move the crowd while keeping the mood relaxed and vibrant. Sip on delicious cocktails, enjoy your favorite pours, and settle into an afternoon built around good music, great company, and easygoing energy. House of Sticks will also be on-site showcasing their premium cigars to elevate the experience. Whether you come ready to dance or just want to soak in the vibe, this is your invitation to spend the day immersed in music, flavor, and community.
Farmers Market | Blackbird Brewery | June 13 | 4:30pm-7:30pm
Hosted every second Saturday of the month by The Family Bee’s-ness in our Blackbird Biergarten, our Farmers Market is the perfect opportunity to support local farmers, small businesses, and unique artisans while enjoying fantastic beer! This is a perfect sip and shop opportunity with a vendor list that rotates month to month.
Mahjong Level 1 Class | Bird’s Nest | June 16 | 6pm-9pm
Join Megan, founder of Mahj with Megan, at Bird’s Nest for a fun, beginner-friendly 3-hour lesson where you’ll learn the basics of mahjong gameplay, get a clear introduction to the NMJL card, and play one to two rounds of guided Mahj with step-by-step coaching. $55 per guest. All supplies included. No experience needed – just come ready to learn, laugh, and leave confident enough to join a table! Purchase tickets here!
DJ Al-Ski Love | Blackbird Brewery | June 19 | 5pm-8pm
Join us for a Friday night at Blackbird with DJ Al-Ski Love! Known for his eclectic sound and high-energy sets, DJ Al-Ski Love’s sets are a musical journey through house, soul, funk, boogie, old school hip hop, Motown, 80s dance, and rare groove. This vibe curator uses his own vinyl records to create a night you won’t want to miss!
Open Mic hosted by Adam Lee Decker | Blackbird Brewery | June 21 | 3pm-6pm
Once a month at Blackbird, Adam Lee Decker, the national anthem performer for the Carolina Hurricanes, hosts Open Mic! This event is a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday with a variety of tunes, a beverage in hand, and good vibes all around. Any artist is welcome to perform a couple of songs, no prior sign-ups necessary.
Mahjong Level 2 Class | Bird’s Nest | June 23 | 6pm-9pm
Mahjong 102 is an intermediate American Mahjong class designed for graduates of Mahjong 101 or players with basic knowledge looking to increase their speed, confidence, and strategy. It focuses on mastering the Charleston, reading the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card efficiently, defensive play, and strategic play. All supplies included. Purchase tickets here!
Gin & Tonic Night | Bird’s Nest | June 24 | 7pm-9pm
Join us for a fun evening of gin & tonic sampling! Meet our awesome representative from Johnson Brothers, Don Cervellini Jr., who’ll guide you through a variety of delicious gin blends and mixers. Perfect chance to discover your new favorite drink, chat with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a chilled night out. Don’t miss this tasty adventure! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Your ticket purchase includes a flight of three gins, Malfy Gin, Plymouth Gin, and Waterloo Prickly Pear Rosé Gin with an assortment of garnishes including cucumber, lemon, lime, grapefruit, rosemary, and thyme.
Paint & Sip | Blackbird Brewery | June 27 | 1pm-3pm
Get creative and unwind at Blackbird Brewery’s Paint & Sip with local artist Taylor Varron. Guests will be guided step-by-step through a beach sunset painting, making it easy and enjoyable for all skill levels. All supplies are provided, including a pre-drawn canvas. Grab a drink, bring some friends, and leave with your own summer-inspired masterpiece. Purchase your ticket today to reserve your spot!
The Soundtrack of Summer
Summer nights and live music are a perfect pairing. Throughout June, talented local musicians will take the stage at Blackbird Brewery and Bird’s Nest, providing the soundtrack for everything from casual weeknight gatherings to weekend celebrations. Grab a drink, find a seat, and settle in for an evening of great tunes, great company, and the laid-back energy that makes this season so memorable.
Grant Paxton | Blackbird Brewery | June 11 | 6pm-9pm
Soulful Saturday House Party | Bird’s Nest | June 13 | 3pm-9pm
Sunday Jazz w/ Michael Jones & Ellis Merlin | Blackbird Brewery | June 14 | 3pm-6pm
Don’t Fret Duo | Blackbird Brewery | June 18 | 6pm-9pm
DJ Al-Ski Love | Blackbird Brewery | June 19 | 5pm-8pm
Open Mic hosted by Adam Lee Decker | Blackbird Brewery | June 21 | 3pm-6pm
JT Parrothead | Blackbird Brewery | June 25 | 6pm-9pm
Cabaret Night w/ Miss Candice | Bird’s Nest | June 27 | 7pm-9pm
Ellis Merlin’s Birthday Jam | Blackbird Brewery | June 28 | 3pm-6pm
More Patio, Less Pests
We’re making outdoor time even better with our recent installation of an all-natural, organic, non-toxic insect misting system from MosquitoNix Raleigh throughout the Blackbird biergarten and Bird’s Nest patio. Designed with families in mind, the system helps create a more comfortable outdoor space while being kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and pollinator-friendly. The automated system runs daily on a programmed schedule to provide permanent, consistent protection from mosquitoes and other annoying insects. That means guests can spend more time enjoying fresh air, great company, and cold beer without the distraction of biting pests. Outdoor comfort matters, especially where people gather to relax. We’ve invested in a better biergarten and patio experience for customers all summer long. Interested in bringing the same comfort to your home? Ask MosquitoNix Raleigh about the special Blackbird Brewery customer discount. Message 984-464-8125 for a consultation or visit the MosquitoNix website to learn more.
See You Soon!
The best summer memories often begin with a simple invitation: one more round, one more song, one more hour spent with good company. As June unfolds, we invite you to make Blackbird Brewery and Bird’s Nest part of your season. From fresh pours and community events to live music and warm evenings outdoors, we’re looking forward to celebrating everything summer has to offer alongside you.