March arrives at Blackbird and Bird’s Nest with that unmistakable shift in the air. The garage door rolls open once again, patio season returns to the cocktail lounge, and new beverages splash into glasses waiting for you. At the brewery, enticing new releases are hitting the draft lines. At the bar, fresh concoctions have been meticulously crafted for your next evening out. Our calendar this month keeps the classic events you crave while sprinkling in new gatherings, tastings, and reasons to stay a little longer than you intended. Spring is just around the corner, bringing longer days, and we’re prepared to entertain your even longer nights. Consider this your invitation to follow the sound of clinking glasses and discover what’s new this month at Blackbird and Bird’s Nest.
From Tank to Tap
A new rotation of brews is making its debut this month, each one brewed with the season and you in mind. Expect a lineup that delivers the Blackbird standard beers you yearn for, alongside a few experimental drinks that match the moment. We’ll let the beer menu reveal the full story soon enough, but until then, here’s a sneak peek at the next great pours.
Pacifica – German Pilsner – 4.7% ABV
Our beloved Tuxedo at a Pool Party German Pilsner, but with a twist. Brewed to be light, crisp, dry, and snappy. German malt and Saphir hops start off the recipe, but at the end of the boil we added New Zealand Pacifica hops, lending a soft citrusy freshness and noble hop character that keeps the whole thing feeling classic. Available on draft now!
Vista Bella – West Coast IPA – 7.5% ABV
Featuring a new hop variety, Vista, which is being heralded as a quality modern aroma hop that is also a public variety. A public variety is a non-patented, open-access hop bred by universities, or in this case, a USDA breeding program which any grower can now use. More varieties like this can help keep costs down for brewers and helps the hop growing industry at the same time. We get some nice soft tropical fruity aromas up front with a lemon citrus finish.
Ultraviolent Lighting – Hazy IPA – 7.0% ABV
The Blackbird Brewery sells beer plus. Beer plus Waimea or Citra or Krush, which is what we’re drinking. This will sharpen you up and make you ready for a bit of the old.. Ultraviolence. This Hazy has it all. Bliss and heaven! Oh, its gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh. It’s like a bird of rarest-spun heaven metal or like silvery wine flowing in a spaceship, gravity all nonsense now. But by morning this beer will prove to you that all that ultraviolence and killing was wrong. You’ll be cured alright.
Irish Red Ale
This brew is a collaboration between Blackbird Brewery and Dram & Draught Fenton. Set to be released near St. Patrick’s Day, this is the first Irish Red we’ve brewed. Expect a classic rendition of the style that will perfectly appease our amber lovers.
Lucky Pours & Spring Sips
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner and spring slowly stretching its arms across Wake Forest, our cocktail menu is stepping into the season with a fresh collection of Irish-inspired pours and bright, spirited flavors. Expect familiar whiskey warmth, a few playful nods to tradition, and intriguing libations that hint at spring soon on its way. Whether you’re raising a glass to St. Patrick’s festivities or simply welcoming the return of 70-degree days, this month’s cocktails are here to keep the night lively and eventful.
Irish Old Fashioned – Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, Demerara, Aromatic Bitters, Orange Bitters
Antrim Eyes – Tullamore D.E.W., Dry Curaçao, Amaro Montenegro, Tximista Rojo, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
Dunbar St. Sour – Tullamore D.E.W., Elderflower Liqueur, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
Irish Bee Sting – Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur, Honey, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters
Thin Mint – Tullamore D.E.W., Crème de Menthe Green Liqueur, Génépy, Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur, Angostura Bitters
Irish Gold Rush – Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Honey
St. Patty’s Week at Blackbird
This March, we’ve planned a whole week of events to keep that St. Patty’s spirit rolling. Think live music, pop up food vendors, themed nights, and, of course, green beer.
March 12, 6pm-9pm – Live Music w/ JT Parrothead
March 13, 7pm-10pm – Live Music w/ K-Bomb & Kool Whips
March 14, 4:30pm-7:30pm – Farmers Market hosted by The Family Bee’s-ness
March 14, 6pm-9pm – Live Music w/ Dave Hawkins
March 15, 1pm-5pm – Mera Brothers Oysters Pop Up
March 15, 3pm-6pm – Irish Jazz w/ Tom Neuhauser
March 16, 7pm-9pm – St. Patrick’s Trivia hosted by Hammered Trivia
March 17, 7pm-9pm – St. Patrick’s Day Music Bingo
March 17, 5pm-8pm – The Butcher’s Market Pop Up
Mark Your Calendar
Crokinole Night – Blackbird Brewery – Wednesday, March 11, 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 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! Crokinole Night is a great way to meet new people and enjoy a lesser-known game with a delicious beverage in hand.
Elephants Corner Wine Tasting – Bird’s Nest – Wednesday, March 11, 7pm-9pm
Join us at Bird’s Nest for a special guided tasting featuring Elephants Corner Wines, hosted by Kristen Hatcher. Explore a curated lineup of small-production bottles from the renowned Stellenbosch region of South Africa, known for expressive wines and distinctive terroir. Your $13 tasting ticket, which can be purchased at the door, gives you access to a thoughtful selection, along with light snacks to enjoy along the way. Several of these limited-supply wines are already sold out elsewhere, making this a rare opportunity to experience them before they’re gone until next year.
Vinyl Set w/ King Akira – Blackbird Brewery – Friday, March 20, 6pm-9pm
Settle in for an evening of curated sound as King Akira takes over Blackbird Brewery with a vinyl DJ set. Spinning exclusively from records, this session brings a warm, analog vibe and carefully selected tracks that create the perfect backdrop for good conversation and great beer. Whether you’re a dedicated crate-digger or just looking for a night out, join us for quality pours and music the way it was meant to be heard.
Music Bingo w/ Mark Ficks – Blackbird Brewery – Saturday, March 21, 7pm-9pm
Join us for a unique twist on music bingo as Mark Ficks brings his signature energy to the stage. Enjoy a live music bingo experience at Blackbird Brewery. Known for blending blues, rock, country, and pop influences, Mark performs the songs live while you listen closely, mark your card, and compete for the win. Part live performance, part interactive game, this Saturday night event combines the excitement of live music with the fun of friendly competition. Whether you’re in it to win or just here for the music, grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy an evening that keeps you guessing.
THC Tasting w/ Advintage – Blackbird Brewery – Wednesday, March 25, 6pm-8pm
Join us at Blackbird Brewery for a special THC Tasting hosted by Advintage Distributing, featuring standout products from Burial’s Seance THC Elixirs line. Designed as sparkling cannabis beverages that pair subtle effects with refreshing flavor profiles, the Seance lineup brings a new way to enjoy THC in a casual, mindful setting.
House Music in Wake Forest – Bird’s Nest – Saturday, March 28, 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 Minormatter, 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.
The Stage Is Set
When the lights dim and the first notes carry across the room, a night at Blackbird takes on a rhythm of its own. Throughout March, the stage will welcome a lineup of talented local musicians bringing everything from laid-back acoustic sets to lively performances that keep the energy high.
JT Parrothead – Thursday, March 12, 6pm-9pm
K-Bomb & The Kool Whips – Friday, March 13, 7pm-10pm
Dave Hawkins – Saturday, March 14, 6pm-9pm
Tom Neuhauser – Sunday, March 15, 3pm-6pm
Steve & Chris – Thursday, March 19, 6pm-9pm
King Akira (Vinyl DJ Set) – Friday, March 20, 6pm-9pm
Mark Ficks (Live Music Bingo) – Saturday, March 21, 7pm-9pm
John Ford – Thursday, March 26, 6pm-9pm
House Music in Wake Forest (DJ Day Party) – Saturday, March 28, 3pm-9pm
Your Seat Is Waiting
As March unfolds, there’s no shortage of reasons to spend a little extra time at Blackbird and Bird’s Nest. With fresh beers on draft, new cocktails behind the bar, live music on the stage, and a calendar full of lively gatherings, the month is shaping up to be one worth savoring. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pint, meeting friends for a night out, or discovering a new favorite pour, we’ll have a seat waiting and a glass ready for you.