Quaff for a Cause at Ales for Sails

Friday, Feb. 8

Beer is thicker than water — if you've ever tried to guzzle them at the same rate, you might know what I'm talking about. Nonetheless, beer is 90 to 95 percent comprised of water, so they are essentially almost one and the same (note: not a valid argument for the police).

And so it is with the local craft brewing and maritime communities during the annual Ales for Sails fundraiser event. Bonded by a mutual love of and investment in water, the Bayfront Maritime Center invites 10 Lake Erie Ale Trail breweries to pack its halls and sample their libations. Proceeds from the event, now in its seventh iteration, put a stiff wind behind the sails of the BMC's mission: "To design and implement engaging, hands-on, maritime-themed educational, vocational opportunities for the community in a universally accessible waterfront facility."

A $40 ticket secures each attendee a commemorative glass that can be filled (and refilled) at any of the 10 draught stations, appetizers from Cali's West Catering, and one vote for their favorite participating brewery: Arundel Cellars & Brewing, Blue Canoe Brewery, The Brewerie at Union Station, Erie Ale Works, Erie Brewing Co., Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, Koehler Brewing Co., Lavery Brewing Co., Orr's Brewing Co., and Timber Creek Tap & Table. Additionally, music will be provided by Millennium Sound and photo booth opportunities will be available courtesy of Video Veritas.

If this sounds like something you'd be into, trust your (beer) gut and reserve your spot today — with sellouts each year, this ship is sure to have sailed. — Matt Swanseger

6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. //Bayfront Maritime Center, 40 Holland St. // $40 // bayfrontcenter.org