Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that aspires for nothing less than to be your complete entertainment itinerary on a month-to-month basis as we May into June...
The Raven is back on the wing with another trio of regional happenings worth penciling onto the social calendar. For readers looking to build a proper early-summer itinerary, this edition offers a little something for every palate: craft beer in Springfield, a vineyard gathering in Somers, and a coastal food-and-drink celebration at Mohegan Sun.
From laid-back sipping to full-on festival grazing, here’s a look at three events giving the back half of June some extra flavor.
The Raven’s first stop is Springfield, where the Worthy Brewfest returns on Saturday, June 27, this time at The Landing at the MassMutual Center.
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and brings together a broad mix of breweries and cider makers for an afternoon designed for curious craft drinkers and loyal hop heads alike. Early bird tickets are listed at $45 for the first 250 attendees, with general admission priced at $55 after that. Designated driver tickets are available for $20.
Participating names include Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Wormtown Brewery, Abandoned Building Brewery, Progression Brewing Company, Kismet Brewing Company, Great Awakening Brewing Company, Skyline Beer Co., Vanished Valley Brewing Co., Rustic Brewing Company, Fieldcrest Brewing Company, Arcpoint Brewing Co., Sloop Brewing Co., Incandescent Brewing, Back East Brewing, Swing Oil Beer Co., Seven Railroads Brewing Co., Bright Ideas Brewing, Citizen Cider, and Two Weeks Notice Brewing Company.
For those who enjoy discovering something new in the glass, the event continues to position itself as more than a standard beer tent experience. The draw here is variety, experimentation, and the chance to sample regional producers in one place.
More information and tickets are available through massmutualcenter.com.
For those leaning more toward wine than wheat ale, Worthington Vineyards & Winery in Somers will host New England Noir on Saturday, June 20.
The event is described as a Black wine festival experience and blends wine, music, vendors, and community into a picnic-style afternoon on the vineyard grounds. It’s the kind of event built as much around atmosphere as it is around what’s being poured.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and settle in, with wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
As of this writing, the event appears to be nearing a sellout, so readers interested in attending may want to check availability sooner rather than later.
Additional details can be found at worthingtonwinery.com.
Also on June 20, Mohegan Sun’s Sun Patio hosts the second annual Savor New England festival from 2 to 6 p.m.
This event takes a broader approach to regional flavor, combining food, drink, and live entertainment into one outdoor afternoon. One of the centerpieces is the Clam Chowder Competition, where attendees can sample entries from competing vendors and vote for a favorite.
New this year is the Reel Catch food truck, expected to serve seafood staples including fish and chips and lobster rolls. There is also an upgraded Sip & Savor option for guests 21 and older, with unlimited tastings from regional breweries and wineries.
Live music is scheduled from Juice Box and Souls on Fire, helping round out the event with the easygoing kind of energy that suits a late-June Saturday.
More information is available through mohegansun.com.
For readers planning ahead, here is the Raven’s quick flight path:
Taken together, the lineup makes a solid case for getting out of the house and into the region. Whether the preference is beer, wine, chowder, or all three, the second half of June is offering a respectable excuse to roam.
Until next flight, the Raven recommends arriving thirsty, planning ahead, and not waiting too long on tickets.
