We're not sure how it happened, but beer and bikes have become the hottest couple since Barney and Betty Rubble. New Belgium Brewing exploits this relationship to great effect with its Tour de Fat, a celebration of bicycle culture awash in microbrew. The event returns to San Diego on Saturday, Oct. 1, with a parade of bikes ridden by costumed riders (registration is at 10 a.m., ride at 11) and live music throughout the afternoon (from noon to 5 p.m.) at Golden Hill Park, located on the west side of 26th Street. The party is free, but organizers suggest a donation of at least $5 for a spot in the parade. Beer costs $5 for a 16-ounce pour. Proceeds benefit the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and the San Diego Mountain Biking Association. Click here to go to the Tour de Fat Facebook page. ---
Digable drinks
Beer and wine dinners are all the rage these days. But why not try something a little different and pair your craft beer and fine wine with local art? From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, head to Bottlecraft (2161 India St. in Little Italy) for Art Beer. CityBeat arts editor Kinsee Morlan will discuss art by Katie Scott, which is currently hanging in Bottlecraft, and Jeff Hammett of San Diego Beer Blog will discuss the three flights of craft beer available that night. Visit sandiegobeerblog.com
Then, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, head to upper Girard Avenue (between Pearl and Genter streets), for the annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. For $10, you can see art by local, regional and international artists and for just a few bucks, sample wines from regional wineries like Orfila Vineyards and San Pasqual Winery, plus beer from breweries like Ballast Point and Lost Abbey. There'll be live enterainment, a family art center, gourmet marketplace and more. Click here for more info.
Digable arts & crafts
You won't find the most cutting-edge art at the upcoming Old Town San Diego Art Festival, but you will find solid work by artists like Moni Blom, whose jester sculpture is pictured to the right. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, head to this year's Old Town San Diego Art Festival. There'll be live music, wine, activities for kids, a display of horseless carriages and classic cars and works by more than 100 artists. Treat yourself to handmade tortillas at one of Old Town's restaurants while you're there, too (and, perhaps, a shot of tequila). Click here for info.
Digable cause
At the recent Taste of National City, we couldn't stop sneaking more servings of Olivewood Gardens' delicious salad. Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center is a groovy spot, started in February 2010 to teach gardening and healthy eating and provide fresh produce to underserved communities. If you're down with that mission, there are two events coming up where you can show Olivewood some love. From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, the Moonlight Soiree / Art of the Harvest event features a tasty menu prepared by local chefs, plus beer, wine and craft cocktails and chances to win pieces of art. The cost is $200 per person. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, Olivewood hosts A Day of Play. Tickets are $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door (kids under 12 are free) and get you admission to chef demos, an art show, music, croquet, a splash in the pool, tasty food and more. For all the details on the event, click here.
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