Calendar: Abita Baton Rouge Beer Fest … Abita Beer Dinner at Ruffino’s

Oktoberfest in July: Get the long weekend started off right with a couple of tickets to Abita’s Baton Rouge Beer Fest this Saturday at the River Center. A ticket gets you in the door to hundreds of different beers from around the world while you groove to the alt-rock blues of Toni O and Blue Haze. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. VIP tickets are $65, and get you inside a half hour earlier to beat the rush, as well as access to the VIP beer and food lounge and an event t-shirt. Proceeds will go towards Louisiana Dreams Come True, which assists children and the families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Find out more at batonrougebeerfest.com. Brew ‘Bita: If you want a more refined beer-drinking experience, stop by Ruffino’s for an Abita Beer Dinner. Each dish is paired with a perfect brew to set off the flavor, from crawfish beignets and golden lager to Turbo Dog and pork ribs with espresso barbecue sauce. Thursday, July 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 753-3458 for reservations.