Eater's Guide to D.C. Beer Week

August may be slow-season in D.C., but it's a great month for beer. D.C. Beer Week kicks off on the 17th, and there are crab feasts, tap takeovers, release parties and hangover brunches to mark the occasion.

A full list of official events is online. But Eater has combed through the options to point out some of the more interesting-looking experiences available.

Sunday
The big deal event:The Brewery Ommegang and Boulevard Brewery kick-off Odyssey Cruise is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95 including fees.
Also intriguing: A barrel-aged brunch at Granville Moore's featuring DC Brau.
Other options: Crab feast at Capitol Lounge...Homebrew Demo at Smith Public Trust...Sam Adams Beer and BBQ event at Hank's Oyster Bar

Monday
The big deal event: A beer and crab feast at Quarterdeck. Tickets are $50 for all-you-can-eat crab, with cheap beer specials and more.
Also intriguing: "The Craft of Comedy" at Big Hunt, featuring local comedians, Flying Dog, Atlas, Lagunitas and more.
Other options: Devil's Backbone Low Country Boil at Union Pub...Flying Dog Happy Hour at Hank's.

Tuesday
The big deal event: 30 Beers for 30 Years Sam Adams anniversary event at Longview Gallery. Tickets start at $35.
Also intriguing: DC Beer-themed Pinball Tournament at Lyman's Tavern.
Other options: Barrel-Aged Battle at Boundary Stone...Intoxicator Tasting at Granville Moore's...Bell's Takeover at Capitol Lounge.

Wednesday
The big deal event: The Coast-to-Coast Takeover at RFD features breweries from every region, ranging from Abita to Dogfish Head to Chocolate City. There's a $5 cover.
Also intriguing: The Virginia Brewers Bash at Mad Fox Brewery.
Other options: Sour Beer dinner at Boundary Road...Food pairing and tasting with Spoetzl Brewery's brewmaster at Total Wine...panel on beer and the government at Policy.

Thursday
The big deal event: DC's breweries collaborated on a beer called Solidarity again this year. Get a taste of it at Gordon Biersch; tickets are $20.
Also intriguing: Shiner's barbecue and beer event at the Hill Country Backyard BBQ featuring the brewer. He'll also be headed to Board Room later that night to play Giant Jenga.
Other options: Cask Night at Mad Fox...Heavy Seas Red Sky Firkin party at Buffalo Billiards...Devil's Backbone and Rappahannock Oyster pairing at Glen's Garden Market...Harlequin Cap debut at 1905.

Friday
The big deal event: The BrewHaHa at Old Ebbitt, back for a second year, features DC Brau, 3 Stars, Flying Dog, Full Tilt, Devils Backbone, Lost Rhino, Atlas, Blue Mountain, and Heritage Brewing. Tickets are $50.
Also intriguing: Heavy Seas tap takeover at Bier Baron.
Other options: Texas Night at Ventnor Sports Cafe...Firkin Friday at Nats Park.

Saturday
The big deal event: Devil's Backbone total tap takeover and Pumpkin Hunter early release party is at Meridian Pint. No tickets are needed to try 20 beers from the brewery.
Also intriguing: A panel on women in the beer industry at Black Squirrel at 1 p.m.

Sunday:
The big deal event: A Beer Block Party at Suburbia at Union Market. Tickets are $50 for all-you-can-drink beer and slushies.
Also intriguing: Hardywood Hair of the Dog Brunch at Boundary Road.
· DC Beer Week [Official Site]