American Craft Beer Week, May 12-18.

The annual American Craft Beer Week (May 12-18) celebrates the growing culture of craft beer in America, and the craft beer industry. In 2007, more than 150 brewers marked the week with special events. This year, once again, the Brewers Association is inviting breweries to participate. For a full list of breweries planning celebrations in 2008, by state, visit http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org. There may be a celebration at a brewery near you.

For example, Boston Beer Co., maker of the Samuel Adams beers, will host ten dinners during the week, in cities across the country from New York to San Diego. (See the AAB Calendar for details.)

Are you hosting an event to celebrate American craft beer? Let us know!

A new event in the nation’s capitol, SAVOR: An American Craft Beer and Food Experience (May 16-17), will be held to commemorate American Craft Beer Week. The event will showcase craft beer and food pairings with participation from 48 independent craft brewers. SAVOR signifies food and beverage lovers increasing interest and knowledge of beer and food pairings.

This year, breweries and beer makers will also recognize their collective charitable contributions. For the first time ever, the Brewers Association announced U.S. craft breweries’ charitable contributions, and for 2007 they are estimated to be more than $20 million.