Weekend of Darkness 2023

Overview

Anyone can drink a lager, pilsner or pale ale. Not everyone can knock back a stout or porter. And while the former are available everywhere, you won't find a celebration of the latter just anywhere. That's why Milton's favourite dive bar started the Weekend of Darkness.

Since 2013, the Scratch has dedicated a couple of days year to showing their love for brews on the blacker end of the beer spectrum — and offering a home for those who feel the same way, of course. If it's yeasty, liquid and overflowing with smoky, coffee, chocolate, spiced and even bourbon flavours, you'll find it here. You'll also find snacks, offbeat vibes and strange happenings galore.

This year's dalliance with the dark side runs from Friday, July 14–Sunday, July 16, because of course this is a midyear festival. Once again, there'll be five sessions of dark-coloured drinks on offer for another round.

Expect a hefty beer lineup — and there's usually some hearty grub to go with it. Expect everything, be it food, booze or atmosphere, to warm up your insides too. There's a reason this takes place in winter, after all.