Belgian Beer Weekend

The Oktoberfest has found itself a cousin. Even in Belgium, the Beer Weekend is a comparatively recent invention: the first one was held in 1999, at the picturesque Grand Place in Brussels. Last year, Tokyo became home to the event's first international offshoot, held in the rather less historically resonant setting of Roppongi Hills Arena. The 2011 edition promises to be bigger and better in every respect, with nearly 60 varieties of beer on offer, including pilsner, trappist and lambic brews, plus live music by Belgian pianist Jef Neve and honorary Belgian guitarist Gabriel Rios. Though it's free to get in, drinks and food are purchased with tickets that must be bought in bulk; the ¥3,100 'starter set' includes a ¥600 glass (¥100 of which will be donated to quake relief) and ¥2,500 worth of tickets.