As the District’s craft beer scene expands (it's among the fastest growing in the country), so do the official DC Beer Week offerings. This year's festival runs August 11–18, and must-hit events include a beer pairing chef competition, a coffee-beer blend, a bottomless beer brunch and a preview of a highly anticipated new brewery, among others. While there’s never been a better time to be a beer lover in Washington in general, DC Beer Week 2013 hops up the ante.

Hop Chef: Special Edition
6:30–9:30 PM, Sunday, August 11; $55
Longview Gallery (1234 9th St. NW)
Kick off the hops-happy week at one of DCBW’s flagship events, at which Brewery Ommegang and Washington City Paper challenge eight D.C. chefs to the title of Hop Chef DC, based on uniquely pairing Ommegang brews with a stand-out dish.

Flying Dog Celebrates The Big HUNT-er S. Thompson
4–11:59 PM, Monday, August 12
The Big Hunt (1345 Connecticut Ave. NW)
Rare Flying Dog brews plus a look alike contest for the famous gonzo journalist? Sign us up! Try the Maryland brewery’s Belgian Devil and Pineapple Saison (as well as, appropriately, the Gonzo) and prepare yourself for some “wacky surprises.”

“The Ambassador” Session IPA + Mad Fox Tap Takeover
5–9 PM, Tuesday, August 13
Smoke & Barrel (2471 18th St. NW)
Mad Fox takes over the tap at this Adams Morgan spot, which will showcase 11 pours from the local brewery including the joint’s first collaboration beer: the Ambassador IPA, based on a recipe from bartender Rich Steckfuss and featuring an “experimental hop.”

A Blending of Worlds: Coffee Meets Beer
7–11 PM, Wednesday, August 14; $36.98
Tryst  (2459 18th St. NW)
Marrying the Adams Morgan hangout’s hybrid coffee shop/bar space, Tryst has teamed Counter Culture Coffee and New Belgium Brewing Co. to create a unique blended sour ale available this night only. Join New Belgium Master Blender Lauren Salazar for a blending demonstrating, sour sampling, live music, snacks, glassware and bottomless New Belgium.

Lancaster Brewery Meet & Greet
6–8 PM, Thursday, August 15
Farmers Fishers Bakers (3000 K St. NW)
Score a free pint glass when you buy a pint of Pennsylvania craft beer at this spot on the Georgetown waterfront, which will host a brewery rep on the harbor-facing patio. Limited release brews will be available alongside favorites such as the Kolsch and Strawberry Wheat.

Friday Night Grill Out in Suburbia
5–9 PM, Friday, August 16
Union Market (1309 5th St. NE)
Go all-out local at this nostalgic event. Suburbia — a pop-up space in front of Union Market complete with grass, Adirondack chairs, lawn games and a vintage Airstream trailer-turned-bar — will host this “backyard barbecue,” which features fare from Red Apron and a 3 Stars Brewing tap takeover.

Craft Your Beer Brunch
10 AM–2 PM, Saturday, August 17; $25
Fado (808 7th St. NW)
While bottomless mimosa brunches are easy to find, bottomless beer brunches are bit more unusual. Get your fill of at least three different craft brews at the Penn Quarter Irish pub, which will also include muffins, your choice of breakfast item, and coffee or tea with the very affordable price.

The Bluejacket Sneak Preview BBQ
3–7 PM, Sunday, August 18; $65
Bluejacket Brewery (300 Tingey St. SE)
Don’t miss this much-hyped brewery’s inaugural event hosted by Greg Engert and Megan Parisi — Beer Director and Brewmaster, respectively. The ticket price includes barbecue fare prepared by Kyle Bailey (of Churchkey/Birch & Barley), exclusive Bluejacket beers and a guided tour of the space.