The back-to-school sales are in full swing. The Vikings are practicing. The shuttered Circuit City by the mall is festooned with a COMING SOON: HALLOWEEN SUPERSTORE! banner. That’s right: The State Fair is near.

Minnesota’s annual celebration of caloric intake and sitting on bleachers to watch local newscasters do their jobs kicks off on Thursday, August 23. Many breweries make a special beer for the occasion to help visitors better wash down their man-sized trough of French fries. This year, Surly made three. If ever an event called for excess, it’s this one.

In a first for Surly, we’ve created a trio of beers available only at the Fair. Nothing too off-the-wall and nothing deep-fried, these are all ideal for a late-summer swig. That said, if you want to glue your beer cup to a stick, hey, free country. Also, if your tastes run towards traditional favorites like Furious and Xtra-Citra, don’t worry, there will be plenty throughout the Fairgrounds.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Kloser—our second collaboration with local retiree and 3-time MLB All-Star Glen Perkins will be available at the Ball Park Café. Based on one of his homebrew recipes, it’s a traditional, hop-heavy American IPA similar to the Kut Down IPA we made for Opening Day at Target Field this year.

Gaelic Dark & Stormy—Navigate the Midway the right way with this deep golden ale inspired by the classic cocktail. Brewed with heaps of lime and ginger, you can find it at O’Gara’s.

Juicy LuLuLucy—As you might have guessed, this one will be pouring at LuLu’s Public House. It’s a hazy IPA stuffed with fresh orange-and-grapefruit-like flavor, geared to pair with (again, as you might have guessed) their Breakfast Juicy LuLu.

Tanner from work made a map of all our locations at the Fair, which you can print, clip, and save, or commit to memory:

 

Coming soon: The Surly Guide to the State Fair.