Summer is ready when you are

We all have one: that acquaintance who loves to talk about how Girls has really taken a nosedive the last few seasons (“But I guess I’ll watch the last season, just to see what happens”); who enjoys explaining the time signature of every song on the new Radiohead album (“It’s no In Rainbows, but still pretty solid”); and who, every time you bust out your new Tevas so you can give those bunions a little breather, really takes pleasure in pointing out that technically, it’s still spring for another month (“Summer equinox isn’t until June 20, bro”). Listen, this week, the city is acting like summer is already here, and so should you; leave the wet blanket at home to wallow in the logical inconsistencies of Game of Thrones season six.

Beer is by no means exclusively a summer drink, but what’s summer without the image of condensation beading on a cold one as you kick back in the hot sun? The West Coast Invitational: A Craft Brewing Experience goes down on Saturday, May 21, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miller Park (2710 Ramp Way). Admission gets you unlimited tastings from 40-plus breweries, including local favorites like New Helvetia Brewing and Oak Park Brewing Co. General admission is $40-$50, VIP tickets are $95, and designated-driver admission is $5. Visit www.westcoastinvitational.beer or call (916) 924-3836 for more info.

Also on Saturday, hit up the R Street Block Party taking place at the WAL Public Market (1104 R Street) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be live music from Sea of Bees and others, live art by the 1810 Gallery, food and drinks, a kids’ zone and a makers mart featuring more than 40 craftspeople from all over NorCal. Check out http://walpublicmarket.com to find out more.

Then on Sunday, May 22, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., local grill masters Burgess Brothers BBQ truck (who will also be at the aforementioned block party the previous day) will be slinging brisket, chicken, ribs and cornbread at New Helvetia Brewing Co. (1730 Broadway) for the BBQ and Beer Buffet. Abundant meat on the barbie and small-batch craft beer? That’s a Sacramento summer for sure. Visit www.facebook.com/events/513404162188670 for more info.