Optimist Taps into “Hoptimist” Cask Beer at NOLA Patio Party on March 29

Photo by Brandon Amato

The spirit of Mardi Gras lives on, out on the patio at The Optimist on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 3 p.m. While you’re toe-tapping to live music, bartenders will tap into special “Hoptimist” cask beer from Atlanta’s own Red Hare Brewery, which is yours for $5 a pour. New Orleans-themed punches ($8) put Bourbon Street to shame: Absinthe Frappe, The Hurricane, Milk Punch Redux and a New Orleans Pimm’s Cup. A NOLA crawfish boil satisfies your gullet with sausage, potatoes, corn and mushrooms for $18.

Paddle to Ping-Pong Victory and Celebrate Oktoberfeast at No. 246 on Oct. 20

Rally pals for a single elimination, Ping Pong showdown at No. 246 for a chance to win fun prizes. This Sunday, October 6 kicks off the first of four preliminary rounds, which will continue each Sunday until the Oktoberfeast final four round on October 20. Sign up for Ping-Pong tournament preliminary #2 opens at 4 p.m., and tournament action flies beginning at 5 p.m. for a maximum of eight players. Housemade sausage ($10) and Red Hare beer ($5) specials are available for spectators and players to enjoy. Championship play takes place on Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. Red Hare doles out prizes including brewery tours to winners and a tournament grand prize VIP brewery tour for 10 people with a custom cask blending experience.