BREW-HA-HA

Just a few weeks after Kansas City’s big blarney bash at Crown Center, it’s already time for the Weston Irish Festival. Kansas Citians have to follow the rainbow (aka Interstate 29) 35 minutes north for this three-day event, which takes place at a brewhouse in the quaint, antique-filled hamlet of Weston, Missouri. Festivities include pretty much everything that fans of Irish celebrations have come to expect — Irish music, dancing, food and beer. Lots of beer. Weston Brewing Company (500 Welt Street) makes that tasty O’Malley’s Cream Ale (among other flavors) that’s always a treat to find at certain bars and liquor stores around Kansas City. The company uses a 25-barrel brewing system but still finds room in its cellars to set up two stages for musicians to perform. There’s another stage in the outdoor courtyard of O’Malley’s Pub. Bands on tap: Flannigan’s Right Hook, Seven Nations, the Mickey Finns, Screaming Orphans and Wild Colonial Bhoys, and more. The fun starts at 5 p.m. today, continues from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 to $10. Call 816-640-5235 or see westonirish.com for more information.

Fri., Oct. 9, 5 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 10, 11-midnight; Sun., Oct. 11, 12-10 p.m., 2009