Finally: You can buy beer in a supermarket in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Starting tomorrow when the Settlers Ridge Giant Eagle Market District store opens, customers can buy up to two six-packs to take away, or up to two brews to drink with food, in the licensed in-store cafe. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Spokesman Rob Borella says Giant Eagle aims to sell beer this way at some dozen other area stores, starting later this month at the one in South Strabane. Other stores probably won't follow until after the first of the year. At least for now, customers won't be permitted to mix and match the six packs.

The Pittsburgh Rugby Club presents its annual Brewfest from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at Steelhouse, Bar Room and Saddle Ridge at Station Square. Admission is $25, which includes a souvenir glass for tasting all the many beers and appetizers ($10 for designated drivers). Proceeds benefit The PLEA Agency, which helps individuals and families facing behavioral and developmental challenges (pghrugby.com/brewfest.html).

At Barley's and Hop's in the South Park Shops, Tim Santoro is presiding over another of his beer and cheese pairings starting at 6:30 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 14. Seating is limited; reserve by Nov. 13. The price is $38.50 a person, for which he'll lead you through five couplings including Stelvio cheese with Prima Donna beer (both from Italy), huntsman cheese with Samuel Smith Nut Brown (both from England) and habanero cheddar with Rogue Chocolate Stout (U.S.). He'll also serve Chimay Grand Cru cheese (barleysandhops.com or 412-854-4ALE).

Also at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14, the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts in New Castle holds its third Brew-Fest. Tour the galleries for an exhibition of two dozen craft beers from seven regional breweries, along with a buffet and live entertainment. Admission is $35 or $25 for members. All proceeds support the museum. For more, call 724-652-2882.

Finally, the next session of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Craft Beer School is "Session Beers" with beer and whiskey writer Lew Bryson (lewbryson.com) and Vecenie Distributing's Tony Knipling. This talk, on beer low enough in alcohol that you can enjoy several at one session, starts at 6:15 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 17, at Theater Square Cabaret, Downtown. Tickets are $25; pgharts.org or 412-456-6666.

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