Stew and brew

Few stews pair as well with beer as chili con carne, a.k.a. chili. And pairing the hearty and spicy stew (at least one of which comes sin carne for vegetarians) with brews is exactly what the Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival is all about. Individuals and restaurant teams (Broderick Roadhouse, Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co., The Golden Bear) will compete in a chili cook-off. Breweries (including 21st Amendment Brewery, Drake's Brewing Company and Two Rivers Cider Co.) will provide unlimited tastings. And Sacramento musical talent the Twilight Drifters, Hans Eberbach and As Yet Untitled will kick the jams. There's also a children's area with face painting, fishing and a playground. Bonus: The whole thing's a fundraiser for school art programs through the Sacramento Artists Council Inc. It happens at Fremont Park (1515 Q Street) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. General-admission tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. See www.sacramentobeerandchilifestival.com for VIP and designated-driver prices.