The countdown has begun. In one week, every Belgian beer fan's dream comes true.

For three days (Sept. 12-14), the Muddy Pig will be home base for the Belgian Beer Festival. While the St. Paul bar is known for its extravagant tap selection -- more than 45 -- it's going all out next weekend by bringing in 75 different Belgian kegs. Beer geeks can expect their favorite styles from such brands as St. Bernardus, Kasteel Cru and Gouden. But there'll also be beers that some of us have never seen before, such as La Chouffe N'Ice, Oud Beersel Framboise and Echt Kriekenbier. Hard to pronounce, easy to drink, right?

The fest is organized by three guys who know their beer: Muddy Pig co-owner Mark Van Wie and distributors Corey Shovein and Brad "The Beer Guy" Magerkurth.

If you're new to Belgian beers, you might be wondering what's so special.

Van Wie says it best: "There's just nothing like Belgian beers -- the variety that is made in this tiny little country, the history, the depth of culture. And the fact that they usually have a high alcohol content is fun, too."

While it's still a week away, Van Wie said hard-core beer lovers are excited about the weekend's three beer seminars, with tickets selling fast. On Friday, Duval's representative will talk about the wide spectrum of Belgian styles. Saturday's seminar is an examination of true lambics. And Sunday's will teach attendees about Belgian beer culture, specifically glassware. Each class only holds about 40 people and costs $20, which includes samples.

Van Wie is also planning to have some Belgian-inspired food, such as mussels, spaghetti bolognese, meats, cheeses and pâté.

But this fest is really about the beer, a chance for fans to see the scope of the Belgian beer experience. "There are no boundaries for the styles," Van Wie said. "They put different spices and fruits into the beers that normal brewers just won't do."

I asked Van Wie to pick his favorite Belgian beer.

"It kind of depends on what's in front of me," he said.

Now that's a beer lover.

The Nomad doesn't disappoint with its lineup for this year's Ruckus on the West Bank. Bands include: Dance Band, the Knotwells, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, Running Scared, Me and My Arrow, Abzorbr and -- my favorite name in the bunch -- Bouncer Fighter. Expect barbecue and cheap beer. (6 p.m. Sat., 501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. $6. 21 and older. 612-338-6424. nomadpub.com.)

If there were such a thing as a spoken-word supergroup, the Palabristas would be a top contender for the title. The Latino poets in this Twin Cities crew come from varied backgrounds -- they moonlight as rappers, playwrights and teachers. They'll come together again for a show to celebrate the release of their chapbook, "Outside the Lines." (7:30 p.m. today. Open Book, 1011 Washington Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-215-2575. palabristas.com.)

L'etoile magazine and the Guthrie have cooked up a monthly night called "Creative Context," dedicated to spotlighting successful women in the Twin Cities arts and media scene. This month it's Fox 9 news anchor and Rox Jewelry designer Robyne Robinson. Women are invited to the Guthrie's Target Lounge to pick her brain, toast martinis or just sit back and enjoy the sounds of Jonathan Ackerman and DJ Bach. Upcoming hosts include Metro magazine editor Barbara Knox and Voltage fashion producer Anna Lee. (10 p.m. Thu., 818 2nd Av. S., Mpls. Free. 612-377-2224. guthrietheater.org.)

The Twin Cities Fall Fashion Weekend is just around the corner, so here's a cool show to get you in the mood. This one features the designs of Kimberly Jurek, one of the few young designers in the Twin Cities who sells her clothes nationwide. The party goes down at Clubhouse Jager with music by DJ Realtalkradio of Anthem Heart and a guest performance by Maria Isa. (7:30 p.m. door, 9:30 show, Thu. 923 Washington Av. N., Mpls. $10. 612-332-2686. clubhousejaeger.com.)

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909