Literary Death Match

An exercise of liquor and language, the Literary Death Match returns to the Nomad World Pub on Wednesday. The West Bank bar hosts the war of words pitting four writers against one another. After each reads seven minutes or less of original work, two advance to a final lit-game showdown in front of judges Susan Orlean of the New Yorker, "The Dead Lands" author Benjamin Percy and local rap ace P.O.S.

7 p.m. April 8, $7-$10, 501 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., www.literarydeathmatch.com

Firkin Fest goes local

"Local" might be the only beer descriptor people love as much as "hoppy," and this year the Happy Gnome's annual Firkin Fest is going all local. For its eighth annual event celebrating cask-conditioned brews, the St. Paul beer house procured 44 firkins from breweries across the state. Tickets to Saturday's parking lot swill-a-thon are sold out, but a pint (local or otherwise) inside the bar is a fine consolation prize.

Noon-6 p.m. April 4, 498 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-287-2018, thehappygnome.com

Big Lake brewery

Speaking of local beer, Big Lake residents can start drinking hometown ales Friday when Lupulin Brewing opens its taproom doors. Lupulin was founded by Jeff Zierdt and Matt Schiller, Minnesota's latest home-brewers turned pro. Per its Facebook page, the newcomers have brewed a stout, Belgian blonde ale and red IPA.

570 Humboldt Dr., Suite 107, Big Lake, www.lupulinbrewing.com

MICHAEL RIETMULDER