Upcoming Events
Check out our revolving calendar of events both at our taproom in Malden, MA and elsewhere.
Halloween Hustle 5k Beer Garden
We will be bringing our Beer Garden to The Wakefield Firefighter's Relief Association Halloween Hustle 5K on Saturday, October 31st!
Revelry Pop Up
The Best Food Truck in Boston according to Boston Magazine is coming to Idle Hands!
Join Revelry for a taste of New Orleans!
Blood Hunt: A Comedy Vampire Bar Crawl
Children of the night, assemble! You are summoned by your elders to pass their vampire tests and prove yourself worth to survive Halloween.
You are newly turned. Freshly fanged. Tragically immortal. And before dawn, you must pass trials administered by the most unhinged elders the undead world has to offer. You and your coterie have until dawn to prove yourself worthy of the ancient vampire council — four locations, each with trials and elders who have survived plagues and empires and are somehow most annoyed by you specifically.
Tonight, Halloween Night, the city belongs to the undead. No one will look twice at your fangs. No one will question the cape. You'll move through the All Hallows Eve crowds like the apex predators you are... just try not to get caught by hunters or werewolves!
Blood Hunt is a comedic vampire bar crawl across Malden MA on Halloween night — built for groups who want an actual story to their evening, not just a bar list.
Four stops. Many ridiculous vampire characters. One ridiculous, beautiful, undead night.
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🧛 What to Expect
In terms of vibe, expect What We Do in the Shadows, mixed with the classic tropes of vampire personalities we all know and love. These experiences are designed by award-winning game and puzzle designers (and not AI, wohoo) who have a ton of real production experience with backgrounds from Disney, WB Games, and more! (No Willy Wonka disasters here!)
Our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings don't lie!
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🦇 How it Works
Groups of up to 8 vamps leave every 15-20 minutes, setting out on their quest. Each group gets some interesting items and one-time-use vampire powers. Along the way you may encounter roaming NPC's who are hunting you. Careful not to get staked!
The crawl takes approx. 2~2.5 hours runtime, and time slots start between 5pm thru 8pm
🍷 Locations
All are located in Malden Center, Malden, MA:
Idle Hands Brewing Co.
Pearl Street Station
City Hall Plaza
Hugh O'Neill's
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
Wheated Rivalry: A Heated Rivalry-themed variety show
Join New Normal Comedy & Read My Lips Boston for an evening celebrating Heated Rivalry (and raising $$ for LUCE) at Idle Hands Craft Ales!
Brought to you by Idle Hands Craft Ales, New Normal Comedy, and Read My Lips Boston, WHEATED RIVALRY is back! Join us (and your fellow Loons) for a Heated Rivalry-themed variety show with a portion of ticket proceeds going to LUCE to fight ICE!
An individual ticket gets you entry into the comedy show, plus a complimentary drink token (redeemable for either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage at Idle Hands). You’ll also be able to browse diverse books and bookish merch at Read My Lips Boston's romance bookshop pop-up!
MEET YOUR HOSTS
About Idle Hands Craft Ales
Idle Hands has always been about bringing people together around great beer. On the brew deck, in the cellar or at the taps, their staff all share a love for both timeworn recipes and bold twists. In their Malden taproom, their patrons gather to see old friends and make new ones. Idle Hands is committed to the very ground that our foundation stands on. Through local events, neighborhood cleanups, fundraising and more, they are always looking for ways to give back to the city and its people.
About New Normal Comedy
New Normal Comedy is redefining the comedy scene in New England by creating inclusive spaces where humor meets humanity. They aim to make the stage feel like home, fostering environments where comics can thrive and audiences can connect. By highlighting underrepresented voices, New Normal brings together people who haven’t always been made to feel "normal," ensuring everyone finds their place in the laughter.
About Read My Lips Boston
Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.
Revelry Pop Up
The Best Food Truck in Boston according to Boston Magazine is coming to Idle Hands!
Join Revelry for a taste of New Orleans!
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
WGBH Listening Session
One way our Equity and Justice Unit engages with communities is through listening sessions. We come to you, listen, and then report.
When we host a listening session, we show up with no agenda, only GBH’s guiding question: What matters to you? We want to hear what you want to know, what you think other people should hear, what you are most proud of and what worries you most.
Join GBH News at an upcoming listening session in Malden on Thursday, November 12.
4 to 6 p.m.
Idle Hands Craft Ales
89 Commercial Street
Malden, Massachusetts
Merry Makers Market
The Merry Makers Market returns to Idle Hands on Saturday, November 14th hosted by The Gallery@57.
Shop, sip and eat local!
Discover one-of-a-kind creations from local artisans, artists and authors. Plus beer, coffee and food trucks!
This event will take place in the parking lot of Idle Hands Craft Ales.
Raw Bar w/ The Salty Shucker
The Salty Shucker is bringing their oyster bar to Idle Hands!
Stitch n’ Bitch
Bring your favorite stitch-based craft and join other local crafters for an afternoon of stitching and fun.
Free to attend. Hosted by Yarnbug Handknits.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
Flights & Frights Book Club
Nebula's spooky season book club!
Join us as we read & discuss Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery over craft beers at the Idle Hands taproom (non-alcoholic options available).
A paid ticket includes a BRAND NEW copy of the book, or you can register for free and bring your own (if you prefer a non-physical format, you can support us by purchasing through our affiliate links on Bookshop.org or libro.fm)!
Meetings will be held on 9/30, 10/14, and 10/28. Copies of the book will be distributed at the first meeting; if you're not able to make that session, contact us to set up an alternate pickup time.
Book description:
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
Set in Colonial New England, Slewfoot is a tale of magic and mystery, of triumph and terror as only dark fantasist Brom can tell it.
Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector. The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil. To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help. Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
The Stuff of Legend: Halloween Drag Show
A drag show celebrating myths, monsters, and more!
👻 Get ready for a Halloween drag show of legendary proportions! 🎃
Join us at Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden for The Stuff of Legend, a wickedly entertaining night of drag inspired by myths, monsters, folklore, and the creatures that haunt our wildest imaginations.
Expect jaw-dropping performances, spooky surprises, big costumes, and plenty of Halloween magic—all paired with your favorite craft beers from Idle Hands.
Come dressed to impress, get into the Halloween spirit, and prepare to meet the stuff of legends! 🧛♀️🧟♂️🧙♀️
Sips & Sparks Speed Dating ages 45-55
Ready to meet local singles face-to-face? Join us for a fun, low-pressure evening of meaningful connections!
Ditch the swiping. Come meet real, local singles in person.
This is your excuse to get out, look good, grab a drink, and actually connect with people face to face. No more endless texting and never meeting in-person, no more guessing.. just a fun, social night where you can talk, laugh, flirt, and see what happens.
Our speed dating events are designed to feel natural and effortless. It’s everything you wish dating apps felt like… but in real life.
Note on Age Range: While this event is geared toward the age range listed in the title, it’s not a strict rule. If you feel like you’d vibe with this crowd, you’re welcome to join. Our goal is always to create a well-balanced group where connections actually make sense.
🎟️ Ticket Pricing
Reserve your spot early! Ticket prices increase once the first 20 tickets have been sold.
Our events are intentionally kept at a comfortable size to ensure everyone has enough time to meet each participant. As events fill up, ticket prices increase, so we recommend reserving your spot early to lock in the best price.
Don’t wait. Secure your ticket before the first 20 spots are gone!
⸻
How the Night Works
Start with a Social Mixer
Kick things off with a relaxed mingle. Grab a drink (not included, but highly encouraged), settle in, and get comfortable before the rounds begin.
Easy, Guided Conversations
We keep things flowing so you don’t have to overthink it. Each round includes a fun icebreaker, and our host guides the room so everything feels smooth, upbeat, and never awkward.
Quick, Real Connections
You’ll spend a few minutes with each person, just enough time to catch a vibe before rotating. It’s light, fun, and way more natural than sitting through a full date.
Match the Ones You’re Into
After each round, you’ll mark “friend,” “date,” or “none” on our simple matching system. If it’s mutual, we’ll send you each other’s info the next day.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
Stitch n’ Bitch
Bring your favorite stitch-based craft and join other local crafters for an afternoon of stitching and fun.
Free to attend. Hosted by Yarnbug Handknits.
Tavern Crawl: A Dungeon and Dragons Inspired Fantasy Bar Crawl
JUST ADDED! A NEW DATE IN OCTOBER!
A Themed Interactive Bar Crawl with Puzzles, Powers, and Poor Decisions hosted by Incantrix Productions. Tickets available here.
Grab a drink. Choose a class. Save the day.
This is no boring pub crawl, this is a fully interactive, narrative-driven Dungeons & Dragons–inspired tavern crawl where you are the heroes on your own personal adventure.
You and your group will embark on a 2-hour quest across four themed locations, each run by live actors portraying important Guild members with problems they are looking to solve with your help. There are no wrong answers—only consequences, alliances, and chaos.
These adventures are designed by award-winning game and puzzle designers (and not AI) and a ton of real production experience with backgrounds from Disney, WB Games, and more! (No Willy Wonka disasters here!)
🧙 HOW IT WORKS
Groups start every 20 minutes. Each group receives:
Character cards
A one-time-use class power
At each new location, you will meet fascinating NPCs who will present you with interesting dilemmas.
You’ll solve puzzles, make choices, drink potions, argue philosophy, and possibly die.
Yes. Die.
(Calm down death is not the end… or is it?!)
You do not need to have a single previous experience with Dungeons or Dragons in order to fully enjoy this experience. You do not need a certificate in rules lawyering, there will be very few rules, and lots and lots of bawdy fun.
🧑🎭 CHOOSE YOUR CLASS
Spellcaster (think; Wizard, Sorcerer, Hedge Mage)
Fighter (think; Barbarian, Fighter)
Rogue (think; uh.. ROGUE, duh)
Accolyte (think; Cleric, Monk)
Naturalist (think; Ranger, Druid, not nudity)
Artificer (think; Mechanic, Engineer, Alchemist, but magic)
Bard (think; Performer, Musician, Actor, Troubadour)
Healer (think; Herbalist, Medieval surgeon, Doctor)
🗺️ TAVERN LOCATIONS
IRL Locations:
📅 DATES
September 26
October 17
Smash Burgers w/ The Kitchen
The Kitchen brings their famous Smash Burgers to Idle Hands.
Flights & Frights Book Club
Nebula's spooky season book club!
Join us as we read & discuss Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery over craft beers at the Idle Hands taproom (non-alcoholic options available).
A paid ticket includes a BRAND NEW copy of the book, or you can register for free and bring your own (if you prefer a non-physical format, you can support us by purchasing through our affiliate links on Bookshop.org or libro.fm)!
Meetings will be held on 9/30, 10/14, and 10/28. Copies of the book will be distributed at the first meeting; if you're not able to make that session, contact us to set up an alternate pickup time.
Book description:
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
Set in Colonial New England, Slewfoot is a tale of magic and mystery, of triumph and terror as only dark fantasist Brom can tell it.
Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector. The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil. To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help. Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
Magnolia library: Magtoberfest
Magtoberfest is a community event and fundraiser held annually on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend held on Lexington Avenue. The only party of it's kind in Magnolia features food trucks, live music, classic cars, beer garden, kids zone, makers market & more. It is free and fun for all. Don't miss the best party in Magnolia!
Music in front of the US Post Office
This year we are excited to have Funbucket back to the main stage and are looking forward to Magtoberfest newbie The Runaround.
Beer Garden 11am-5pm next to MLCC
Be sure to pop over to our Beer Garden and visit Idle Hands Craft Ales for a delicious beer, seltzers, or cider. There is no better spot to listen to the music and catch up with friends.
Food Trucks & Vendors 11am-5pm all along Lexington
This year for food vendors we have a fantastic list! Be sure to come hungry.
Meat & Sweets Foods
Rhea Pizzeria
Crepe Du Jour
Pure Pastry
Holy Cow Ice Cream
Between
DonutNV
Papi's Stuffed Sopapillas
525 Restaurant
Grillfriends
JD & Meyers Best Friends
Spooky TTRPGs - Malden Gaming District RPGs
Ring in October with a spooky TTRPG session at Idle Hands in Malden! Grab a drink and settle in for a scare!
All tables will kick off at 1pm.
Sessions are free to play, beginner friendly, and require no prep or supplies. Just show up, and we'll get rolling!
Content and Communication Tools
Even when games are spooky, the act of playing them shouldn't be! We're dedicated to providing space for you to explore new concepts while still taking care of yourself and your mental health.
Session content is rated PG-13 or below.
Content warnings are provided ahead of time for to help you make an informed decision about session content. Additionally, each table will have a pre-game rundown of some shared communication tools to ensure you feel supported if you encounter challenging content.
Session Details:
House of Horrors with Shawn!
3.5 hours
Content warnings: high chance of player death
After being strong armed into an unwanted dinner party, you quickly realize you have to escape before you become the final course.
This is a low-rules, high-risk game of everyday humans trying to escape from Halloween monsters.
ALIEN RPG with Jay!
3.5 hours
Content warnings: drug use, gore
Just a routine distress signal...
Here Lies Me with Nick!
2.5 hours
Content warnings: death, the afterlife
You are dead. You don't remember who you were, but you have a few stray Memories. Over the course of this highly improvisational game, you'll connect Memories within a word-cloud and try to remember who you were in life!
PARA - The Family with Susi!
4 hours
Content warnings: violence, death, suicide, trauma, religion, and sects
10 years ago, over 300 members of a remote religious community vanished without a trace, leaving behind only seven terrified children and a bloodstained compound. Now, as the 10th anniversary approaches, one of the surviving children dies, drawing the remaining six back to the compound.
Players: this game uses tarot decks as part of gameplay. We will have decks for you, but you're welcome to bring your own if you would like!
Delta Green with Jesse!
3 hours
Content warnings: Body horror, violence against animals and humans
In September 1996, an unexplainable murder brings a team of Delta Green agents to a small Southern town where a hapless local man has suffered awful changes. He may not be the only one.
Brindlewood Bay - As the Crow Dies with Cam!
4 hours
Content warnings: Unreality, mouring the death of a beloved animal friend
The Murder Mavens expected to sleep hard after an invigorating book club meeting... but something seems off. Shortly after hitting the hay, they awaken, together, in an ornate garden within a shared dreamscape. There are strange and beautiful children here, and the body of a single, dead crow. Won't you help them figure out what happened here?
Trivia on Tap Fundraiser
Put your knowledge to the test at Trivia on Tap this fall!
Join us on October 8 at 6:30 PM at Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden for an evening of trivia, pizza, snacks, music, and plenty of fun. Support the Mystic Valley YMCA and enjoy a night out! Come solo or gather some folks and show off your trivia skills! Doors will open at 6PM.
All proceeds directly fund Mystic Valley YMCA programs that strengthen our community. Don't miss this exciting fundraiser! Click the link to grab your spot today!
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.
Malden Cosplay Celebration After Party
After party will be held after the main cosplay event at @idlehandsbeer where alchohalic drinks will be available for purchase. @anisongparty and @symnon_music will be providing music for you to enjoy!
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❗️ 21+ only ❗️
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This was made possible by:
☆Malden Community Connections Grant
☆Idle Hands
☆Malden Safe Streets
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Artwork by: @leharc_blueheart
Revelry Pop Up
The Best Food Truck in Boston according to Boston Magazine is coming to Idle Hands!
Join Revelry for a taste of New Orleans!
Malden Cosplay Celebration:
SCI-FI, FANTASY, HORROR & MORE — OH MY! We’re teaming up with @nebulabookshop and @idlehandsbeer for a very special author panel as part of @maldencosplaycelebration! 📚🎭
We love speculative fiction because it lets us escape into other worlds — but what can those worlds teach us about our own? From cyberpunk heists and haunted woods to space horror and magical realism, speculative fiction can help us explore who we are, whose stories get told, and what a better future might look like.
On Saturday, October 3, join us for a conversation with four fantastic authors:
🖊️Allison King (@allisonkingwrites)
📖 The Phoenix Pencil Company
🖊️M.J. Anthony (@themjanthony)
📖 The Awakening of Lora Abernathy
🖊️Makana Yamamoto (@makana_yama)
📖 Hammajang Luck
🖊️Ryan Marie Ketterer (@ryanmarie47)
📖 Darkness Beyond the Stars: An Anthology of Space Horror
Our friends at @nebulabookshop will moderate the conversation, followed by an audience Q&A!
And stick around afterward to:
✍️ Get your books signed by the authors
📚 Shop speculative fiction, romance & bookish goodies from Nebula Books and Read My Lips Boston
🍻 Grab a beer or non-alcoholic drink from Idle Hands
🎭 Explore the rest of the Malden Cosplay Celebration!
No cosplay required — whether you arrive in full costume or just really, really love books about strange new worlds, you’re welcome here. 💫
📆 Saturday, October 3 at 1 PM
Watercolor 101 workshop & Autumn Card Making
Learn how to paint with watercolor as a beginner and make some fun greeting cards to bring home!
Join us in person for a fun and relaxed beginner's watercolor workshop where you'll learn basic watercolor techniques and put them to use in making autumn-themed greeting cards! Perfect for beginners, for craft-lovers and for anyone who just wants a chill Thursday night making art.
No experience needed – just good vibes and a love for making!
Flights & Frights Book Club
Nebula's spooky season book club!
Join us as we read & discuss Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery over craft beers at the Idle Hands taproom (non-alcoholic options available).
A paid ticket includes a BRAND NEW copy of the book, or you can register for free and bring your own (if you prefer a non-physical format, you can support us by purchasing through our affiliate links on Bookshop.org or libro.fm)!
Meetings will be held on 9/30, 10/14, and 10/28. Copies of the book will be distributed at the first meeting; if you're not able to make that session, contact us to set up an alternate pickup time.
Book description:
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
Set in Colonial New England, Slewfoot is a tale of magic and mystery, of triumph and terror as only dark fantasist Brom can tell it.
Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector. The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil. To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help. Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.
This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.
RUN CLUB
We now have a run club every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Join us for a casual weekly fun run. All abilities are welcome to join. We have multiple distances to meet your goals. Once we've run, enjoy a cold one in the Taproom.