Anyone who loves beer has probably heard about the outdoor Boston beer gardens that popped up around the city this summer, many from notable craft breweries located within Massachusetts. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a malty lager or even a pumpkin ale, breweries from all over the state are making sure there is an outdoor spot to enjoy your beer this fall.

With the leaves starting to turn, many of the crowds at Boston’s outdoor beer gardens have thinned out – making October the perfect time to visit. Just make sure to bring a flannel or a vest, and there’s no better time of year to sit outside, enjoy the foliage and sip a local craft beer.

While many did close after Columbus Day, a few of Boston’s outdoor beer gardens are planning to stay open through October, weather permitting. Read on for the outdoor beer gardens to check out before winter arrives (and we’re forced to go back to consuming our beverages indoors).

Owl’s Nest beer garden in Beacon Hill.

Castle Island beer garden in Charlestown.

Me and my husband at Trillium beer garden on the Greenway.

Owl’s Nest beer garden on the Esplanade.

Trillium Garden on the Greenway.

Outdoor Boston Beer Garden: Castle Island at Constitution Wharf

1 Constitution Rd, Charlestown, MA 02129

Located on the relatively new Constitution Wharf in Charlestown, the Castle Island beer garden offers a relaxed vibe with awesome views overlooking Boston Harbor and “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution naval ship. (Of note, the Constitution fires off a cannon at sunset each day – which is LOUD – so beware if you happen to stop by during the timeframe.) Communal picnic tables, decorated with succulents in rustic planters, make for a nice spot to enjoy a beer while looking out at the water.

This outdoor Boston beer garden offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including locally produced Spindrift seltzer and cold brew coffee from Karma Coffee Roasters, in addition to their selection of beers. Beers to try include Castle Island’s signature Keeper IPA (my husband’s favorite), the Chuck cream ale and their House Lager (my favorite). For those jumping on the sour train, they offer Righteous Goals (a sour ale with guava) and Hawaiian Train Wreck (a sour ale with loads of pineapple). The Candlepin hoppy session ale is another crowd pleaser, as is their Festbier (a Marzen-inspired ale) that is perfect for the fall.

Hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00noon to 8:00pm

Outdoor Boston Beer Garden: Owl’s Nest by Night Shift Brewing

Boston Esplanade in Beacon Hill

Night Shift Brewing opened two outdoor locations this summer, both on the Charles River but in separate sections of town. While the Allston location closed after Columbus Day, the Beacon Hill location on the Esplanade is staying open through October. The beer garden offers great views of the Charles River and is a perfect spot to watch boaters and kayakers go by while enjoying the fall foliage. You’ll find fresh wood chips on the ground, and seating includes both communal picnic tables and rocking chairs facing out toward the river. Twinkle lights add to the atmosphere, and several corn hole stations offer the opportunity to toss the beanbag around while enjoying your beer.

Owls Nest offers an extensive menu of beer – from Night Shift and from other craft breweries, including Devil’s Purse and Great North Aleworks. Favorites include the Whirlpool pale ale and the Santilli IPA, along with a rotating sour. In addition to beer, Owl’s Nest offers hard cider and wine from Oregon’s Backpack Wine, along with a few non-alcoholic beer selections, seltzer, maple water and cold brew coffee. Both locations offer a rotating selection of food trucks, including the Bacon Truck and Munch Mobile Kitchen, plus small bar snacks including beef jerky and baked chickpeas.

Hours: (Note: hours weather-permitting so make sure to check out their feed on Twitter or Instagram before heading over) Thursdays from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon to 10pm, Sundays from 12noon to 8:00pm

Outdoor Boston Beer Garden: Trillium Garden on the Greenway

Atlantic Ave & High Street, Boston, MA 02110

The only one of the outdoor Boston beer gardens on this list that was not new this summer, Trillium was the first to start the trend with their outdoor beer garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway near Boston’s financial district last fall. Opposite Rowe’s Wharf and the iconic Boston Harbor Hotel, the Trillium Garden on the Greenway is in a great location overlooking skyscrapers, while also giving glimpses of the harbor.

On tap are Trillium favorites like the Congress Street IPA, Fort Point Pale Ale and Storrowed Double IPA, along with other options like a Coconut Pecan Pie Imperial Stout (yum!). The Trillium Garden also offers wines from Westport Rivers Vineyards, but does not have non-alcoholic drinks for sale (though guests are welcome to bring them in). The beer garden does not serve food, but there are often a variety of food trucks parked just outside or across the street, and guests are welcome to bring food in. (As an added bonus, the beer garden is located near the Greenway’s new “Glow” public art exhibition, featuring vintage neon signs that will be lit daily now through April 2019.)

Hours: Wednesday through Friday from 2:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturdays from 11:00am to 10:00pm, Sundays from 1:00pm to 8:00pm (Check out their Twitter page before you go, just to make sure you have the latest information).

What was your favorite beer garden this year in the Boston area? Which local brewery would you like to see open an outdoor beer garden next season? Let me know in the comments below!