WEDNESDAY MAR 3

For the beer aficionados out there, when the local bar doesn't cut it, head to the Boston Beer Museum and Visitors Center. Over two hundred years of beer history is packed into this building, and they may even be generous with samples. 30 Germania St. 522-9080. 2 p.m. $1 admission.

Finally a reason to leave Harvard and head toward Amherst. Wait a second? But seriously, don't miss this. Bob Dylan and Natalie Merchant are putting on a concert, and as far as any one can tell, Bob may not hang in there for that much longer. Mullins Center, Amherst, Ma. (413) 545-0505 7:30 p.m. $24.50-34.50.

For the sublime combination of accomplished classical music and sophistication, don't miss The Dave Douglas Quartet at the Regattabar. The quartet has three acclaimed albums and a reputation for the quality of their performance. Charles Hotel, Cambridge. 661-5000. 8 and 10 p.m. $12 cover.

The Middle East, which always promises a good time, is hosting an eclectic collection of bands tonight. With four bands performing both upstairs and downstairs, entertainment opportunities are numerous. And it is in walking distance, too. 427 Mass Ave. 497-0576. Upstairs show at 9 p.m. with $6 cover. Downstairs at 8 p.m., with $10 cover.

The Improv Asylum Theater is hosting a sketch comedy act by Ace Theatricals. "Hey, There is Free Food in the Conference Room," is a great way to fuse laughter into an otherwise dismal Harvard night. 216 Hanover St. 263-6887. 6 p.m. $7 cover.

For something interesting, unique and less than half a mile away, consider attending a discussion by Tim Flannery today at the Harvard Coop. Flannery talks about his "Throwim Way Leg: Tree Kangaroos, Possums and Penis Gourds: On the Track of Unknown Wild Animals in Wildest New Guinea." 1400 Mass Ave. 499-2000. 7 p.m. FREE.

Also right at home, Neta Crawford is offering a lecture at the Bunting Institute of Radcliffe College entitled "Make Peace Last After War Ends." 34 Concord St. 495-8212. 4 p.m. FREE.

Leave lunchtime free today for a lecture by Hazel Rowley at the Barker Center called "The First Best Selling Black American Author: Richard Wright and the Book of the Month Club." 12 Quincy St. 485-4113 12 p.m. FREE.