This year Beer Week runs from Friday, May 29 through Sunday, June 7 and features events such as festivals, tours, pub crawls, beer tastings, and meet-the-brewer nights.
Philly Beer Week was established in 2008 to showcase the region's diverse beer scene and has quickly become the largest beer celebration of its kind in America. It now includes almost 200 events and venues throughout the greater Philadelphia area. We can't list them all but we've chosen some we think you'll love. For a complete list of events, go to www.phillybeerweek.org.
On Friday, May 29, Philly Beer Week kicks off with the annual HOG Relay. The Hammer of Glory (HOG) is the iron-clad symbol of Beer Week. Carried through the city Olympic torch style, it arrives at the 23rd Street Armory, where the mayor raises the HOG and cracks open the first keg. The Opening Tap celebration runs from 7 to 10 pm and features live music and beer from 40+ local breweries. VIP, general admission, and designated driver tickets can be purchased online at upcomingevents.com.
On Saturday, May 30 from 7 to 10 pm, check out the Beard Masquerade presented by Dark Horse Brewing at Sancho Pistolas, 19 West Girard Avenue. You'll find lots of beer and food and awards for the best, biggest, longest, and most original beards.
On Sunday, May 31 from 6 to 9 pm, Iron Hill Breweries will hold its 5th Annual Big Ass Beer Dinner at Good Dog Bar, 224 South 15th Street. Come enjoy five amazing pairings created by Executive Chef Jessica O'Donnell.
On Monday, June 1 from 6 pm to 12 am, Uno Pizzaria & Grill of Bensalem will host PBW Black Out Night. At 6 pm, they'll turn off the power, light candles, and serve you the best stout lineup you've ever seen!
On Tuesday, June 2, stop by Doobies Bar at 2201 Lombard Street for two charity events, both to assist Valentines for Felines, a local rescue that helps homeless city cats. From 6 to 8:30 pm it's the Third Annual Run for the Catnip, presented by Feline 500 and Philadelphia Brewing Co., and from 9 to 11 pm, it's Drink a Fish, Save a Kitty with Flying Fish Brewing Company.
On Wednesday, June 3, get your tickets for a guided tour of historic Eastern State Penitentiary with Stoudts Breweries' Willie Sutton Lager. Hosted by The London Grill, 2301 Fairmount Avenue, the tour runs from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. To purchase tickets, visit www.londongrill.com.
Starting on Thursday, June 4, The Twisted Tail at 509 2nd Street will host the Kick the Keg Competition. Order the last pint in the keg and win a bottle of barrel aged beer and a T-shirt.
On Friday, June 5 from 3 to 9pm, you won't want to miss Getting Sauced with Founders and Port Brewing Pig Roast at The Industry, 1401 East Moyamensing Avenue. Enjoy beer, a pig roast, and a BBQ sauce competition.
On Saturday, June 6 from 2 to 4 pm, Strangelove’s at 216 South 11th Street will host Barrel Aging 101 with Jeffers Richardson of Firestone Walker Barrelworks. Don't miss this great presentation and a special draft list.
On Sunday, June 7 from 4 to 8 pm, get down to Dock Street Brewery, 701 South 50th Street, for their 7th Annual Free Music Fest & Scavenger Run. Enjoy live music from great local bands, wood-fired pizza, and plenty of beer. Scavenger run participants get a beer ticket, a T-shirt, and prizes for the hunters with the fastest times. For more info, go to www.dockstreetbeer.com.