Monthly buzz: Beer events pouring in September

This September, there's a beer event in Philly for every type of drinker.

For partiers, there are three craft beer events certainly not to miss. For the beer snobs, Monk's Café will host a very special pouring event. And for those who just love beer, I'm sure all nine of these events will attract your attention.

Yards' Lady Birds Club monthly meeting gets things rolling on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Delaware River Waterfront Corporation's RiverRink (101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.). Starting at 6 p.m., become part of a growing group of gals who love beer and enjoy free roller-skating and half-off Yards drafts. When you show up, make sure you mention you're with the Lady Birds Beer Club.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Evil Genius Beer Company celebrates its 4th birthday with a special brew release at City Tap House (3925 Walnut St.) in University City. Beginning at 5 p.m., the company will release Here Comes Honey Beer Beer, a honey-style IPA. In addition to the limited-release suds, the beer company will serve its other signature ales as well as two firkins.

For an Oktoberfest on the wild side: The Elmwood Park Zoo's (1661 Harding Blvd.) 8th annual beerfest returns on Saturday, Sept. 12. From noon to 4 p.m., sip unlimited pours of craft brews and get up close to the zoo's inhabitants.  

A week before Pope Francis graces Philadelphia with his presence, Iron Hill Brewery will release a special pope-themed beer entitled Pap-Ale. This exclusive brew is an Abbey dubbel brewed with maté, Pope Francis' favorite beverage and also the traditional drink of his birthplace, Argentina. Beginning Friday, Sept. 18, this limited release will be available on draft at the brewery's Chestnut Hill location (8400 Germantown Ave.). Act quickly, too; the folks only brewed four kegs of the beer.
 
On Saturday, Sept. 12, climb aboard Battleship New Jersey (100 Clinton St.) and join the 102.9 WMGK air staff for its 5th annual Brew Blast. The festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. and features over 50 craft beer samples as well as a free tour of the historic ship. And, of course, since WMGK will be there, expect some great classic rock throughout the day.

The perfect pairing of BBQ and beer returns on Sunday, Sept. 13 during Yards' (901 N Delaware Ave.) 7th annual Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em cook off. From 1 to 5 p.m., the brewery's front yard will be taken over by grills, smokers, and brews, and will pleasure guests with unlimited samples of beers and meats. Tickets sell out every year to this event, so act quickly before they're gone!

On Saturday, Sept. 19, soccer takes a seat at PPL Park (1 Stadium Dr.) and lets beer get the spotlight during the Delaware River Craft Brewfest. The festival will include access to over 100 breweries and also include live music and entertainment. The session starts at 3 p.m.

For a rare beer appearance: Every year, Jean Van Roy of Cantillon Brewery creates a special lambic beer named Zwanze. This super exclusive brew is only available at select locations throughout the world, and Monk's  Cafe (264 S. 16th St.) is one of the spots serving it. The beer-pouring starts on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11:30 a.m. Get there quickly — this will sell out. All proceeds from the afternoon go toward the Fair Food stand at the Reading Terminal Market. 

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.