Some highlights of Philly Beer Week 2010
With 180 bars, restaurants and breweries hosting more than 865 events that are expected to draw about 30,000 people, Philly Beer Week is tough to summarize.
With 180 bars, restaurants and breweries hosting more than 865 events that are expected to draw about 30,000 people, Philly Beer Week is tough to summarize.
We've listed some highlights below, but you'll also find an app you can download from your iPhone or from the website Phillybeerweek.org. And you can customize your own schedule of must-drink events at my.phillybeerweek.org.
Events are family-friendly where noted. Otherwise, be prepared to prove you are 21.
To encourage safe sipping, event organizers are highlighting the ease of reach via SEPTA and offering discounted tickets for designated drivers.
Ticket prices vary, and many events are pay as you go. Additional details and ticket information is at phillybeerweek.org
June 4
Opening Tap: The official start of Philly Beer Week. This is an opportunity to experience the region's incredibly diverse beer-drinking culture in one place at one time; representatives from 31 area breweries will showcase their own offerings as well as collaboration beers made especially for beer week. $40 per person ($25 per designated driver); 7:30 p.m.; Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Streets.
June 5
International Great Beer Expo: Highlights fifty brewers and 100 beers from from Belgium, Japan, and the United States. $45 per person in advance; $60 per person at the door; 12:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.; Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at the Navy Yard; 5100 S. Broad St.
German Bierfest: A family-friendly day of outdoor beer tasting with a host of German and German-style beers. $30 per person; noon; German Society of Pennsylvania; 611 Spring Garden St.
June 6
Smoke 'Em if Yous Got 'Em: An indoor/outdoor beer-and-barbecue extravaganza hosted by Yards Brewing Co., with 30+ smoked beers, food from 15 amateur barbecue chefs, and additional catered goodies from Tommy Gunn's and Percy Street Barbecue. The Jazz Horses and the Kevin Hanson Trio will provide musical entertainment. $50 per person; 1 p.m.; Yards Brewing Company; 901 North Delaware Ave.
June 10
Forum of the Gods: Informal panel discussion featuring some of the biggest names in beer culture. $25 per person; 3 p.m.; Johnny Brenda's Upstairs; Frankford and Girard Avenues.
June 11
East vs. West Exotic Beer Tasting: A sampling event that pits East Coast and West Coast breweries against each other, with limited vintage aged brews and brewers' favorites featured. Live music and hors d'oeuvres. $60 per person; 7 p.m.; Stoudts Brewery; 2800 N. Reading Road, Adamstown, Pa.
June 12
20th Annual Michael Jackson Tutored Tasting: This year's "Beer as Art"-themed tastings will be led by expert Randy Mosher and will include a one-hour tutored tasting followed by open sessions with 50+ beers. $50 per person; noon–3 p.m., 4–7 p.m., 811 p.m.; HeadHouse restaurant; 122 Lombard St.
June 13
2nd Annual Zythos America: Belgium's greatest beer event comes to Philadelphia for the second year, with more than a dozen of that country's top brewers scheduled to appear. $65 per person; noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.; University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology; 3260 South St.