It’s time to welcome an unofficial start to summer (with some booze, of course): Philly Beer Week is here!
Some of us are used to using a beer delivery service and having our favorite beers delivered to our front door. However, this beer festival gives us all the opportunity to try new beers and get a taste for some new flavors.
Now, if you’re anything like me, sorting through this massive list of events and picking the few that you’d like to make time for is a high-pressure situation and involves a lot of time that’s pretty fleeting at the moment. Another true life fact: in my years in Philly, I’ve never even been to an official Philly Beer Week event! Mostly because I had to look up a third beer type to list above and don’t want to embarrass myself in front of bearded, beer-loving men, but don’t be mistaken: PBW is for everyone!
Moving on, Philly Beer Week might be one of the best beer events you might attend, so it would only be fitting to go mentally prepared. Now through June 12th, our city will be flowing with the best ales, lagers, and stouts alike in a celebration of all things beer, and the excitement is real. This, coupled with brunches and dinners might just make your week. Considering that there may be many first-timers, there may be more beer to drink than you imagine. You could prepare yourself in case you have one too many beers and end up with a bad hangover the next day by getting yourself a hangover kit or just keeping some ORS and antacids handy. In addition to that, you could eat a hearty breakfast to move on to the next series of events the following day. Let the fun continue!
To help us all sort through the list of events, I asked the Philly Beer Week team to narrow down their favorites to a Top 5 list for PBW beginners (you’ll see those labeled with {PBW Starter Pack} below), plus I threw in 5 of my own picks that just seemed too amazing to leave out. Check out the list, and let me know which #PBW2016 events you’re heading to this year. Happy drinking! xx
Friday, June 3
Opening Tap at The Fillmore: 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. (VIP hour at 6 p.m.)
The official kick-off party moves to a new venue: The Fillmore. Whole Foods will be catering a private lounge for VIP guests, along with exclusive pours from Brewery ARS. Opening Tap will be showcasing 40 local breweries – all located within a 100-mile radius of City Hall – and marks the debut of Fire, Flood & Plague, a Dutch collaboration with Yards Brewing and Brouwerij de Molen. The event will also serve as the awards ceremony for Craig LaBan’s annual Brew-vitational, presented by Philly.com. Tickets are $46; and VIP are $92. {PBW Starter Pack}
Saturday, June 4
It’s a Firkin Riot! at Johnny Brenda’s: 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
JB’s is the OG of local beer, refusing to pour anything that isn’t close to the 215. They’ll once again sit six local firkins atop their bar, rotating in new ones all day, while serving meat pies and British pub fare. Even better, DJs will spinning the likes of The Clash and The Ramones. {PBW Starter Pack}
Sunday, June 5
East Passyunk Craft Beer Day: 11 a.m. until 12 a.m.
This is a marathon, not a sprint! The hottest corridor in Philly – East Passyunk Avenue – will open its streets for a full 13-hour day of eating and imbibing. You can even buy promotional brewery merchandise to commemorate your visit. Featured bars and restaurants will include: POPE, Stogie Joe’s, Birra, Palladino’s, Bottle Shop, Noir, Bing Bing Dim Sum, Le Virtu, Lucky 13, Fond, Plenty Cafe, Brigantessa and Garage.
Monday, June 6
Cupcakes and Beer at Lucky’s Last Chance: 6 p.m. until 12 midnight
Take the short hop, skip and jump to Manayunk and satisfy your sweet tooth. Lucky’s has partnered with Sweet Elizabeth’s bakery and Victory Brewing on flights of cupcakes and beer, such as Kirsch Gose Sour Cherry paired with Tahitian vanilla bean cake. It’s OK to drool.
Wednesday, June 8
BYO: Brew Masters at PFS Roxy Theater: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Philadelphia Film Society conclude their beer-themed movie series by presenting Turd Ferguson – err, Burt Reynolds – and Smokey and the Bandit. Dock Street will be providing free samples; and guests are allowed to bring one six-pack into the show. Tickets are $12.
Dunkel Dare at Frankford Hall: 7 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.)
Back by popular demand, preliminary rounds for the craft beer version of everyone’s favorite Nickelodeon game show begin on June 8, featuring Marc Summers. The championship round is slated for June 9. Contestants will be put through a grueling gauntlet of physical and mental challenges, alongside brewers from Victory, Yards, Bell’s and Schofferhofer. Entry fee is $10. {PBW Starter Pack}
Thursday, June 9
SkyGarten at 1717 Arch Street: 11:30 a.m. until 12 midnight
Brauhaus Schmitz hosts the Grand Opening of SkyGarten, their beer garden at the Top of the Tower, located on the 51st floor. Who says there’s no beer in heaven? This may be one of the best views in all of Philadelphia.
Friday, June 10
Pizza Boy Menu and Tap Takeover at Pizzeria Vetri: 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
One night only!!! Pizza Boy is not only taking over the drafts for the night, they’re also taking over the oven! So grab your friends (becasue you can order more pizza that way) and stop by for a pie and some amazing beer!
Saturday, June 11
Deschutes Street Pub at Headhouse Square: 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Deschutes Brewery will bring their craft beer block party, complete with a 402-foot custom bar, to South Street. Rare beers and seasonal favorites, such as Hop Slice Session IPA, will be paired with top chefs. Deschutes works with local non-profits; and will donate 100% of the proceeds to Vetri Community Partnership and South Street Headhouse District. {PBW Starter Pack}
Sunday, June 12
Dock Street Music Fest: 2:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
There is only one way to close out Philly Beer Week – and it’s in West Philly, at Dock Street. Their annual Music Fest will cure your 10-day hangover, featuring: live bands, beer, pizza and a scavenger hunt and fun run. Tickets are $25 and include a commemorative T-shirt. {PBW Starter Pack}
