Yards Brewing Company is probably Philly’s best known beer producers, but the city has a much more diverse beer scene than that. Since 2008, Philadelphia has hosted the largest beer celebration in America. Philly Beer Week returns May 29-June 7.
This 10 night celebration includes festivals, home-brew competitions, pub crawls and beer-pairing dinners.
The week kicks off with the Hammer of Glory (HOG), the symbol of the week, which is carried through the city to crack open the first keg. The HOG travels through many area beer bars and breweries and each location has a different way to get it to the next venue. The Sugar House bus will follow it to every locations, carrying fans for free.
By 7 p.m., the HOG will have made its way to the 23rd Street Armory for Opening Tap. More than 40 local breweries will be on hand for the start of the festival. Live music will also be featured.
Events include Chocolate, Cheese and Beer at Grace Tavern in Gray’s Ferry from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on May 29. There is a set price of 6 samples of each beer, cheese and chocolate (including chocolate covered bacon).
On Saturday, May 30, Standard Tap will host a Bullfrog Brunch, pairing classic brunch items with Bullfrog Brewery beers.
The week even includes some family friendly events. Bainbridge Street Barrel House is hosting a Sprecher Ice Cream Social from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. Sprecher Brewery’s Hard Root Beer will be featured in an adult root beer float. There will also be a build-your-own-sundae bar for the kids.
Check out http://www.phillybeerweek.org/events.cfm for a full roster of events from pub crawls to Quizzo nights. Want an easier way to keep track of all the events? Download the PBW smartphone app for up to date events, a brewery guide and more.
Philly has been called the “best beer-drinking city in America.” Come check out some of the Philly Beer Week events to find out why!
