Philly Beer Week - More than Just Beer...

With all that’s about to happen during Philly Beer Week 2011, it’s hard to know where to start. Coverage of the event has been going on for weeks now. Oh, who am I kidding. Press releases started flying months ago. Pretty much every bar that serves beer in this city will be, in some way, shape or form, celebrating next week.

So. I’ve decided to begin my coverage with the fringe - Beer Week events that have more than just beer. Why? Because I like a little entertainment with my beer…not just bar snacks. And some of these venues have gone out of their way to “one-up” the competition with everything from carnival inspired fun to the best cult-quizzo I have yet to come across.

Opening Tap is Friday, but the first of the fringe begins on Saturday, June 4, with a Beer-Lebrity Boxing Match at Kite & Key on 18th and Callowhill at 2pm. Local brewers geared up in oversized gloves will go head to head and their brews will all be featured on tap. The undercard bouts are “Brothers in Brewing” with Yards vs. Iron Hill refereed by Flying Fish and “The Ladies of Craft beer” with Dogfish Head vs. Sly Fox refereed by Ommegang. Look out for the Main Event where Tom Kehoe of Yards will go up against Jim Kirk, owner of Kite & Key.

On Sunday, June 5 the P.O.P.E. brings cult quizzo to a whole new level, with “The Wire” Quizzo, hosted by Johnny Goodtimes. Pay your respects to a legendary HBO series and be there at 9pm.

On Monday, June 6, Philadelphia Brewing Company is sponsoring a Gong Show at Standard Tap. Signups begin at 7:30pm and the event starts at 8pm. Don’t forget to bring your talent.

On Tuesday, June 7, there are two chances to win…not really but there are two really fun things to do…one for the daytime and one at night. At London Grill on Fairmount Avenue beginning at 4pm, stop by to Dunk a Beer-lebrity. Dunktank proceeds will go to benefit PAWS.

After that, head to South Street and ride Percy, the Mechanical Bull at Percy Street Barbeque from 7pm – 11pm. Rides are pay as you go, brews will be provided by Victory Brewing and food – Pit Mistress Erin O’Shea has that covered.

And for those who are obviously too adventurous to just sit and enjoy their beer, there are a couple of “overachiever” activities just for them.

On Wednesday, June 8, meet up at Race Street Café for a 7pm “Bike the Ben” event. Before crossing, bikers will stop off for tastes of special bridge-themed beers. FYI – helmets, locks and lights are REQUIRED.

Finally, finish up the week with the Dock Street to Dock Street Run on Sunday, June 12. Run for beer and prizes from Old City’s Dock Street to the Dock Street Brewery for an outdoor music festival and beers.