January 08, 2015
On Friday and Saturday, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will play host to dozens of breweries, hundreds of beers and one big celebration. Regular admission grants attendees unlimited 5-ounce samples in a mini (acrylic, hopefully drop-proof) souvenir mug from 7:30 p.m. until the last pour at 10:45 p.m. Early admission tickets grant you advanced entry at 6:30 p.m. and access to a few limited-supply brews.
If you so choose, access to the Saturday Connoisseurs Reception is also available. This includes small bites from local restaurants paired with a dozen beers you'll find only in this exclusive reception hall.
Designated driver tickets, sold only in advance, are $20 and include admission and a $5 voucher on food at the event.
When you need a bite to eat, look out for gourmet hot dogs from The Dapper Dog, tacos from BrazBQ, cheesesteaks from Food Network stars Philly's Finest Sambonis, desserts from Milk + Sugar and plenty more.
In case you think this is all just for fun, Big Philly Beerfest raises funds for Animal Rescue Partners. According to their website, Festivals Unlimited, which runs Beerfest and other national beer events, raised more than $145,000 for their nonprofit partners last year.
