The sixth annual Arizona Beer Week begins its extended 10-day run today, kicking off more than 325 beer-related events statewide over the next 10 days. Here’s one East Valley-centric suggested itinerary:
Today: She’s So Hop Tappings
Last month, women from more than 30 Arizona breweries got together to make a red IPA dubbed She’s So Hop. It’ll be tapped and toasted at numerous venues today, including 4 p.m. at The Perch in Chandler and 4:30 at the Yucca Tap Room in Tempe.
Friday:Â Hopslam & Donuts Pajama Party
In what’s become an annual tradition at The Hungry Monk in Chandler, they’ll be celebrating the release of Hop Slam, the highly rated seasonal double IPA from Bell’s Brewery, with a 7 a.m. pajama party (pictured above). Doughnuts are provided free of charge.
Saturday: 16th annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival
The centerpiece of Beer Week, Arizona’s largest craft beer festival will feature 500-plus beers at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. VIP tickets sold out quickly, but some general-admission tickets still are available. Grab yours before they’re gone!
Sunday: Boulders Beer Fest
Beer Week’s annual day-after-the-fest fest takes place in the parking lot of Boulders on Broadway in Tempe. A scaled-down fest (80+ beers) for those who couldn’t make it to Strong Beer – or those who did and still want to sample even more beers!
Monday: Hot Scotchy Night
In another Beer Week tradition at The Hungry Monk, wort from a local home brewer is mixed with a Scotch of your choice to create a tantalizing concoction that’s been one of brewers’ best-kept secrets.
Tuesday: Beer & Cupcakes / Beer & Ice Cream
Think beers don’t pair well with sweets? At SunUp Brewery in Phoenix, they’ll be pairing four beers with four cupcakes from 4 p.m. until they run out. At The Perch, they’ll be pairing two Prescott Brewing ales with ice creams made with those beers from 5-7 p.m.
Wednesday: Ska Brewing Burlesque Show
Enjoy rare beers from Colorado’s Ska Brewing while watching the annual burlesque show by Breezi and Her Deviant Dames at iconic Tempe live-music club Yucca Tap Room. The fun starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday: Arizona Firkins / Colorado Casks
Cask-conditioned ales take center stage as Angel’s Trumpet Ale House in Phoenix taps up to 30 firkins from Arizona breweries, while Flanny’s in Tempe hosts its annual showcase of casks from Colorado breweries.
Friday: Four Peaks & Cigars / Cigars with Uwe
As Beer Week winds down, enjoy 14 rare or limited-release Four Peaks beers with a cigar at Fox Cigar Bar in Gilbert. Or join brewmaster Uwe Boer on the patio of SunUp Brewery for a cigar and four stogie-friendly ales.
Saturday: Barrel-Aged Beer Tap Takeover
Finish the week strong with 58 barrel-aged beers on tap at World of Beer in Tempe.
