Fall into BEER

Four future fests favor foam

 

Sarah Baicker

Philly EDGE Correspondent

 

Maybe it’s those amber hues the leaves will take on soon as they change for fall, or just the approach of Oktoberfest, but something’s got metro Philly thinking BEER.

In the next few weeks alone, four events celebrating classic and exotic brews from near (Manayunk) to far (the Netherlands) will descend on the city and the ‘burbs. Each has its own unique flavor, and most are in support of a good cause or two. And, hey, at least one of ‘em’s gotta be within walking, biking or bussing distance—you know, so you can really take advantage of those unlimited samples.

 

Jenkintown Jazz and Brew Fest

 

As much about music as about beer, the Jenkintown Jazz and Brew Fest combines the best of two very savory worlds. While the non-drinking part of the event is “free,” $25 gets you a wristband, a commemorative sampling cup and entry to the “brewtents,” where all the samples you can drink await. More than 25 brews will be on tap, including harder-to-find imports like Italy’s Moretti, Germany’s Paulaner and London’s Fullers. Popular local breweries Yards, Manayunk and Victory will also be available in case it has been awhile since you’ve tasted what Philly’s breweries have to offer. Adjacent to the brewtents, food stands, and live jazz performances by the Edie Henderson Quartet, Stephanie Nakasian Quintet and Roger Prieto Septet promise to create the perfect accompaniment.

 

Jenkintown Jazz and Brew Fest

Jenkintown Town Square, Greenwood Avenue & Leedom Street, Jenkintown

Sat. Sept. 8, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

$20 limited-offer advance tickets, $25 at the gate

www.jenkintownjazzandbrewfest.com

 

Beer Fest at Bolton

Instead of the typical arts and crafts shows they’re known for, the Friends of Bolton Mansion will bring beer, “beer food” and live music to the historic mansion, for the first of what organizers hope will be annual microbrew tasting events.

In an effort to draw younger people to the 17^th century mansion, a beer garden will be set up and local and limited-edition ales from the region will be offered alongside sausages, beef and hot dogs. During the beer-drinking festivities, attendees can also enjoy guided tours through the mansion.

Beer Fest at Bolton
Bolton Mansion, 85 Holly Drive, Levittown

Sat. Sept. 22, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

$25 advance tickets, $30 at the door

www.boltonmansion.org

 

Sippin’ by the River

 

Perhaps a tad more elegant and refined than the area’s other beer celebrations, Sippin’ by the River features both wine and beer tastings, on the grounds of the Penn’s Landing Festival Pier. The event’s $25 entry fee includes tutored beer and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations from some of the area’s most renowned chefs and live music from DAME, an 11-piece band. More than 25 beer vendors and eight wine vendors will be present, with wine experts Robert Peters and John McNulty and beer connoisseur Gary Monterosso on hand to offer tasting how-tos and tips. Proceeds benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

 

Sippin’ by the River

Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden St., Philadelphia

Sun. Sept. 23, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: $25 advance tickets, $30 at the gate

www.sippinbytheriver.com          

 

Newtown Brewfest

 

Leave it to Newtown to split up the connoisseurs from the peons.

For a little more than twice the regular entry price, “Connoisseurs” at the Newtown Brewfest gain admittance to the event two hours before the crowds, taste more exclusive beers and receive a commemorative t-shirt. Regular entrants get a mug for unlimited 2 oz. samples of beer. Everyone can listen to live performances by Larry Tamanini, the Andy Browne Trio and Exit 28, a six-person rock’n’roll cover band from Bucks County.

An impressive 63 beers, from Affligem to Yuengling—and lots of unique brews in between—will be on tap.

 

Newtown Brewfest
Stocking Works’ parking lot, 301 S. State St., Newtown

Oct. 20, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. “Connoisseur Tasting,” 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. “Regular Tasting.”

Cost: General admittance: $30; Connoisseur admittance: $65; Designated driver admittance: $10

http://www.newtownbrewfest.com/