Philly Beer Week’s Funkiest Events: Dunk Tank, Boxing, Bull-Riding and More

Philly Beer Week 2011 To Feature A Wealth Of Unusual Events Including A Dunk Tank, Beer-Lebrity Boxing, Bull Riding, A Gong Show And More…

Philadelphia, PA – This June during Philly Beer Week (PBW) 2011, visitors will enjoy several usual events that combine amazing beer with everything from a foot race and a boxing match to a late night variety show and riding a mechanical bull.

“Part of the fun of PBW is interacting with brewers and beer reps in a fun, casual setting – and nothing could be more fun than the chance to dunk one of them for charity, or compete with them to see who can stay on a mechanical bull the longest,” says PBW Executive Director Don Russell, aka Daily News columnist Joe Sixpack. “It’s events like these that make PBW so popular and special.”

Some of the more unique events include:

Saturday, June 4:

• Beer-lebrity Boxing at Kite & Key (1836 Callowhill Street, 215-568-1818) – 2 p.m.

A series of epic boxing match-ups will pit brewers against one another in the ring with oversized gloves and no holds barred.  Undercards will include “Brothers in Brewing” featuring Steve and Doug Mashington from Yards vs. Paul Rutherford (Iron Hill) and Andrew Rutherford (Yards), refereed by Casey Hughes of Flying Fish, and “The Ladies of Craft Beer” featuring Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head vs. Suzanne Woods of Sly Fox, refereed by Megan Maguire of Ommegang.  The main event will be Tom Kehoe of Yards vs. Jim Kirk, owner of Kite & Key.  Beers from all participating “boxers” will be featured on draft.

Sunday, June 5:

• “The Wire” Quizzo with Johnny Goodtimes at The POPE (1501 E. Passyunk Ave. 215-755-5125) – 9 p.m.

North Coast Brewer Doug Moody will join legendary quiz master Johnny Goodtimes for an evening of beer and quizzo based on the HBO Show “The Wire.”

Monday, June 6, 7, 8 and 9:

• Late Night with Joe Gunn at Jose Pistola’s (263 South 15^th Street, 215-545-4101)– 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Join Jose Pistola’s owner Joe Gunn for his very special Late Night Variety Show. There is no way to do this evening justice, think surreal Late Night with David Letterman.  Joe will invite attendees “on stage” to be interviewed.  There will also be visits from brewers, live music and the occasional whiskey drinking.

Tuesday, June 7:

• Dunk a Beer-lebrity at London Grill (2301 Fairmount Avenue, 215-978-4545) – 4 to 8 p.m.

Dunkees will take to the tank in 15-minute blocks and guests will pay as they go for the opportunity to get the brewers and reps all wet, with proceeds benefitting PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society).  Chef Michael McNally will be grilling food outdoors throughout the event, and of course, a host of terrific beers will be available, as well.  The dunk tank line-up will include:  Tom Buonanno of Muller Beverages;  Steve Mashington of Yards;  Eric Vanzile of Ithaca; Jim Meiers and Jim Wiggins of Origlio;  Suzy Woods of Sly Fox;  Dan Conway of Left Hand;  Michael Pearlman of Stoudt’s;  Cameron Saunders of Shangy’s;  Mike Lubeski of Weyerbacher;  Casey Hughes of Flying Fish;  Brian Grossman of Sierra Nevada;  John Hobbs and Jenny Hobbs of Spy vs. Spy;  and Rich Allen of Long Trail.

Tuesday, June 7:

• Mechanical Bull Riding at Percy Street Barbecue (900 South Street, 215-625-8510) – 7 to 11 p.m.

For the second year in a row, Percy Street will bring in a mechanical bull.  Guests will pay-as-they-go to ride and try to win prizes.  Chef Erin O’Shea will prepare barbecue specials and Victory Brewing Company will offer special beers throughout the event.

Wednesday, June 8:

• Bike the Ben (outside Race Street Café) – 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Set out from Race Street Café for a leisurely ride over the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Before crossing, the group will stop at the base of the bridge for a special tasting of bridge-themed beers served from Trophy Bike’s custom-made Dutch Bakfiets cargo bike and bar.  There will also be small bites served from the Surly Big Dummy cargo bike.  After riders sip and snack, they’ll head out over the Ben to catch a glimpse of the sunset and maybe even a bit of the Camden Riversharks baseball game.  Bikers must bring a helmet, lock and lights to participate.  The event is free, contact [email protected] to sign up.

Thursday, June 9:

• Gong Show at Standard Tap (901 North 3^rd Street, 215-238-0630) – 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Philadelphia Brewing Company, come show off your talents to win prizes, but you better be good, or they’ll gong ya off the stage. Sign up at 7:30 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.

Friday, June 10:

• Ride The Rails with Boxcar Brewing Company (306 Westtown Road – 484-887-0538) – 7 to 11 p.m.

Boxcar Brewing invites you to join them for an exclusive unveiling of their great beers aboard the West Chester Railroad.  Board the train, grab a beer and ride the rails to the Glen Mills picnic grove, where food, beverage (more beer) and entertainment will be provided.  Dress comfortably for your ride on the old fashioned rails and feel free to bring chairs or blankets for your time at the park. Train will return at approximately 10:30 p.m.  Reservations are required. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Sunday, June 12:

• Dock Street to Dock Street Run (701 South 50^th Street – 215-726-2337) – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Run for great beer and prizes from Dock Street in Old City to the brewpub.  Along the run, participants will collect clues that will award them prizes.  Runners will end at Dock Street Brewery to pick up their prizes, have a beer and enjoy an outdoor music festival.  Free to run, contact [email protected] to sign up.

PBW 2011 is a 10-day celebration of “America’s Best Beer-Drinking City,” held from Friday, June 3 until Sunday, June 12.  Established in 2008, it’s the largest beer celebration of its kind in the United States, featuring hundreds of festivals, dinners, tours, pub crawls, tastings and meet-the-brewer nights throughout Greater Philadelphia.  PBW highlights the region’s diverse beer scene – its world-class breweries, neighborhood taverns, trend-setting restaurants and rich beer culture and history.  The festival is organized and operated by Philly Beer Week Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization overseen by a board comprised of brewery owners, distributors, restaurant owners and others, to promote the beer and hospitality industries.

For more information including the ever-expanding schedule of events and list of participants, please visit www.phillybeerweek.org or click here http://bit.ly/mTzkCV to access iphone, android and mobile web apps.