Hold Onto Your Livers -- SF Beer Week is Coming

By Jason Henry Fri., Jan. 4 2013 at 4:10 PM

Categories: Beer

It's time to put on your gameface and prime your liver. SF Beer "Week" is so crammed with sudsy goodness that it takes a full 10 days to complete. And with last year's program topping 400 events around the Bay Area, the more days the better. As the calendar continues to expand over the next month, SFoodie will comb through and separate the wheat from the chaff. Expect themed event roundups in the first week of February, and a daily guide to all of your beery needs during the event. For now, wrap your head around the reality of your impending 10-day bender with a preview of the marquee events.

SF Beer Week Opening Celebration
Where: Concourse Exhibition Center, 620 7th St. (at Brannan)
When: Feb. 8, 6-10pm
Cost: $65 early bird admission through Jan. 15th. Tickets here
What: Enjoy unlimited beer samples from 65 California breweries. New, rare, and classic brews will be poured. Take home a commemorative glass, enjoy food for purchase from numerous vendors, and listen to live music curated by Noise Pop.

13th Annual Double IPA Festival
Where: The Bistro, 1001 B. Street, Hayward
When: February 9, 11am-6pm
Cost: $50
What: The original kickoff to SF Beer Week. Over 60 Double and Triple IPAs in one place. There will be a beer judging competition, cheese tastings, live music, and BBQ for purchase. Hopheads, this is your jam.

Toronado Barleywine Festival
Where: Toronado, 547 Haight St. (at Fillmore)
When: Saturday, February 16th, 11:30am to close
Cost: pay per drink
What: An elbow-to-elbow crowd sipping taster pours of 50 some-odd barleywines. For diehard barleywine fans who don't suffer from claustrophobia.

Celebrator Beer News 25th Anniversary Party
Where: Oakland Convention Center Marriott Hotel, 1001 Broadway, Oakland
When: Feb. 17, 4-8pm
Cost: $55, tickets here
What: Over 50 breweries pouring their best brews to celebrate 25 years of Celebrator magazine. A section featuring breweries over 25 years in business will be featured.

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