SF Beer Week 2023 Kicks Off with Exciting Events

This Saturday marks the grand opening of SF Beer Week, a Bay Area-centric event celebrating local breweries and beer culture across countless venues. Entering its 16th year, SF Beer Week offers a return to the beloved smaller outdoor format reminiscent of its pre-pandemic events.

New Format for the Opening Events

Due to various factors, the traditional Opening Gala tasting at Pier 35 will not occur this year. Instead, the Bay Area Brewers Guild has opted for two events taking place on either side of the Bay, mirroring the structure of the previous year.

• Friday, February 21: A “Brews & Bites” event hosted at 21st Amendment Brewery in San Leandro.
• Saturday, February 22: The inaugural San Francisco Beer Week Fest at Salesforce Park, expanding upon last year’s gathering.

Event Details and Highlights

This festive gathering will showcase 40 local breweries, each offering a selection of sample pours. While tasting every offering may be impossible, attendees can look forward to special collaboration brews unique to Beer Week.

Tickets and Pricing

General Admission tickets are available for $90, allowing entry at 1:30 PM, while VIP tickets are priced at $111 for early access at noon.

Statements from Organizers

“SF Beer Week is a flagship event for beer drinkers from across the state and the wider US, so we’re excited to be bringing it back for another year,” stated Anthony Raggio, president of the Bay Area Brewers Guild. He added that the two opening events aim to ignite the celebrations for the week ahead, showcasing the robust beer culture throughout the Bay Area.

A Diverse Range of Events

The extensive 10-day schedule of SF Beer Week includes numerous events across the nine-county Bay Area and even extends to Santa Cruz. Highlights include:

• Brewers’ Dinner: Scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, at the San Francisco Brewing Company, featuring a delectable menu paired with unique beers for $162.
• Food Pairing Event: Taking place on February 26 at Anchovy Bar in Fillmore, with curated dishes paired alongside selections from Sante Adairius Rustic Ales.
• Pinball Tournament: On February 27, at Outer Orbit in the Mission, six breweries will battle it out in a pinball competition while sharing specialty kegs.
• Annual IPA Overdose: An event at Liquid Gold on March 1, featuring a range of IPA options from respected breweries.

Supporting Local Breweries

Raggio encourages the community to support local breweries during the often challenging winter months. “Whether it’s dropping by for a pint, visiting with family, or joining friends at unique events hosted by our member breweries,” he urges, “your support is invaluable.”

For additional details regarding the full schedule and participating breweries, visit the official SF Beer Week website.