Are you ready to be immersed in beer? The 10-day festival that is Philly Beer Week is back for a sixth year, running from May 31–June 9 with a nearly unfathomable number of events — in fact, it’s the largest beer festival of its kind in the nation. We’ll be showcasing some of the events in detail, but here is a preview of several don’t-miss happenings, events your friends will be reminiscing about for years to come.

Opening Tap
6:30 PM, Friday, May 31; $45
Independence Visitors Center
After Mayor Nutter officially kicks off Philly Beer Week by raising the Hammer of Glory and tapping the first keg of Brotherly Suds 4, the party moves off Independence Mall and inside thefor a great beer fest. More than 30 regional breweries will be pouring, brewers and brewminati will be milling about, live music will play and food will be available for purchase. Get your tickets before they sell out. A VIP ticket ($90) includes a private food and beer tasting at 7:30 PM.

International Great Beer Expo
1:30–5 PM, Saturday, June 1; $46
Philadelphia Navy Yard
This international beer fest is back for the fifth year, with over 200 beers from more than 75 breweries in 25 different countries. Stroll the huge South Philly hall while nibbling on pretzel necklaces and be sure to raise your souvenir glass high as the never-ending cheers roll through the beer-happy crowds. VIP admission ($75) gets you in a full hour and a half early.

Catalina Beer Mixer
6–9 PM, Saturday, June 1; $35 (limited $20+ early bird tickets available)
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
Spend Saturday night outside in Northern Liberties, sipping on samples of more than 50 craft beers, including brews from Ommegang, Dogfish Head, Great Lakes, Widmer and plenty more. Look for live music and a dunk tank to complement the sips.

Headhouse Square Beer Garden
5–9 PM, Monday–Friday, June 3–7; PAYG
Headhouse Square (2nd and Lombard)
The Headhouse Shambles just off South Street will be host to the Philly Beer Week Garden. Each evening will bring different local beers for sale, along with their makers, along with food trucks and stands from area restaurants. Look for live music and radio broadcasts along with lots of outdoor fun for the whole family.

Dunkel Dare
7 PM, Wednesday–Thursday, June 5–6; PAYG
Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave.)
Marc Summers will emcee a hilarious Double-Dare-style competition between four local breweries, and you get to be the live studio audience. TVs will be streaming the event throughout the Fishtown beer garden and also to Fette Sau next door, so there won’t be a bad seat in the house. Find more details here.

Drink Philly First Friday Ice Cream Social
5–9 PM, Friday, June 7
Come to our Old City headquarters for an art show and ice cream social . Event experts Rolling Barrel are hosting, and Victory Brewing will bring not only beer, but also beer ice cream. More ice cream will come from Mompop's. RSVP here to get in for free.

Fishtown FestivalALE
Noon–8 PM, Saturday, June 8; PAYG
Frankford and Girard Avenues
An all-day block party takes over the Fishtown strip with Johnny Brenda’s, Fette Sau and Frankford Hall all serving food and beer alongside live music and a dunk tank. Sly Fox is the featured brewery so expect Pikeland Pils, Phoenix Pale Ale, Royal Weisse, Dunkel Lager and Route 113 IPA among the many choices. Little Baby’s Ice Cream tricycle will be on site with scoops from through 5 PM.

5th Annual Dock Street Music Fest
2 PM, Saturday, June 9; PAYG
West Philly's Dock Street Brewing will host a number of local bands including On the Water, Post Sun Times, and Norwegian Arms while pouring Pimp My Ride and a number of other seasonals.